Name: Luckin Raw Coconut Latte
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: Espresso/Strong Coffee (30-50ml); Raw Coconut Milk (150ml); Sweetener (Optional); Ice Cubes (if making an iced version); Coconut Chips/Grated Coconut

You don’t need to visit a Luckin Coffee store to enjoy this masterpiece. With just a few simple ingredients and some handy tips, you can recreate the Luckin Raw Coconut Latte right in your own kitchen.

Table of Contents

How to make Luckin Raw Coconut Latte

The Luckin Raw Coconut Latte is a signature drink from Luckin Coffee that blends espresso with cold-pressed raw coconut milk, delivering a refreshing and naturally coconut-forward flavor.

Ingredients

Espresso/Strong Coffee (30-50ml)
Raw Coconut Milk (150ml)
Sweetener (Optional)
Ice Cubes (if making an iced version)
Coconut Chips/Grated Coconut (Garnish, Optional)

Instructions

Brew the Espresso: Brew a shot of espresso (30-50ml) using your espresso machine, Moka pot, or any other method. If using strongly brewed coffee, keep it concentrated so that the flavor isn’t diluted.
Prepare the Coconut Milk: Warm the raw coconut milk slightly over low heat if you’re making a hot latte. This will enhance its creaminess when blended with the coffee. If you’re making an iced latte, leave the coconut milk chilled.
Combine Coffee and Coconut Milk: Pour the espresso into a mug or serving glass. Add the raw coconut milk to the coffee and stir gently to blend the flavors.
Add Sweetener (Optional): Stir in your sweetener of choice if desired. Start with a small amount, such as half a teaspoon, and adjust to your preference.

Pro Tips

Choose the Right Coconut Milk: Look for high-quality coconut milk labeled as “raw,” “cold-pressed,” or “pure.” These retain the natural oils and freshness that make the drink stand out. Avoid using canned coconut milk unless it has been diluted, as it may have a much heavier texture.
Make Your Own Coconut Milk: If you have access to fresh coconuts, blend the coconut meat with water and strain to create raw coconut milk. This adds an extra layer of authenticity to your recipe.
Balance the Coffee Strength: The coffee should have a bold flavor but not overpower the coconut. Adjust the ratio of coffee to coconut milk based on your taste preference.
Experiment with Sweeteners: While the original Luckin Raw Coconut Latte tends to be only mildly sweet, feel free to experiment with flavors like vanilla syrup, caramel, or even a pinch of cinnamon for a personal twist.
Serve Fresh: Coconut milk can separate over time, so serve your latte immediately after preparation and give it a quick stir if needed.
Chill Thoroughly for Iced Lattes: For the best iced version, ensure your coconut milk is well-chilled, and use cold espresso or coffee to prevent the drink from becoming watered down too quickly.

What to serve with

The Luckin Raw Coconut Latte is a beverage that boasts a balance of flavors — the creamy, nutty coconut milk and bold espresso create a drink that is equally indulgent and refreshing.

Croissants or Danish Pastries: A buttery croissant or a flaky Danish pastry complements the nuttiness of the coconut milk while adding a delightful texture.
Granola Parfaits: A parfait made with granola, fresh fruits (like berries), and Greek yogurt is a healthy yet indulgent option. The crunch of granola mirrors the raw, natural vibe of the latte.
Banana or Coconut Pancakes: Pancakes infused with bananas or shredded coconut resonate with the tropical notes in the latte. Drizzle a touch of maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Ingredients Substitutes

The beauty of the Luckin Raw Coconut Latte lies in its simplicity—using high-quality, fresh ingredients to create a creamy and flavorful drink. However, if you can’t find some of the core ingredients, don’t worry!

1. Espresso or Strong Coffee Substitute

Original Ingredient: Espresso (30-50ml)

The distinct boldness of espresso is essential to the latte. It provides a deep, rich coffee flavor that balances the creaminess of coconut milk.

Substitutes:

Brewed Strong Coffee: If you don’t have an espresso machine, strongly brewed coffee from a French press, Aeropress, or drip coffee maker can work. Aim for a concentrate-like strength to ensure the coffee flavor doesn’t get lost amidst the coconut milk.
Instant Coffee: Dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of high-quality instant coffee in 30-50ml of hot water. Look for freeze-dried varieties for a stronger, smoother flavor.
Cold Brew Concentrate (for iced versions): A cold brew coffee concentrate is an excellent option if you prefer an iced beverage, offering a strong yet smooth coffee flavor.
Decaffeinated Coffee: If you want to enjoy the latte without caffeine, simply use decaf espresso or strongly brewed decaf coffee.

2. Raw Coconut Milk Substitute

Original Ingredient: Raw Coconut Milk (150ml)

Raw coconut milk gives this latte its creamy, nutty, and tropical flavor. The “raw” element refers to unprocessed, cold-pressed coconut milk that retains its natural oils and freshness.

Substitutes:

Canned Coconut Milk (Diluted): If raw or cold-pressed coconut milk is unavailable, you can use canned coconut milk. However, it’s often thicker and more processed, so dilute it with water (2 parts coconut milk to 1 part water) to achieve a smoother consistency.
Homemade Coconut Milk: If you have access to fresh coconuts, you can make your own raw coconut milk. Simply blend coconut meat with water in a blender, then strain through a cheesecloth or fine sieve for a fresh, unprocessed alternative.
Coconut Cream (Diluted): Coconut cream is thicker and richer but can be diluted with water to mimic coconut milk. Mix 1 tablespoon of coconut cream with 3 tablespoons of water.
Almond Milk: For a subtly nutty taste, though it will lack the tropical flavor of coconut.
Oat Milk: Offers creaminess similar to coconut milk but without the coconut aroma.
Cashew Milk: Mild and creamy, this is a good, neutral substitute.

3. Sweetener Substitute

Original Ingredient: Mild Sweetener (Optional)

The original latte has a subtle sweetness, but it’s customizable to personal taste.

Substitutes:

Sugar (Granulated or Brown): A teaspoon of granulated white sugar or brown sugar works well to sweeten the latte. Brown sugar adds a slightly richer, molasses-like note.
Honey: Adds a floral note and pairs beautifully with coconut milk.
Maple Syrup: A vegan alternative with a rich, earthy flavor.
Agave Nectar: Offers a neutral sweetness that works well for the latte.
Sugar-Free Alternatives: If you’re avoiding added sugars, stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or erythritol are excellent options. Use these sparingly, as they are often more concentrated than sugar.
Flavored Syrups: Vanilla syrup, caramel syrup, or even coconut syrup can add sweetness and extra flavor to the latte.

Final Thoughts

While the Luckin Raw Coconut Latte relies on specific ingredients for its signature flavor and texture, substitutes can be used creatively to achieve similar results.

More Latte Recipes: