Convenient Coconut Milk Ice Cubes

Maybe the end of September isn't the best time for an ice cube post, but for me, these convenient coconut milk ice cubes are something that I use year round.

In today's post I'm showing you a fun and simple trick to help you upgrade your drinks or save left over coconut milk.

I personally am a huge fan of coconut milk in soups, but especially in fun drinks. Other people love it too since the coconut milk trend has really grown in popularity and has made its way into a wide range of beverages, including Starbuck's favorite Pink Drink. 

And even if you already love and use coconut milk, this is another great way to elevate your sipping experience or impress friends.

The Rise of Coconut Milk :)

Coconut milk, if the name didn't already give it away, is derived from the flesh of mature coconuts and is exploding in popularity as an alternative to traditional dairy and plant-based milk options. 

I highly suggest trying coconut milk if...

You are Dairy-Free or going plant based.

Love Rich Creaminess: Depending on what kind you get, coconut milk can contain a lot of healthy coconut fat.

Are in the mood for a Tropical Flavor Profile: In this post I'm mostly focusing on using the ice cubes for drinks like coffee and matcha, but these are also great to have on hand to throw into soups or cook with.

Coconut Milk Ice Cubes

Ingredients and Equipment Needed:

Coconut Milk: You can either use the drink ready carton of coconut milk or a can of coconut milk. The drink ready coconut milk like "So Delicious" or "Silk" melt much more evenly in drinks.

I mostly opt for the canned coconut milk because it contains more fat, but be aware that these types of ice cubes usually have a gritty/slightly lumpy texture when they melt in your drink. 

Note*: Make sure that you use coconut milk and not coconut cream. The cans look very similar, but coconut cream will be way too thick to use for ice cubes. 

Ice Cube Tray: You can use any standard ice cube tray, but consider using silicone trays for easy removal. I use a yellow hexagonal silicone tray.

Sweetener: If you want to add a little sweet to your ice cubes, you can add a tablespoon or two of cane sugar or your sweetener of choice to the coconut milk before freezing. Just make sure that you do not add too much sugar or else it will start to effect the coconut milk's ability to freeze. Start with 1-2 tablespoons.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make sure your coconut milk is well mixed. Either shake or blend the coconut milk before using it. This ensures that the thicker coconut cream at the top of the can is well-mixed with the liquid. The result will be a more consistent texture in your ice cubes.

If you're adding a sweetener, add it to the milk now and make sure that it is completely desolved.

2. Prepare the Ice Cube Tray: Place your clean ice cube tray on a level surface. If it's not silicone, you might want to consider lightly greasing it with a small amount of coconut oil. This will help the cubes release more easily once frozen.

3. Fill the Ice Cube Tray: Carefully pour the shaken coconut milk into each compartment of the ice cube tray. You can fill them to your preferred level, but typically, it's a good idea to aim for about 2/3 to 3/4 full. This allows some room for expansion as they freeze.

4. Cover (Optional): You have the choice to cover the ice cube tray or leave it uncovered. Covering it with plastic wrap or foil helps prevent any strong odors from your freezer affecting the cubes. However, if you plan to use them relatively quickly, this step is not essential. I usually don't do this, even though I probably should, because my freezer is too crowded.

5. Freeze: Place the ice cube tray in your freezer, making sure it sits level. Allow the coconut milk to freeze, which usually takes a few hours or overnight, depending on your freezer's temperature. I would say, plan to have them freeze overnight.

6. Remove and Store: Once the coconut milk has completely frozen and the cubes are solid, take the ice cube tray out of the freezer. To release the cubes, gently twist or tap the tray, or run it briefly under warm water to loosen them. Transfer the coconut milk ice cubes to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.

7. Store for Later Use: Seal the container or bag and place it back in the freezer. Your coconut milk ice cubes are now ready to be used whenever you are craving that creamy, tropical taste. 

Storage Tips

Use an Airtight Container: Transfer the coconut milk ice cubes from your ice cube tray to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This prevents them from absorbing odors from the freezer and helps maintain their flavor. 

This isn't as important if you're planning to use the coconut milk in cooking like soups or sauces, but it's still good to take note of.

Label and Date: I usually skip this step since I know I'll use up my coconut cubes within a few months. But if it's just you using them, consider labeling the container or bag with the date you made the cubes. 

Coconut milk ice cubes can last for a while (2-3 months), and having a date ensures you use the older ones first.

Some Tasty Ideas!

Coffee and Lattes: Drop a few coconut milk ice cubes into your morning coffee or latte.

Smoothies and Shakes: Transform your smoothies and shakes into velvety, tropical indulgences by blending them with coconut milk ice cubes. 

Cocktails: I personally haven't tried the coconut cubes in any drinks, but according to my research, in the right drink, coconut milk ice cubes are a game-changer. Think pina coladas or coconut mojitos.

Iced Tea and Cold Brew: Because coconut milk tastes like coconut, I'm not one to add it to tea since I think the flavor profiles clash, but that is an option. You can also use them in cold brew coffee. 

Coconut Cubes are Great! 

Because...

Coconut milk ice cubes add a layer of flavor complexity that regular ice cubes can't match. This can be a positive or negative depending on which drink you're having and how much you enjoy the taste of coconut. But since you're looking at this post/recipe I'm guessing you're at least okay with the flavor. 

One of the worst parts about adding ice to your fun drinks is that they get watered down if you don't immediately drink them. Unlike traditional ice, coconut milk ice cubes won't water down your beverages. 

Coconut milk ice cubes melt more slowly than regular ice. This means you can savor your beverage longer without it becoming diluted.

Enjoy your tropical treat!

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