DIY CREAM OF COCONUT (Coco Lopez alternative) + Bloopers!

Coco Lopez creme of coconut is the commercial product of choice for many bars around the world but it can be difficult to source in some countries outside the US. Jeff “Beachbum” Berry has stated that Coco Lopez is the best for cocktails.
The DIY recipe listed above avoids all the emulsifiers, stabilisers and growth inhibiting agents for a tastier, fresher and more natural cream of coconut. The shelf life won't be as long but once you taste a Painkiller made with the DIY version, it won't last long at all.
Each serving is calculated to approximately 6.5 cents USD compared to 24 cents per serving for Coco Lopez. If your bar serves 300 Pina Colada's or Painkillers a week, you'll save $2,730 USD per year by simply making it yourself.
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- COCKTAIL APP: bit.ly/get-cock...
- MERCH GIVEAWAY: bit.ly/STB-apron
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INGREDIENTS
- 400mL Coconut Milk (1 can)
- 375g Sugar (1 3/4 cups)
- Pinch of Salt
METHOD
1. Combine all the ingredients into a saucepan
2. Place on a low heat on the stovetop
3. Stir until the sugar is dissolved (colour changes from white to partially transparent)
NOTES
Thanks to Art of Drink for the Cream of Coconut recipe: bit.ly/art-of-d...
Coco Lopez ingredients: Coconut, Sugar, Water, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan monostearate, Salt, Propylene glycol alginate, Mono and diglycerides, Citric acid, Guar gum, Locust bean gum
Music by Joakim Karud - Luvly: joakimkarud.ba...

[@akseli2647]

Could you make a "Steve's favourites" -video where you show us how to make 5-10 of your favourite cocktails?

[@StevetheBartender_]

Sure! Will add it to the list :-)

[@lilywilkins915]

Very much so

[@angelaf2515]

@@StevetheBartender_ free

[@bmwrulesforeternity5218]

@@StevetheBartender_ .. instead of the sugar .. or perhaps to reduce the crystalline sugar ingredient .. i was going to experiment and put in a couple of ounces of sweet condensed milk

[@Crime_Lab]

Sugar is a preservative; if you sterilize the glass jar by boiling, and then sealing with a lid (also boiled), letting it all cool. Then treat it like any preserves, by keeping it in the refrigerator after opening. Though, this is only my opinion. Cheers! ⬛️

[@StevetheBartender_]

Yes, fridge 👌

[@Josh-dr9db]

Mines grey

[@StevetheBartender_]

Your cream of coconut?

[@Josh-dr9db]

@@StevetheBartender_ oh... yep, the cream of coconut too

[@bushwood1676]

Yeah mine went gray also, maybe too long on stove?

[@remyrat4308]

Same with mine, might try again with less time on the stove

[@taiyonatiare7918]

Thank youuuuu. I can’t find cream of coconut anywhere where I live and I’ve been dying for a good homemade pina😂

[@deanjames9869]

Thanks - Is this stuff shelf stable, or store in the fridge?

[@StevetheBartender_]

Fridge for sure 👌

[@mochwoch]

why the hell did i get a spanish crest ad

[@StevetheBartender_]

I took my sweet ass time before filming this for you guys! My bad! Incredibly simple but very tasty (probably because of the tonne of sugar that it contains)... it makes a very, very tasty Painkiller, Pina Colada and Batida (stay tuned for that recipe).. - COCKTAIL APP: bit.ly/get-cocktails-app - MERCH GIVEAWAY: bit.ly/STB-apron

[@powerplayer1234561]

Thanks for doing that vid! Was really looking forward to that one :)

[@stephane.foisy.186]

Thanks for doing the video.

[@seanmcgrath3826]

Thank you very much! P.S. I'm looking forward to more "Cooking with Stavros"

[@StevetheBartender_]

Sean McGrath second channel? 🤣

[@seanmcgrath3826]

@@StevetheBartender_ Sure, if you have time to do it!

[@TheBrunoHJ]

Thanks so much. I can't find Coco Lopez ou someting similar in Brazil, this recipe will save my Piña Coladas. You're awesome!

[@StevetheBartender_]

Welcome Bruno! I’m guessing the vid will be useful too many.. until recently CoconLopez was hard to find in Australia too!

