Whenever I arrive to Cartagena, Colombia, after the hot, sticky cab ride from the airport, all I can think about is that I need something cold and refreshing to drink. In many cases a limonada de coco (coconut lemonade) is waiting for me at check in at whatever hotel I’m checking into. It’s the unofficial welcome drink of Cartagena. The drink, which is basically coconut limeade, is so ridiculously refreshing and simple it’s a wonder no one ever serves it on hot days back in the states. It’s like key lime pie in a glass. There’s even alcoholic versions (just add rum).
Recipe: Limonada de Coco
Ingredients:
-1 cup cream of coconut
-2.5 cups ice
-the juice of 3 limes
-2 tablespoons of sugar
*for an alcoholic version add an ounce of white rum per glass
To Prepare:
1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Serve immediately.
Serves 2
The Best Limonada de Coco in Cartagena:
–Pasteleria Mila Vargas: Calle de la Iglesia 35-76, Centro
–Café del Mar: Avenida Santander
–Jugosa: Calle de Ayos 4-50
Writer and photographer Nicholas Gill is the editor/publisher of New World Review. He lives in Lima, Peru and Brooklyn, New York. His work has appeared in publications such as the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, CondeNast Traveler, National Geographic Traveler, Afar, and Penthouse. Visit his personal website (nicholas-gill.com) for more information.
1 Comment
That looks sooo delicious. It’s starting to get pretty warm down in Florida, which usually I dread but now I know what will get me through the summer! Is it made with white table sugar in Colombia? I read about some sugar alternatives in a book called Health on Your Plate and it suggests Sucanat as an easy sugar replacement with a rich flavor. Do you think it might work with this drink?