As a deeply passionate coffee lover (and subsequent borderline caffeine addict), there’s nothing worse than waking up ready to unironically ~but first coffee~ and knowing that I have to wait until I have several sips of water so that the coffee doesn’t dehydrate me.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not one of the sad souls who believe coffee is the root of all evil! Studies at esteemed institutions like Johns Hopkins show that coffee, when consumed consciously, provides many benefits like heart health, decreasing the chances of diseases like Alzheimer’s and colon cancer, and even generally contributing to a longer lifespan.
Registered Dietitian Mia Syn, MS, told me, “Caffeine is a mild diuretic, meaning it increases urine production,” but that doesn’t mean daily coffee drinkers should panic! “Moderate caffeine consumption does not cause dehydration in most people,” she continued.
That being said, I want to enjoy my cup of joe in the most healthy way possible, whether I’m fueling up before a workout or trying to feel human again after a hangover. And that’s where the Coconut Water Americano trending on TikTok got the inner barista in me oh so excited.
Coconut Water Americano Recipe
@ameliarrmei I’m amazed at how delicious this is !🥥☕️💙 #coconutwaterlatte ♬ Coffee and Chords – ya-su
A traditional Americano is one part espresso and two parts water. Hence, a traditionally brewed Coconut Water Americano is the same, adding ice if you like your coffee cold. But simply by upgrading from plain H2O to your fave coconut water (my personal go-to is the OG we all know and love, Vita Coco), Syn explained that you’re making a hydrating choice for your body,
“Coconut water is naturally rich in electrolytes like potassium and magnesium.” If you zoned out when the periodic table came up in science class, like I sure did, Syn reminded me that those are “key minerals that help the body maintain fluid balance, especially after sweating.” AKA, when it comes to staying fueled by water, the coconut variety is “more effective for hydration than regular water alone.”
The TikTokverse has been putting a little razzle-dazzle on the classic Americano recipe, making it more of a water-forward latte that I genuinely could not stop drinking! A splash of milk, blended using a frother with a semi-sweet spice, makes this drink a creamy delight when paired with two parts coconut water, ice, and espresso poured on top. The TikTok girlies reached for cinnamon, but I opted for a dash of my Chagachino (mushroom-based cinnamon-y powder) to perfectly pair with my Vita Coco.
Benefits of Coconut Water In Coffee
We know the island water is a superior hydrator, but I was still curious if caffeine’s diuretic powers might counteract coconut water’s superior hydration. “When you mix coconut water and espresso, they don’t fully cancel each other out,” Syn says. She confirms you’re still getting hydration benefits from the electrolytes and fluid in the coconut water since the diuretic nature of espresso is “mild.” Phew! According to Syn, you can ensure you’re getting more benefits by adding “a generous amount of coconut water.”
Not only do drinks with added electrolytes hydrate you, but they also help you “maintain steadier energy” compared to “a sweet latte drink.” Syrup and whip-laden lattes typically deliver “a lot of added sugar or empty calories that give you quick energy but no lasting nutrients like electrolytes, fiber, or protein,” which our bodies need for support to get through the day.
So the best part about this Coconut Water Americano is that it gives you a lil’ something sweet “without triggering that blood sugar rollercoaster” of a giant dessert masquerading as coffee.
Is coffee better before or after a workout?
@cash.rina Inspired by @rhythmzeronyc ♬ original sound – katrina
No matter how many years I’ve spent as a daily coffee drinker, I’m still always considering the eternal question: when is the best time to drink my (first) cup of coffee? When I asked Syn if she thinks the Coconut Water Americano is better for the body before or after a workout, she assured me that it’s good for both.
“Before a workout, the espresso provides caffeine, which can help enhance exercise performance,” in addition to the hydrating effect elevating your workout. Meanwhile, “after a workout, coconut water helps replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, especially after sweating.” Even better, Syn says, “Some studies also suggest that caffeine can help with muscle recovery by reducing soreness and inflammation when consumed after exercise.”
