Substitute for cream of coconut in cocktails

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Cream of coconut

photo credit: gourmetsleuth

Other Names:coco lopez, cocoa casa

What is Cream of coconut?

Cream of coconut is a thick, heavily sweetened form of coconut milk, which is used for making drinks (like the Pina Colada) as well as desserts. See the ingredients below for these two popular brands include Coco Lopez and Cocoa Casa. Don't confuse this with coconut milk or coconut cream, which are used in cooking many Asian savory and sweet dishes.

Do not use cream of coconut as a substitute for coconut cream or coconut milk.

Coconut Milk, Coconut Cream, Cream of Coconut Compared

Here is a quick comparison of these three common ingredients.

• Coconut Milk = Made from coconut extract, water, citric acid, and other preservatives.
• Coconut Cream = Made from coconut, water, and a thickener (like guar gum). No added sugar.
• Cream of coconut = Some are made from coconut (Coco Lopez), and Cocoa Casa is made from coconut water. Both have added sugar, and both have added thickeners and preservatives.

Substitute for Cream of coconut

If you don't have cream of coconut you can substitute:

• You can use equal parts of coconut syrup (like Torani syrup) for beverages and some baking tasks.
• OR - Sweetened condensed milk with coconut extract to taste.
• OR - Coconut Liqueur (Kalani is a good brand) plus a drop of coconut extract.  Use this for drinks but not for baking.

Ingredients

Ingredient list from Cocoa Casa:
includes sugar, coconut, water, salt, polysorbate 60, hydrogenated soybean oil, xanthan gum, sodium metabisulfite (preservative).

Ingredient list from Coco Lopez:
Coconut, Sugar, Water, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Monostearate, Salt, Propylene Glycol Alginate, Mono And Diglycerides (Emulsifiers), Citric Acid, Guar Gum, Locust Bean Gum.

Where To Buy Cream of Coconut

You can find this product in liquor stores because it is so often used in the preparation of cocktails. Look first for the Coco Lopez brand if you can find it.  If you happen to live in an area that serves a Cuban population, you can typically find at least one brand in a local grocery store. Otherwise, Walmart stores carry it in some stores as well as online. Look for brands like Roland and La Preferida. Walmart sells Cocoa Lopez online. You can also find it online at Amazon.com: Coco Lopez - Real Cream of Coconut - (6 Pack).

Favorite Cream of coconut Recipes

• Coconut Pot de Creme

  Our Coconut Pot de Creme recipe is made with Coco Lopez cream of coconut, fresh coconut and 10 egg yolks. It is a very sweet, rich dessert so you'll probably want to keep the portion size very small, 3 ounces at the most.

• Chocolate Coconut Fondue

  A recipe for Chocolate Coconut Fondue. You can make this fondue up to 8 hours ahead then just warm it gently before serving. The ingredients include Chocolate, Cream of Coconut, whipping cream, bittersweet chocolate and coconut extract.

• Zen Blossom

  Looking for the perfect adult drink for your Easter dinner? Try this new take on iced tea from James Labe featuring Zen Green Tea Liqueur.

• Tropical Frappe

  Tropical Frappe recipe. This recipe makes a great alternative to a pina collada because it uses no alcohol. This is a mocktail made with cream of coconut, passion fruit juice, pineapple and banana. This is a great drink for the designated driver.

• Coconut Cloud Martini

  A Coconut Cloud Martini is a drink recipe from that features Tommy Bahama White Sand Rum, vanilla vodka, coconut rum and cream of coconut. Serve this cocktail in a wide martini glass. The drink is topped with toasted coconut.

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