Shaved ice is a popular summertime treat, especially in tropical locations. The fluffy, snow-like texture combined with sweet fruity syrups makes for a refreshing cold dessert on a hot day. While you can use regular simple syrup or fruit purees as a topping for shaved ice, coconut syrup adds a tropical twist that takes this dessert to the next level. The rich, nutty flavor of coconut pairs perfectly with the cold ice for a decadent treat.
Making your own homemade coconut syrup is easy and allows you to control the sweetness level and flavor. You can also experiment with adding other ingredients like spices or extracts to create unique flavor combinations. This article will provide a step-by-step guide to making basic coconut syrup from scratch that can be customized to suit your preferences. We’ll also cover tips for using your homemade coconut syrup on shaved ice and storing any leftovers.
What is Coconut Syrup?
Coconut syrup is a thick, concentrated sugar syrup that is flavored with coconut. It has a rich, creamy coconut flavor that comes from using a coconut milk base and extracts. The consistency is viscous, like honey or maple syrup. The thick syrup allows it to slowly soak into the layers of shaved ice rather than immediately melting it. This gives you time to enjoy the flavors as you eat the ice.
Commercially made coconut syrups may contain artificial flavors and colors. By making it at home, you can use natural ingredients to create a syrup with an authentic, bold coconut taste. You can control the sweetness level as well and avoid corn syrup or other additives that are sometimes found in store-bought versions.
Coconut Syrup vs. Coconut Milk
While coconut milk is used in the syrup recipe, the two should not be confused. Coconut milk is a thin, milky white liquid extracted from grated coconut meat. It provides the coconut flavor base for the syrup.
Coconut syrup has a much thicker, viscous consistency achieved by reducing coconut milk with large amounts of sugar into a concentrated syrup. The end result is a rich liquid that clings to the shaved ice. The syrup is meant to flavor the ice rather than melt it like regular coconut milk would.
Coconut Syrup vs. Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is made by dissolving sugar in water. It provides sweetness but little flavor. Coconut syrup starts with coconut milk instead of water. After reduction with sugar, you are left with a liquid that provides both sweetness and robust coconut flavor.
The coconut milk base gives coconut syrup a silky texture and rich taste that simple syrup lacks. Coconut syrup contains some fat from the coconut milk as well, which makes it thicker and richer on the palate. Simple syrups work well for drinking or sweetening iced tea or coffee but coconut syrup is ideal for infusing desserts like shaved ice with coconut flavor.
Benefits of Homemade Coconut Syrup
Making your own coconut syrup at home provides several advantages over buying premade syrup:
Control the Flavor
When you make homemade coconut syrup, you can control how strong the coconut flavor is by adjusting the amount of coconut milk added. Cater the syrup to your taste preferences.
Control the Sweetness
You can customize the sweetness level of homemade coconut syrup to your liking. Add more or less sugar to achieve the desired level of sweetness for your shaved ice.
Use Natural Ingredients
Homemade coconut syrup gives you total control over the ingredients. You can avoid preservatives, artificial colors and flavors that are in some commercial syrups by using natural ingredients.
Avoid Added Thickeners
Some premade coconut syrups contain corn syrup or artificial thickeners to achieve a viscous texture. Making your own allows you to get the desired thickness by reducing coconut milk and sugar only.
Experiment with Flavors
Personalize your coconut syrup by adding different extracts, spices, herbs or other flavorings. Vanilla, almond and rum extracts are especially delicious in coconut syrup.
Save Money
Once you have the ingredients on hand, homemade coconut syrup is inexpensive to make. Making your own allows you to avoid the markup of premade syrups.
Ingredients Needed
Coconut syrup only requires a few simple ingredients:
Coconut Milk
Full-fat coconut milk provides the foundation flavor and creamy texture. Light coconut milk won’t achieve the same rich results. Shake the cans well before opening to evenly disperse the coconut cream within the milk.
White Granulated Sugar
Plain white sugar sweetens the syrup and helps thicken it as the coconut milk reduces. You can use organic cane sugar or regular granulated sugar. Sugar amounts can be adjusted to reach your desired sweetness level.
Water
A small amount of water helps thin out the coconut milk so the reduction process goes smoothly. You want to avoid curdling.
Optional Flavorings
For additional flavor, you can add in extracts like vanilla, almond or rum. Spices like cinnamon or cardamom also complement the coconut flavor beautifully. Get creative with mix-ins!
Equipment Needed
You don’t need any fancy equipment to make coconut syrup:
Saucepan
Use a medium sized saucepan to cook the coconut milk mixture. A 2 to 3 quart size works well. Stainless steel or nonstick is ideal.
Wooden Spoon
A long handled wooden spoon makes stirring the reducing syrup easy without having to touch a hot pan.
Measuring Cups
You’ll need standard glass or plastic measuring cups to accurately measure out the coconut milk, sugar and any liquid flavorings.
Funnel (optional)
A funnel come in handy for transferring the finished hot syrup into storage containers or bottles. Heatproof plastic or stainless steel funnels work best.
