I will be celebrating the 4th of July with a summery, refreshing Brazilian drink: Batida de Coco Light or "Shaken Coconut" cocktail! This is my way to say: Happy Birthday, dear America!
Disclosure: I have NOT received any compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are my own!
And the recipe is from a festive book to whose signing event I was recently invited and had the opportunity to attend in San Antonio, Texas. We got a chance to meet the authors, sip their fantastic sangria, and sample delicious Mexican food at La Paloma Mexican Restaurant.
Two award-winning Latin fellow bloggers, Vianney from Sweet Life and Yvette from Muy Bueno Cookbook, co-author the book Latin Twist: Traditional and Modern Cocktails... A book with 97 delicious cocktail recipes from 18 Latin American countries and Spain. The book goes into the history of each country's special ingredients, wines, and liquors with gorgeous photography by professional photographer Jeanine Thurston.
Latin Twist is a book that celebrates Latin cultures, dedicated to those who enjoy drinking and entertaining. It's a book for both formal and casual celebrations at all seasons -- featuring from the summery, refreshing batida de coco and coco loco to the wintery, warm zucarrapote. In my opinion, Latin Twist screams FIESTA... and with a lot of SABOR!
One of the chapters is dedicated to cocktails of Brazil, among which the recipe for batida de coco is included. Because the authors' recipe is made with fresh coconut water instead of the traditional coconut milk (and optionally sweetened condensed milk), I call it batida de coco light. Theirs is the modern and much healthier and refreshing version of the traditional Brazilian batida de coco.
Whenever celebrating a special occasion, throwing a barbecue in your backyard, getting together with family and friends, or simply intending to bring vacation to your kitchen, Latin Twist is the book for you! It's available at Amazon.com, Barnes and Nobles, and other book sites.
Wishing y'all a very Happy 4th of July sipping this batida de coco light!
Cheers!
P.S.: CREDIT & THANKS -- Batida de Coco image by photographer Jeanine Thurston. Book signing images by photographer Alejandro Montoya. A special thanks to Vianney and Yvette for the delicioso cocktail book and invitation. I am so happy for you two! Thanks also to Hippocrene Books, Inc. for authorizing the feature of the batida de coco image.
Batida de Coco (Light)
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh coconut water
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 ounces cachaça or vodka
- Shredded coconut for garnish
Instructions
- "Blend together coconut water, sugar, and cachaça in a blender. Serve over ice and garnish with shredded coconut."
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Coffee and Crumpets says
I am not a drinker but this looks really womderful! Very fresh and light. Looks like you had a good time at the book signing!
Dedy@Dentist Chef says
Simply damn refreshing tropical drink!!!
Fran @ G'day Souffle' says
Yea, this drink looks so refreshing- now all you need is to serve some food with red and blue colors and your 4th of July celebration will be perfect!
Kate says
ooooo, yes! I've never had this drink, but it seems so simple, I have to give it a try. Happy 4th!
Mi Vida en un Dulce says
I like drinks, I like coconut, and I'm glad it's not a Piña Colada, you knoe, each time we think abput drinks and coconut, it's the same. Buy your's a wonderful!! SALUD
Little Cooking Tips says
Hi Denise,
thanx for taking us with you in this book signing trough your photos:) You all look so lovely! Congrats to your hostesses Vianney and Yvette! The book looks very good and has wonderful photography.
Regarding Batida de coco: This was one of THE most popular cocktails here in Greece during the 80s. In fact, there was even a (popular) song written for this:)
This looks like a great recipe but we'll also like to test the non-light version. Did you say there might be some sweetened condensed milk involved?:)
Have a wonderful weekend dear!
Panos and Mirella
xoxoxoxo
Denise Browning says
Hi, Panos and Mirella! I had no idea batida de coco was popular in Greece in the 80's. How interesting!
Yes, the traditional version of this drink is made with coconut milk instead of coconut water. And a few tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk are added to sweeten the drink, providing also extra creaminess. Of course, cachaca and ice are its other ingredients. If you don't find cachaca, you can use white rum or vodka. I hope you try and enjoy. Sending you two, hugs and wishes for a great weekend.
Gourmet Getaways says
Wow, this is so simple and easy to make and looks great! Thanks for sharing!!
Julie & Alesah
Gourmet Getaways xx
Anna @ shenANNAgans says
Looks beautiful! 🙂
It is a balmy 5c here today, I would do almost anything to be over your side of the world sipping this gorgeous drink. As Raymund said, looks perfect to drink on a hot day. And it could almost be classified as a health drink with the coconut. Yep... def adding to my cocktail list.
Hope you are well lovely one. Enjoy the rest of your week.
Cheers from Australia. xo
Liz says
I love the thought of a light coconut cocktail!!! Perfect for the summer! Happy 4th, Denise!!!
Raymund says
This is a nice cocktail to serve on a hot day
John/Kitchen Riffs says
I'd definitely use cachaça -- love that stuff! This is a terrific looking drink, and one I need to make. Thanks!
Chris Scheuer says
What a lovely drink. It's so pretty to look at but I'm it's quite tasty too! Happy Fourth of July Denise!
SallyBR says
Nice drink! Phil enjoys batidas a lot when we go back to Brazil to visit, I am a bit of a wimp when it comes to drinks, and have a sip here, a sip there
🙂
Deb|EastofEdenCooking says
My love for coconut shines in this fabulous cocktail! Happy 4th of July Denise!