[@BelovedNL]

As for shelve life: used this for up to 3 months, after that it starts to become a bit too funky 😉

[@dmitrixallo7072]

How did you store this? Boil mason jars, pour in the product, close and let it vacuum itself as it cools down?

[@zacarchibald3157]

Lmao u crazy kept using even after it went bad lol

[@BelovedNL]

@@zacarchibald3157 I’m not saying I didn’t, but it’s not harmful or bad. When it becomes moldy is a different story obviously.

[@Mr371312]

It should last unopened with a vacuum quite some time. As long as homemade jam I'd say.

[@JM-pm3tb]

@@Mr371312 I've had no problems using coconut syrup stored in a refrigerator out to 3-4 weeks, at which point I toss it. Still looks, smells and tastes fine.

[@TheWitchvortex]

Thank you! For my favourite coconut poke cake, cream of coconut is a must but it's so damn hard to find any in Europe. Now I can make my own and can bake happily ever after

[@markgresch9944]

The Smuggler's Cove book makes a similar version (although they use 2 to 1 Simple Syrup instead of Sugar) and they say in the fridge, 3 weeks. The sugar, heating and refrigeration likely helps it keep (although it may separate in the fridge, facilitating having to shake it).

[@NoahTeohZhengYi]

There's this trick, add vodka to syrups to preserve them. Do you think it'll work for this?

[@StevetheBartender_]

Yep, but I’d go for a high proof rum though given that most drinks you’ll use it for are rum based.. there’s a tonne of sugar in it so I wouldn’t be surprised if you get at least a couple weeks out of it.

[@swgriffin1977]

I totally see Coco Lopez as more of a coconut simple syrup now, great vid!

[@mszoomy]

I've been waiting for this, you were trying my patience but I knew you wouldn't forget. Thanks Steve! 💋

[@StevetheBartender_]

Haha I got there eventually!

[@zakarymeakin6673]

Hahaha. I literally commented on your painkiller video about an hour ago asking you if you were going to make this video. What are the odds??? Thanks Steve. Also if you wanted a cocktail to make a video with this.... a lava flow would be perfect ;)

[@StevetheBartender_]

Good call - that’s been on my list for a while so now is probably the perfect time 🥳

[@Bennie_Tziek]

Great idea! I also want to see the lava flow, I kinda fail at it xD

[@StevetheBartender_]

bennie tziek I haven’t made it before so will have to see how it goes! 🤣

[@garyf8697]

Thanks for this video! I've made this up a few times and found it stores well for 2-3 weeks in the fridge,a really clean storage container being key to start.Cheers man!

[@StevetheBartender_]

Ah cool, thanks for sharing Gary! I’ll amend my first comment tomorrow with the info..

[@stephane.foisy.186]

Without or with an additional shot of rum? Reason I ask I can’t get mine to last as it is sooo good and disappears quickly. Many tiki drink I make without spirits for the younglings thus this disappears.

[@StevetheBartender_]

Stephane Foisy I see, you’ll have to get the 1kg tins 🤣 rum in yours and none for the kids!

[@garyf8697]

@@stephane.foisy.186 I don't add any alcohol to mine,but that would help with preserving it

[@nitemare3904]

At 2:56 the word you searched for is "semen". It looks like semen.

[@StevetheBartender_]

Bahaha! Comment of the week! 💦

[@mszoomy]

p.s. love the bloopers, makes you human. How did your wife like it? I assumed that's her behind the camera. When are we going to meet her?

[@StevetheBartender_]

Yep, she tried it in the next video we filmed and loved it! (a Batida)..

[@kflorence7005]

My final product came out an odd grayish color, but i did use a more brownish sugar Smells great tho! Update : tastes better than cocolopez and it didn't alter the color of my pain killer!

[@blacksalami420]

Phew. I've literally just made some and it came out super grey. Was worried I messed something up!

[@dangata3416]

Some thoughts about how long could you store it: you should be able to store for relatively lot of time before the first opening of the jar because you closed it warm and once it cools down, there is a good vacuum in the jar, which preserves it for quite a long time. But after that, it better to use it inside a week.

