CocktailRecipes

Coco Loco Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

how to make a Coco Loco recipe

📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Rum
Alcohol 14%
Calories 350 calories
Fat 10g
Protein 1g
Carbohydrates 40g
Prep time 5 minutes

Imagine you’re on a beach, the sun is setting, and you’re sipping on something magical. That’s the Coco Loco, a cocktail that’s like a tropical vacation in a glass. We’ll explore its vibrant history, the dance of flavors on your tongue, and even how to make your own. Get ready to shake up some fun with us! ⬇️

History

The Coco Loco is a beloved cocktail from the Caribbean coasts of Colombia. It’s known for making parties and beach days extra special. People have enjoyed this drink for many years because it’s like a burst of sunshine in a cup.

  • The name ‘Coco Loco’ literally means ‘Crazy Coconut’ in Spanish.
  • It became popular in seaside towns where coconuts were plentiful.
  • Some say sailors invented the drink to celebrate their safe return to land.

The taste of a Coco Loco?

A sip of Coco Loco takes your taste buds on a sweet and tangy journey, with a hint of coconut’s creamy bliss. It’s a symphony of tropical flavors that makes you want to dance!

I personally love drinking Coco Locos because they’re incredibly refreshing, especially on a hot day.

Interesting facts about Coco Loco

  • Coco Loco is often served in a coconut shell, making it an eco-friendly choice.
  • The cocktail can include various spirits, but rum is a traditional favorite.
  • In some places, Coco Loco is not just a drink, but a festive occasion.

Ingredients

  • Rum: 2 oz (60ml)
  • Vodka: 1 oz (30ml)
  • Tequila: 1 oz (30ml)
  • Coconut cream: 2 oz (60ml)
  • Pineapple juice: 2 oz (60ml)
  • Lime juice: 1 oz (30ml)
  • Sugar syrup: 1 oz (30ml)

Coconut shell is the authentic way to serve a Coco Loco, enhancing the tropical feel. Alternatively, a hurricane glass also works well for its visual appeal and ample space for ice.

Recipe. How to make Coco Loco

  1. Crack open a coconut and save the water. Cut off enough of the top to pour out the water and later pour in the drink.
  2. Combine 2 oz of rum, 1 oz of vodka, 1 oz of tequila, 2 oz of coconut cream, 2 oz of pineapple juice, and 1 oz of lime juice in a shaker with ice.
  3. Shake well until frosty and strain the mixture into the prepared coconut shell or hurricane glass filled with ice.
  4. Top off with 1 oz of sugar syrup and the reserved coconut water. Stir gently.
  5. Garnish with a lime wheel or pineapple slice, and serve with a straw.

Coco Loco is a treat, but remember, it’s also quite sweet. To cut down on sugar, use natural sweeteners or less syrup. The coconut in it is healthy, but the alcohol… not so much!

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Food Pairings

To enhance your Coco Loco, pair it with foods that complement its tropical zest. Here are some perfect matches for your cocktail:

Grilled Fish

The smoky flavor of grilled fish is a delightful contrast to the sweet and creamy Coco Loco.

Spicy Appetizers

Spicy bites like jalapeño poppers bring out the sweetness and tropical notes of the drink.

Fruit Salad

A fresh fruit salad accentuates the cocktail’s fruity dimensions, making for a refreshing combination.

I love the Coco Loco’s creamy coconut and tart pineapple twirl – it’s like a party for my taste buds!

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Bartender Advice

  • Use fresh coconut water if possible—it really elevates the flavor.
  • Don’t skimp on the ice—a chilled Coco Loco is key to its refreshing nature.
  • For garnish, a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon can add a surprising twist.

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Coco Loco, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.

What you could change in Coco Loco

  • Rum: Can be replaced with dark rum for a deeper flavor.
  • Sweetness: Adjust the sugar syrup to taste or use honey for a natural twist.
  • Fruit juices: Mix it up with mango or guava juice for a different tropical vibe.

Coco Loco Variations

Caribbean Sunset

  • Ingredients: Add a splash of grenadine for a vibrant color.
  • Recipe: Follow the standard Coco Loco recipe and finish with grenadine.

Banana Beach

  • Ingredients: Include 1 oz (30ml) of banana liqueur.
  • Recipe: Blend the banana liqueur with the other Coco Loco ingredients.

Virgin Coco Loco

  • Ingredients: Substitute alcohol with extra coconut water and fruit juices.
  • Recipe: Mix the non-alcoholic ingredients and serve chilled in a coconut shell.

A Virgin Coco Loco is perfect for non-drinkers. Just mix coconut cream, pineapple juice, and a splash of lime in a coconut shell for a fun, tropical mocktail.

Q&A

Can I make a Coco Loco without coconut cream?

You can, but it won’t have that rich, creamy texture. Try substituting with coconut milk for a lighter version.

Is Coco Loco a strong drink?

Well, it has three types of spirits, so it’s pretty potent! But the fruit juices balance it out for a sneaky kick.

What’s the best way to crack a coconut for a Coco Loco?

There’s a trick: find the three ‘eyes’ at the base, push a skewer into the softest one to drain the water, then tap around the equator with a hammer.

Can I make Coco Loco for a big party?

Absolutely! Mix up a big batch without ice and keep it chilled. Just add ice when you’re ready to serve.

How do I make a Coco Loco less sweet?

Cut back on the sugar syrup, or use a sugar-free sweetener. Fresh fruit juices also help.

Are there any non-alcoholic substitutes for the spirits in Coco Loco?

Sure thing! Try using a combo of ginger ale and fruit-flavored syrups to mimic the cocktail’s zing and sweetness.

Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer is a seasoned mixology and cocktail recipe writer at CocktailPlans.com. Chris has a deep passion for cocktail creation and mixology, and has been exploring and writing about the world of drinks for over 5 years.
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