Coconut water is the clear, slightly sweet liquid found inside young, green coconuts; it is the same liquid often sold or served as "coconut juice."
It has long been consumed in coastal and island communities of Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands, and today is bottled commercially from coconuts grown mainly in Brazil, the Philippines, India, and Indonesia.
It is drunk on its own, chilled or over ice, and used as a base for tropical cocktails and mocktails. In Southeast Asian cuisines it is used in marinades, sauces, and curries, and it appears in smoothies, frozen treats, and savory dishes like soups and stews.
Its flavor is refreshing, slightly sweet, and subtly nutty, with natural electrolytes including potassium, sodium, and magnesium. It pairs well with citrus fruits like lime, tropical fruits like pineapple and mango, and herbs like mint or lemongrass.