Whether it’s a jump start to your morning or a mid day pick-me-up, this Fresh Squeezed Orange and Grapefruit Coconut Juice is the perfect refresher! A mixture of orange juice, grapefruit juice and coconut water give this a light tropical, citrus flavor.
ME BEFORE THE RECIPE…
I used to hate coconut water. Living in Hawaii, I saw it all the time: bottles in the grocery store, fresh coconut drinks on the side of the road, and masses of people drinking it from their coolers at the beach.
It always looked so enticing and oh so refreshing. Every time I saw someone drinking it I would think, “Man that looks good! Maybe I’ll like it this time.”
Uh, nope. Barf. Literally, drinking it straight made me feel like I was going to puke. I don’t know what it was, but the flavor just made my tummy turn. I finally gave up on it. Ben and Emry, however, embraced the coconut water in full and always asked me to buy it. So I did.
I’ll tell you one thing, watching your tan, sun kissed 4 year old beach bum sitting in the sand sipping coconut water is about the cutest thing you will ever see. I miss that view.
You know what I also miss??? The streaked natural highlights in all of our hair. Emry showed a picture of our family to her kindergarten class as part of her “All About Me” poster the other day, and later one of the aides said to me, “I didn’t know you used to be blonde?!”
I was very puzzled. I never “used to be blonde” and I haven’t dyed my hair in decades. I couldn’t figure out what she was talking about and then she mentioned the picture. Looking back I didn’t realize just how light my hair had gotten in Hawaii. Hawaii’s sun is better than any hair dresser you will ever go to!
Fast forward back to living in Arizona. It’s hot here. And it’s dry. I’m thirsty all the time, but I’m soooooo over water. I mean, I LOVE water and all, but there’s only so much of it I can drink. But here’s the thing, my other options are limited. I don’t do sodas, energy drinks, iced teas, iced coffees, straight juices (too much sugar), or any kind of artificially sweetened flavor shots to my water.
I do drink a little juice here and there, which I dilute by at least half with water. I don’t think my kids even realize what full on juice tastes like. If Emry ever notices that Ben is getting her a drink of juice without adding water, she starts scolding him that he didn’t do it right, to which he mutters under his breath something like, “I never do anything right in this house. I’m surrounded by demanding women.” Sob story.
So yeah, as far as drinks go, life can get kind of boring. It’s no wonder I broke down and bought a few containers of coconut water at the grocery store the other day hoping to give them one more chance. It’s been months since I’ve tried one.
Nope, Still can’t do it.
But what I’ve discovered is that if I get it really cold with ice and dilute it with water so there is just a hint of coconut flavor, it’s really yummy!!! I’m working in baby steps here.
HERE COMES THE RECIPE…
I also discovered coconut water works great for cooking rice, adding to smoothies, and for diluting juices. Instead of diluting our orange, apple or grapefruit juice with plain water, I’ve been adding coconut water and it adds a lovely subtle, tropical flavor.
My favorite combo lately has been this Fresh Squeezed Orange and Grapefruit Coconut Juice. So, so, SOOOOO good!!!
Basically it’s equal ratios of fresh squeezed orange juice, grapefruit juice and coconut water. The coconut water cuts down on the sweetness and intensity of the juice, while adding a little unexpected flavor of its own. It really is lovely.
And if I’m feeling really adventurous and want to treat myself, I’ll add a splash of vanilla and pour some heavy cream on top. It gives it an orange julius feel which brings me right back to my childhood. My mom used to make those for us all the time in the Houston heat. They were my favorite!!! Although I learned now that you can get just the same flavor without adding a cupful of sugar! Who knew???
So if you’re feeling just as bored as I am with your beverage rut, may I suggest mixing up a few fruit juices and adding a splash of coconut water. It’s a refreshing and healthy way to stay hydrated no matter what time of year it is.
And can somebody please take me back to Hawaii??? I’ve been missing it hardcore lately. Probably because a few of my friends that also moved away when we did went back for a vacation. Not gonna lie. I was majorly jealous!!! Which is probably why I found myself buying a round trip plane ticket to the island in May. Wahoo!!! Happy Mother’s Day to me. Hawaii, I’m coming for you!
YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY…
- Watermelon Strawberry Lime Juice
- Healthy Chocolate Milk
- Fresh Squeezed Cranberry Almond Lemonade
- Honeydew Melon Lemonade
- 2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice (about 10 oranges)
- 2 cups freshly squeezed grapefruits (about 5)
- 2 cups unsweetened coconut water
- lime wedges (optional)
- Optional:
- for each cup add splash of vanilla and 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or coconut cream*
- Cut oranges and grapefruits in half. Using a handheld or electric juicer, squeeze juice from fruit, discarding seeds.
- In a pitcher, mix together juices and coconut water. Stir to combine. Add lime wedges, if desired, to pitcher or serve with individual glasses.
- Serve with ice or chill in fridge for 2-3 hours. Stir before serving.
- If adding vanilla and cream, fill individual cups with ice, pour in juice, add a splash of vanilla and stir. Pour cream on top and drink. Do not stir cream into drink.
