Coconut Drink Cups

Make sure to add a straw, your friends will appreciate it!

Nothing says the tropics like coconut drink cups!  There is something unique and whimsical about drinking out of a coconut rather than an everyday glass.  Last year I had the opportunity to share this experience with several of our friends and it turned out to be a huge success.  It was quite the challenge at first trying to crack off the top half of the coconut shell. Most of the research I did required taking a machete or chef's knife and chopping off the top half of the coconut. So after a few attempts resulting in almost hacking off one of my digits, a huge mess, and obliterated coconuts; I thought there has to be an easier way.  Using my engineering and woodworking skills, I thought why not saw the top of the coconut off.  Sure enough it was easy, clean, and most of all safe. Listed below are a few easy steps with detailed pictures that show how it's done.


Tools (make sure to clean all tools with warm soapy water before using): 

• Power Drill
• Hand Saw 
• Paring Knife
• Straws (Your friends will appreciate not having to put their lips on the edge of a coconut!)

First:  Look for three indentations on the coconut.  Drill holes into two of the three indentations. Drain the coconut water.

  

Second: Saw off the top half of the coconut with hand saw (Note: most coconuts come with a score mark around the center. Try to saw halfway between the score mark and the end of the coconut, otherwise the cup will be too shallow).  You may need to score the shell with a knife since the shell is very hard and the saw can slip.  I like to use a vice to secure the coconut while sawing (Note: make sure not to apply too much pressure to the vise otherwise the coconut will crack).

 

Third: Wash out debris and use paring knife to clean rim.

Last: Make a stand for the coconut and add your favorite tropical drink.  To make a quick and easy coconut stand, take a 2 x 8 1/2" strip of cardstock of your choosing. Create a circle out of the strip, and tape in place. By using decorative cardstock, you can add to the whimsy of your coconut drink!