Polynesian Watermelon Drink (‘Otai)

Description

”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.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

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

Prep Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 15 mins

Servings: 12

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