[@glokinflangesson6363]

I tried freezeing it and it worked fine so my advise would be to just freeze what you dont use

[@TracyKMainwaring]

I made this a month ago and just tasted it, and it still seems fine! Next time I'll make a half batch though. It's also good in coffee

[@am5812]

How long did it end up lasting before you had to dump it?

[@TracyKMainwaring]

@@am5812 that seems forever ago. It might have been another few weeks. I think I dumped it in the third month but I hadn’t used it for awhile.

[@mszoomy]

I feel cheated. That's it? So friggin simple, I was expecting something more, I don't know, more complex? I can do that in my sleep, I'll never buy that expensive Coco Lopez stuff again. It's like $4 for a little can over here. I imagine that if you kept it in the fridge, it should keep for awhile, at least a month, it's not like real milk.

[@StevetheBartender_]

Could just get a half tin and you’ll end up with around 300mL - enough for approx 10 drinks.. that might last a week! 🤣

[@Juuk-D]

@@StevetheBartender_ or a day *hic*

[@Khvalheim10]

Apparently, making cream of coconut brings out the southern twang Steve never knew he had. 4:42

[@홈텐딩백과]

I use commercial coconut cream. It's fun to try. Thank you!

[@StevetheBartender_]

This method is great - no nasty additives or preservatives..

[@홈텐딩백과]

@@StevetheBartender_ Goog for hometending!

[@tacticalpacciani6147]

I bought a can of coconut milk light when you promised you'd do this video,does that change anything? Do I need to add more or less of something?

[@StevetheBartender_]

Probably worth a try but it would be better with the additional fat content..

[@jamesperry9498]

Yes!!! Thank you this is going to save me a lot of money aswell! So simple, cheers Steve

[@StevetheBartender_]

No worries James... so easy hey.

[@jamesperry9498]

It was easy Steve haha, thanks again mate

[@elenaotero1292]

Yes, please make recipes utilizing the cream coconut, that you made. Thank you .

[@StevetheBartender_]

Will do!

[@malloryg4251]

Thank you SO much for making this video! I have been searching for the perfect coconut cream recipe. I can't stand the flavor of the store-bought stuff, and the list of additives/preservatives makes me nervous. Now, I can finally make the most delicious pina coladas!!

[@IMXVideoDesign]

I’ve made this exact recipe a few times last summer... I pushed it to 2 weeks in the fridge without issue.. but after a few days, the fat did separate and harden, just had to shake it before using

[@StevetheBartender_]

Cool! Store bought normally needs a shake too so I think it’s like for like.. 👌

[@stephane.foisy.186]

Like other syrups could fortify it with a spirit. An oz (30ml) white rum would not be a bad idea. It may be a simple recipe but until seen sometimes it can be overwhelming. Good job explaining some key steps.

[@StevetheBartender_]

Hell, I didn’t even realise it was this easy until I stumbled across the Art of Drink recipe.. thanks Stephane! 👌

[@brownpunk1794]

Can i use can of coconut cream instead?

[@FrankOnline007]

Ah great. I use coconut milk and condensed milk in my pina coladas for a fairly similar result

[@neogeoriffic]

Now I’ll never have to buy Coco Lopez again! Just one minor tweak for those watching their weight. 1 cup of sugar is plenty. Cheers!

[@powermonger9090]

I just made this exact same recipe on the weekend. This is the third batch I have made and it tastes great in cocktails. Thanks Steve

[@StevetheBartender_]

It’s awesome yet so simple hey!

[@powermonger9090]

Steve the Bartender yes and cheaper than trying to buy Coco Lopez here in Oz. The latest batch I tried it with the additional Coconut powder but haven’t noticed any difference. Mine have lasted about 2 weeks in the fridge but I’ve heard if you spike it with about 45ml of vodka it will extend the age of it.

[@maplehouseknives]

Dude this is brilliant! I can't get cream of coconut where I live so will try it. Thanks, greetings from Germany!👍🍻

[@tilakbharadwaj9768]

No you said it in Blue Hawaii vs Blue Hawaiian video and yesterday I searched your whole channel for this video...😅😅

[@StevetheBartender_]

I realised after I mentioned it but it was too late 🤣

[@juliemcfadden7177]

Sweet Lord Almighty !! Yes, thank you so much for sharing this. Just discovered the Painkiller this year. Its been on a heavy rotation lately to say the least . Having a really hard time finding CoCo Lopez and the last few cans I found , when opened , the coconut cream was a dark gray color. Can not wait to try this.

