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Otai Tongan watermelon drink is my go-to way to stay cool each summer. You get awesome flavor from watermelon, pineapple, and creamy coconut milk. It’s such a good way to chill out solo or share with a crowd on a sweltering day.
I first threw this together for a hot backyard cookout. Now my friends never let me forget to make it. We seriously love these island vibes for every get-together!
Irresistible Ingredients
- Water: Pour in cold, filtered water to thin things out and keep it extra refreshing
- Granulated sugar: Sprinkle just enough to get it as sweet as you like. Taste then tweak
- Canned coconut milk: This brings all that silky creaminess. Reach for full-fat if you want some extra richness
- Shredded fresh coconut: Craving crunch? This adds a little texture and coconut flavor. If you can’t find fresh, plain shredded coconut works
- Canned crushed pineapple with juice: For bright, tropical tang, use pineapple packed in real juice and skip the syrup stuff
- Seedless watermelon: You want a juicy, firm watermelon; pick one that feels pretty hefty
Simple StepbyStep Directions
- Chill and Pour:
- Pop the Otai in your fridge to cool it all the way through. Pour it into tall glasses packed with ice. Add a wedge of watermelon or some coconut on top if you're feeling fancy
- Add Sugar and Stir:
- Drop in sugar one spoonful at a time and keep tasting until the sweetness feels just right. Stir after each spoon so it mixes in all the way
- Thin Out:
- Drizzle in cold water, mixing and checking until it’s just how you like it—refreshing but not runny
- Mix in Coconut Milk:
- Pour in your coconut milk and stir gently. You’ll see streaks of pink, which is totally normal
- Combine the Pineapple, Coconut, and Watermelon:
- Dump shredded watermelon, pineapple with its juice, and coconut into a big bowl or pitcher
- Grate or Process Watermelon:
- Grab a box grater or food processor to shred up your watermelon, making sure to save every drop of juice you can
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My favorite part? That fresh coconut crunch. It always brings back memories of cracking coconuts with my family before big celebrations. There’s just something special about scooping the first bite together.
How to Store
Pour any leftovers into a jar or pitcher and stick it in your fridge. It’ll taste good for about two to three days. If it separates, don’t stress—just give it a gentle stir and you’re good to go. Coconut milk tends to float up, that’s all!
Swaps and Alternatives
Can’t find fresh coconut? Grab a bag of unsweetened shredded coconut from the baking aisle. If watermelon’s not around, try mango or cantaloupe for something different. Want to skip canned pineapple? Blend up fresh pineapple chunks and all their juice instead.
Fun Ways to Serve
Otai is awesome poured over loads of crushed ice whenever you want to party. Try sticking a pineapple or watermelon chunk on a stir stick for extra fun. To make it less rich, use more water and turn it into a lighter fruity punch.
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Tonga Traditions
Otai’s a true favorite at Tongan get-togethers and family parties. Its roots go way back in Tonga, and it means a lot—sharing, celebrating, enjoying whatever’s in season. Every family has their own way of making it and always takes pride in that twist.
Recipe FAQs
- → Is there a best watermelon for this?
Ripe, seedless watermelon is super easy to shred and keeps the drink nice and smooth. The sweeter it is, the tastier your otai will be.
- → Could I use fresh pineapple instead of the canned kind?
Definitely! Go for fresh if you’ve got it. Just crush it up and don’t lose the juice—it gives awesome flavor and keeps things juicy.
- → Do you need fresh coconut or will dried work?
Freshly grated coconut is classic and gives the best texture. In a pinch, grab unsweetened dried coconut, but it won’t be exactly the same.
- → What’s the trick for the perfect sweetness?
Stir in granulated sugar till it tastes just right to you. Make sure you dissolve it all before pouring over ice.
- → Is it cool to make Otai early and stash it?
You sure can. Mix it up, let it chill in the fridge, then give it a good stir. Drop in the ice right before you serve it so it doesn’t get watery.