Storage Containers
Glass jars or bottles are ideal for storing the finished coconut syrup. Pick containers with tight sealing lids and avoid reactive metals. Wash thoroughly before use.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow this simple step-by-step tutorial for making homemade coconut syrup:
Step 1 – Combine Ingredients
Add all ingredients to saucepan:
– 3 cups coconut milk
– 3 cups white sugar
– 1⁄4 cup water
– 1 tsp vanilla or other extract (optional)
Whisk together thoroughly until sugar is fully dissolved.
Step 2 – Cook over Medium Heat
Place saucepan over medium heat on the stove. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring frequently with a wooden spoon.
Step 3 – Reduce Slowly
Let the mixture simmer while reducing slowly for about 45-60 minutes. Stir often to prevent burning on bottom of pan. Reduce heat if needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
Step 4 – Remove from Heat
When volume has reduced by half or more and syrup has thickened substantially, remove saucepan from heat. The syrup should coat the back of a spoon but still drip off.
Step 5 – Let Cool and Transfer
Let the coconut syrup cool for at least 30 minutes before transferring to storage containers. Use a funnel to prevent spills.
Step 6 – Store Properly
Store coconut syrup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. For longer shelf life, keep in freezer instead.
Tips for Making Coconut Syrup
Follow these handy tips for foolproof coconut syrup every time:
– Simmer gently to prevent scorching or boiling over.
– Stir frequently while reducing to prevent sticking.
– Use full-fat coconut milk for best flavor and texture.
– Add extracts, spices or other mix-ins once syrup has finished cooking.
– Let syrup cool fully before transferring to prevent messes.
– Store in refrigerator or freezer to maximize freshness.
– Shake or stir before using if separation occurs.
– Add a pinch of salt to balance and enhance flavors.
How to Use Coconut Syrup on Shaved Ice
Coconut syrup is delicious drizzled over shaved ice. Follow these tips for using your homemade syrup:
– Pour syrup over shaved ice made with an ice shaver machine or crushed in a blender.
– Start with 2-3 tablespoons of syrup over a bowl of shaved ice. Adjust to taste.
– Top with fruit like mango chunks, pineapple tidbits or strawberry slices.
– Complement with sweetened condensed milk drizzled over or evaporated milk poured on top.
– For Thai-style ice, top with cooked sweetened beans or tapioca pearls.
– Stir well to evenly coat all the ice flakes with syrup as you eat.
– Add in juices, purees or additional syrups like strawberry or mango for more flavor layers.
– Garnish with toasted coconut flakes, chopped nuts or dried fruits for crunch.
– For an adult treat, splash some rum or amaretto over the coconut syruped ice.
Get creative and customize your shaved ice bowls with your favorite fruits, juices, herbs or spices! The sweet coconut syrup base pairs perfectly with both sweet and citrusy additions.
Storing Leftover Coconut Syrup
Leftover coconut syrup keeps well for 1-2 months. Follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration
Store coconut syrup in airtight glass jars or bottles in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Freezing
For longer term storage, keep coconut syrup in the freezer instead for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using again.
Smaller Containers
Divide syrup into smaller containers if you won’t use it fast to limit air exposure each time you open it.
Tight Seals
Always screw lids on tightly or use self-sealing bottles to prevent leaks, evaporation or freezer burn.
No Metal
Avoid storing coconut syrup in reactive metal containers. Glass, plastic or ceramic are best.
Use Quickly
For maximum freshness and flavor, try to use up coconut syrup within a month or two. The nutty coconut taste declines over time.
Troubleshooting Coconut Syrup
Use this troubleshooting guide if your coconut syrup doesn’t turn out right:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Not thick enough | Continue simmering to reduce more moisture out |
| Too thick | Add small amounts of water until desired consistency |
| Burned flavor | Unfortunately burnt syrup is unusable. Start over and reduce heat. |
| Not sweet enough | Stir in additional sugar a little at a time after cooking. |
| Separated liquid | Shake or stir well before using to reincorporate. |
| Moldy | Discard batch. Ensure containers are fully sealed next time. |
Coconut Syrup Variations
Change up your coconut syrup with unique flavor combinations:
Spiced Coconut Syrup
Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves or allspice while cooking.
Vanilla Coconut Syrup
Stir in vanilla bean seeds or vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
Citrus Coconut Syrup
Mix in lemon, lime or orange zest for a bright, tropical twist.
Toasted Coconut Syrup
Toast shredded coconut flakes before simmering into the syrup.
Rum Coconut Syrup
Infuse the syrup with dark rum for an adults-only topping.
Chai Coconut Syrup
Steep chai tea bags in the hot syrup to incorporate delicious spices.
Mocha Coconut Syrup
Add espresso powder and cocoa powder for a mocha coconut flavor.
Conclusion
Homemade coconut syrup is easy to make and provides a delicious topping for Hawaiian shaved ice. Simply reduce coconut milk with sugar to achieve a thick, tropical syrup loaded with coconut flavor. Customize the sweetness to your liking and experiment with different mix-in flavors. Drizzle coconut syrup over freshly shaved or crushed ice and top with fruit and nuts for a refreshing summertime treat. Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer to enjoy again later. Making your own allows you to control the quality of ingredients for a natural, homemade product that beats store-bought versions.