[@StevetheBartender_]

Still has a tonne of sugar but at least not all the extra random chems!

[@kims7697]

I used a can of coco lopez brand coconut milk and it’s not super white. When I did the sugar process it turned a bit brown. Still seems ok though.

[@luiscordeiro1397]

Can't you add coconut milk and simple syrup to drinks instead of making this?

[@StevetheBartender_]

If you like..

[@luiscordeiro1397]

@@StevetheBartender_ Thank you for the answer, so it would be the same?

[@0rfinKing]

Made this tonight and it came out perfect! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@RendallRen]

Thanks for this. I've just been mixing 1:1 coconut cream and simple syrup (also 1:1) but this looks like it will be sweeter and thicker.

[@StevetheBartender_]

That would work just as well 👌

[@RendallRen]

Oh, good. I'll make them both ways, compare them, and report back. 🥂

[@overlord608]

@@RendallRen Wich one is better?

[@mishkakimaudio]

Rendall yo

[@CawiezellCrew]

love the bloopers need more of those. I wasn't ready for you swearing and it made me laugh before I've had my coffee which is not easy.

[@Kylehernand4836]

Hi, is this version as sweet as coco Lopez?

[@malsakerlures4718]

@stevethebartender Mix grated dry coconut instead of powder. Let steep together with the syrup. Strain it and make delicious cocunut crisp when baking then for an hour or so in 150c

[@austenhead5303]

Sugar is a preservative... and you put a LOT of sugar in there. Makes me think it should last for ages in the fridge, actually.

[@DDCRExposed]

Well that was super easy. Great to know too.

[@Barprints]

Happy I stumbled across this one!

[@itsallaboutthecocktail]

Excellent, Thank you! But, I wonder, can I cut down on the sugar? That's one of the things I dislike about Coco Lopez. Ever read the can?

[@bobbybob6597]

Lol why have I been paying for coco lopez stuff when this is 95% the same. Tastes and looks the part too at a fraction of the cost. Ridiculous amount of sugar but at least it doesn't have any off the nasty additives and preservatives. Thanks Steve and art of drink!

[@StevetheBartender_]

Most welcome, surprisingly simple hey!!

[@mishkakimaudio]

Steve, could you help me? I want to make Pina Colada by IBA's recipe, but I wanna make it a bit sweeter. Should it taste better if I'll mix some sugar syrup wuth COCONUT CREAM? or it will be much tastier if I'll make diy CREAM OF COCONUT? @Steve the Bartender

[@StevetheBartender_]

Try it with DIY cream of coconut... it’s just coconut milk and sugar.. measurements are in the description 👌

[@Questionable_Talent]

For all the people asking, a "shot" of vodka/rum won't help much. 1oz of 40% alcohol added to 16oz of liquid only yields an abv of 2.35%. insufficient for preservation.

[@StevetheBartender_]

It’s not going to extend it to 12 months but I’m sure with the combination of heating and sugar it would extend it’s shelf life a smidge..

[@NicolasDam]

Did you say "Cooking with Stavros" at the end of the video?

[@StevetheBartender_]

Yep :-)

[@NicolasDam]

@@StevetheBartender_ ellinas ise?

[@yeontanssugadaddy]

Lol I didnt have any for piña coladas tonight so I mixed coconut water and condensed milk.

[@danielstrm5940]

I made this, but i think the pina colada gets a little too sweet? (Would it work to maybe apply 200ML of coconut milk in the mix in the pot to bring in some little fullness and remove some of the sweetness? Anyways: Thanks alot for this vid :D

[@eddiegallacher1209]

Mate, simply add a little more fresh lime juice if it's too sweet for you? That should solve your problem. Good luck! 😉

[@nandhu1620]

Was waiting for this one😘😘😘 Love from Kerala

[@StevetheBartender_]

Well overdue hey!

