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Buko juice is a popular, refreshing drink from the Philippines. "Buko" is a Filipino word that means "young coconut." Hence, Buko juice is also known as coconut milk drink. There are two ways to prepare a Buko juice, one that uses fresh juice from the coconut fruit and one that uses canned Buko juice concentrate. purchased from groceries carrying Asian products. Either version offers a healthy drink that has traditionally been used to treat a urinary tract infection.

Fresh Coconut Juice Version

Remove the outer shell or husk of the coconut fruit by using a sharp butcher knife or machete until the middle layer is exposed. Crack open the top part of the coconut fruit.

Pour the coconut milk through a strainer into a tall pitcher. Straining gives you a clear coconut milk that is free of small particles.

Use a citrus zester to remove the coconut flesh, or meat, from the shell. Add the shredded coconut meat to the pitcher, then stir in 2 cups of water and 2 tbsp. of sugar.

Pour the drink over ice cubes in a tall glass.

Canned Buko Juice Version

Pour two 2 8-oz. cans of coconut fruit juice or milk concentrate into a pitcher.

Add 2 cups of water and 2 tbsp. sugar to the pitcher and stir.

Add ice cubes and serve in tall glasses.


You can drink pure coconut milk or buko juice straight from the fruit without adding sugar and water. Just put a straw in for a pure, delicious taste of Buko juice.


Be careful when peeling and cracking open the coconut fruit; it is round and can roll over so you may cut your fingers accidentally. To crack open, it is best to put it on a butcher block and then hit it with one hand swiftly without holdng the coconut.