Buko Shake is made with young coconut, milk, and simple syrup. It’s creamy, refreshing, and the perfect hot weather treat!
Guys, I am back! I’m back from the Philippines, and I’m totally refreshed and energized. I am super excited to share with you all the delicious food I’ve tried and learned to make on my trip. First up on the list, Buko Shake.
August is the rainy season in the Philippines, but the weather was as hot and humid as I remember from the other months of the year I went to visit. So hot and humid, in fact, I seriously spent my whole vacation in SM Supermall trying to find respite from the heat.
I would buy a supersize of this coconut milkshake from one of the many nondescript stalls in the food court and spend the whole afternoon walking around the mall. Cheap but fun entertainment. 🙂
I always have a grand time with my mom, and I really enjoyed all the amazing food, but after a month of sweating out the tropical climate, I was so looking forward to getting back to colder weather. But wouldn’t you know? Southern California is no better; we see 90 F-plus temperatures here, too.
So, I decided to recreate the buko shake experience at home and have been making it daily. Rich, creamy, and loaded with coconut flavor, it’s the perfect refreshment!
Helpful tips
- While you add sugar directly to the coconut mixture, I recommend to use simple syrup. Sugar doesn’t dissolve well in cold liquids and tends to settle in the bottom. Heating it in equal parts of water until fully dissolved ensures your next glass of milkshake is perfectly sweetened.
- If you prefer a healthier alternative, swap the simple syrup with honey or monk fruit sweetener.
- I like to use evaporated milk for a rich, creamy taste. You can substitute fresh milk or non-dairy options such as almond or soy milk.
This buko shake recipe is adaptable, and you can easily modify amounts to suit personal tastes. Add more or less syrup or milk, depending on how sweet or creamy you like the shakes.
How to serve
As with most blended drinks, coconut milkshake is best enjoyed freshly made. Enjoy it as a tropical refreshment year-round!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cups young coconut meat
- 1 cup coconut juice
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- ice
Instructions
- In a saucepot, combine sugar and water. Over medium heat, bring to a simmer, stirring regularly, until sugar is dissolved and syrup is clear and no longer cloudy.
- Remove the simple syrup from heat and allow to cool completely.
- In a blender, combine coconut meat, coconut juice, evaporated milk, simple syrup, and ice. Blend until smooth.
- Transfer into tall glasses and serve immediately.
Notes
- While you add sugar directly to the coconut mixture, I recommend to use simple syrup. Sugar doesn’t dissolve well in cold liquids and tends to settle in the bottom. Heating it in equal parts of water until fully dissolved ensures your next glass of milkshake is perfectly sweetened.
- If you prefer a healthier alternative, swap the simple syrup with honey or monk fruit sweetener.
- I like to use evaporated milk for a rich, creamy taste. You can substitute fresh milk or non-dairy options such as almond or soy milk.
Nutrition Information
“This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.”
Andre Arcenal says
Super easy to do and super clear instruction would love to try your other recipes.
Lalaine Manalo says
I am glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Jewel says
Where do you get the coconut meat? Is it just a coconut that you open and take the meat out? Thank you
Lalaine says
Yes, it’s the white meat you take from the coconut. 🙂
Jason Botalon says
Good Morning
Im looking for recipe on making shake
Like buko shake
Lalaine Manalo says
Hi Jason, the recipe is above 🙂
Lela says
What is the difference between coconut juice and coconut water?
Lalaine says
They’re the same. 🙂
Elma de las Alas says
Thank you so much for sharing your receipes. I already tried cooking some..it is good. Hope you can share a receipe for Seafoods Kare-kare. Thank you again and Goddbless..more power to you.
Lalaine says
Hello Elma
I don’t have a Seafood Kare Kare recipe but I do have this ginataang seafood which is my mom’s specialty! It’s so gooood! https://www.kawalingpinoy.com/ginataang-seafood/
MayBe says
Welcome back! You missed the triple digits weather her 2 weeks ago lol!
This is a perfect drink this week. Will be trying it.
Lalaine says
I guess there’s no escaping the heat, LOL. But I really should stop whining and be thankful. Hurricane Irma is devastating!