[@chris2314]

It was the blue Hawaii and blue hawaiian Cocktail Video and it was 1000 Likes 😅

[@irmanv.9798]

Looks super easy. I got some organic coconut cream - will give it a try. Thanks a lot.

[@llcoolmartine]

The only problem I have with homemade Coco Lopez is that it splits, making the drinks look grainy/lumpy (like sour milk in coffee). I guess that what the chemicals are for in the Coco lopez - making the texture consistent...

[@StevetheBartender_]

I’m guessing it’s either the coconut milk you are using or heating it too high.. Make sure you keep it on a low heat or it will split..

[@buddyholly4672]

We made this and its not as "coconutty". Maybe the brand of coconut milk matters?

[@carlmajor4917]

Cream of coconut should contain lots of fat not sugar which is unhealthy and addictive

[@cristobal71]

Why my cream of coconut is grey ? I use coconut milk and white sugar as in the recipe

[@earlmc694]

Great Video, searched Long for CocoLopez but i think this ist the much better way!! Go on! ☺️☺️

[@StevetheBartender_]

So quick, easy and inexpensive!

[@Barprints]

Thanks for this one Steve! Always good to have these DIYs in your back pocket. Cheers!

[@its_Aymz]

Thank you!!!!! I've been wanting to know how to make this cause Pina Colada is my fave cocktail 🍍🍹

[@StevetheBartender_]

So simple hey.. let me know how your next Pina Colada goes!

[@its_Aymz]

Will do 👍🏻

[@iamsachanadine]

Tried it as a replacement, it good but not as good. I rather spend my coin 😂

[@seanpatterson186]

Last about ten days if your whanging out cocktails and even use on cereal etc then it will last less sugar is a preservative so heated you bout ten days

[@HARDCORESKELETORN]

I could've saved so much on buying the stuff at my local liquor store, it even looks the exact same. I will from now on though. Thanks Steve!

[@polishprince7219]

I don't use a lot of cream of coconut in my cocktails, could I just freeze it and defrost when I need it?

[@StevetheBartender_]

I'd recommend simply making a smaller batch.

[@m.h.5185]

Made it yesterday...perfect!!!! I will never buy a convenience COC

[@StevetheBartender_]

So easy hey!

[@AniMerci]

Egads, puts me into insulin shock.

[@katharinaladtollefsen8194]

When I put it in the fridge it becomes very thick. Is it better just leaving it out?

[@StevetheBartender_]

Definitely keep it in the fridge.. 👌

[@willowFFMPEG]

heh heh... it looks like uh... heh... it kind of... looks like...

[@maxwhd2832]

Iv literally been wondering where this is for ages as coco lopez is rly hard to get in the UK! Cheers Steve

[@mark870]

Look out for Pataks or Blue Dragons cream of coconut, you can find it where the curry/asian food section is in the likes of Tesco etc

[@StevetheBartender_]

Same in Australia until somewhat recently..

[@maxwhd2832]

Steve the Bartender well this is great so thanks so much!

[@Anton-fd5jd]

I'm going to have a super fancy bar one day, and these will be super useful!

[@StevetheBartender_]

Tiki bar?

[@rheastager826]

I guess it would hold up longer than a week if you store it in the fridge... With all that sugar in there🤔

[@StevetheBartender_]

Yeah there’s a looooot of sugar 🤣

[@k8eeff]

Speaking of videos you said you'd do...where's the grenadine?

[@StevetheBartender_]

Haha, I’ve been busted again!

[@turnschuh2901]

And because of that high sugar content it is not seperating anymore / fat is not hardening?

[@StevetheBartender_]

The key is the low heat which ensures the sugar dissolves without splitting..

[@darrendevey1187]

Just waiting for it to cool then its painkiller time .. I've been using a coconut cream called jaja. Basically the same as coco Lopez but can only get it online and super expensive .. so if this works im super happy 😄

[@cfaz6763]

How'd it go?

[@darrendevey1187]

@@cfaz6763 not too bad actually. Problem is I only had bacardi spiced rum.. on my 2nd one so can't be that bad ..

Nice. Just an observation; the original recipe from Art of Drink uses coconut cream, not coconut milk which is thinner. I imagine this would affect the final texture and flavour.

[@StevetheBartender_]

“Next, we need to assemble our ingredients, and we’ll need three. Coconut milk, sugar and salt and that is it.” www.artofdrink.com/ingredient/cream-of-coconut-recipe

[@joncorso6103]

@@StevetheBartender_ Two sentences later - "For the coconut milk you want the full-fat variety-**sometimes called coconut cream**, confusing yes-no diet or low-calorie stuff." (emphasis mine)

[@UnnecessaryBelond]

Hi mate, apologize for leaving a reply after a while of you posting this, but I wanted to know if you believe that making this alternative is better tasting than using the original Coco Lopez.

[@StevetheBartender_]

No need to apologise! It's really good hey!

[@yulianfigueroa3859]

You made a promise if you got what YOU wanted and waited THREE MONTHS? Wow man, that's really unfair dude.

[@TarinClott]

Who tf takes the time to write something like this. Horrid comment

[@Longshotsz]

wow i was just about to make a painkiller with just coconut milk by accident

[@StevetheBartender_]

Phew! Close call 🥳🥥

[@seanpatterson186]

Yup this is how I make mine coco Lopez is a rip off

[@toddellner5283]

So.... the coconut equivalent of simple syrup

[@StevetheBartender_]

Yeah, pretty much!

[@simonmcg23]

love your content.. got your app now too.. 🙏

[@aconlin]

“Cooking with Stavros” 😂

[@oliverandreasson3978]

Yes! Finally! Thank you Steve :))

[@StevetheBartender_]

Haha, I know right - finally!

[@PassingBy1103]

Wonder if a bar spoon of vodka will make it last longer...?

[@StevetheBartender_]

Yeah it would but I’d be more tempted to add a splash of rum :-)

[@Kriterian]

On the website you linked they said that it was 1 1/4 cup of sugar but your recipe is 1 3/4 cup of sugar. In the video it looks like you're using a 2 cup measuring cup, so it also looks like you're using 1 1/4 cup?

[@testina7776]

Thank you! Just made me some 🥳 Happy gal right here! Bout to make some Pina Coladas now! #2020 x

[@StevetheBartender_]

Yeow!! Colada time! 🥥

[@testina7776]

Steve the Bartender Yassss Steve you want one? 😜

[@victorramos6653]

Isn’t the sugar ratio actually less than the coconut milk? If the sugar is 375 grams and the can is 400ml wouldn’t that be 400 grams as well so less sugar than coconut milk, so less sugar than a 1:1 simple syrup? 🤔

[@Xanctus]

This is good for vegan ice cream.

[@magrildz]

Hey Steve! In Brazil, coconut milk is sold a little creamier and thicker than what's found abroad. Does it affect this recipy somehow? Do I have to boil it for longer? Thanks!

[@FaerieDust]

Ah, perfect - Coco Lopez is like €10 per can over here, this will be much more affordable. I might even do just half a can, and use the rest for dinner...

[@nicholasbadal9592]

hey steve awesoem video really like your stuff i'm from Trinidad and have access to actual coconuts might try making it with that

[@StevetheBartender_]

Jealous! I bet yours will taste even better with fresh coconut.. 🌴

[@nicholasbadal9592]

@@StevetheBartender_ thanks Steve hoping for the best 😆

[@nikcoleman5891]

this is a lifesaver, where i live you can't get cocolopez... I used to use another similar product from an Italian company pulpIT (they make a lot of great cocktail mixers) but I'm not sure if the company closed down or the product got discontinued cos I can't find it anymore. Love the app btw

[@ladislaugomes7447]

Kkkkkkk. I wasted so much money.

[@danjackson5989]

I don't understand the need for Coco Lopez or sugar infused coconut milk. I use Coconut Cream for all those drinks and they're perfect.

[@Pasquale17Stamos]

Who the hell is Stavros though?Nice one mate!!

[@StevetheBartender_]

This Mrs calls me Stavros all the time 🤣

[@tamaravanatta1430]

Can you use coconut sugar instead of white sugar?

[@StevetheBartender_]

I’m sure it would work..

[@Lillipod1]

With all that sugar it should last forever in a sterilized jar

[@StevetheBartender_]

Yeah you would think so hey!