Polynesian Watermelon Drink ('Otai)

''Otai' is a fruit drink which originated in Tonga and is usually made as a summertime refreshment. It is a blend of water, coconut milk, and any variety of pulped tropical fruit such as coconut, watermelon, mango, and pineapple but is almost always watermelon as it is plentiful in Tonga. A small amount of sugar may be added, although the recipe is considerably sweet on its own. I lived in Sydney many moons ago and the Polynesian families drank this by the gallons in the summer. Soooo refreshing and yummy! Serve over ice cubes.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 15 mins
• Calories: 199 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ cup shredded coconut
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
• 3 cups water
• ½ lime, juiced
• 2 tablespoons white sugar, or to taste
• 1 (15.25 ounce) can crushed pineapple
• 1 seedless watermelon, halved and sliced

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Grate watermelon with a fork from the rind into a large bowl, leaving no large chunks. Stir water, pineapple, evaporated milk, and coconut into the grated watermelon. Add sugar; stir until dissolved. Squeeze lime juice into the watermelon mixture.