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    Home » Recipes » Beverages

    Easy 'Otai (Polynesian Watermelon Drink)

    July 19, 2022 • Updated: July 19, 2022 • by Renée B. • This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe   Print Recipe
    Watermelon basket and two glasses of watermelon drink. Pin overlay reads: Dairy-free, Low-fat, Polynesian Watermelon Drink | Easy Otai

    'Otai, a watermelon drink popular in Polynesia, is a refreshing concoction usually made with coconut milk or cream. Our lower-fat almond milk version is just as creamy, and dairy-free, too!

    Otai in small snifter-style glasses, garnished with watermelon cut-outs.
    Jump to:
    • What's the Story Behind this Recipe?
    • What Goes into this Recipe
    • How to Make this Recipe
    • FAQs & Expert Tips
    • Related Recipes
    • Easy 'Otai (Polynesian Watermelon Drink)

    What's the Story Behind this Recipe?

    'Otai is a Polynesian fruit drink that is usually made with heavy cream and or coconut milk. I stumbled on this dairy-free, lower-fat version completely by accident.

    Some years ago, I found myself sitting in the summer heat needing something cold and refreshing. I'd sampled 'otai at my daughter's house and loved it, so I decided to give her recipe a try. Unfortunately, I had none of the heavy cream it called for, so I subbed in sweetened almond milk, expecting a refreshing, but a rather mundane result.

    Instead, much to my surprise, the almond milk version was delicious - nearly as creamy and refreshing as the cream-based one! Plus, switching out the cream (or coconut milk) for almond milk lowered the fat content dramatically! 

    This dairy-free 'otai is ridiculously easy to make. All you need is two ingredients and five minutes!

    What Goes into this Recipe

    This family-friendly Polynesian watermelon drink recipe is great way to use up the remnants left after making a watermelon basket or melon balls!

    Watermelon pieces in a glass bowl.

    Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

    ★ Watermelon: Use any fresh, sweet watermelon. This is a great way to use watermelon that is a little past its prime.

    ★ Almond milk: Regular almond milk works just fine, but we recommend using an almond-coconut milk blend. You will not be disappointed.

    If you use sweetened almond milk, you do not need to add any other sweeteners to the mix. If you use unsweetened almond milk, you will need to add a little sugar, depending upon your personal tastes.

    Optional Ingredients

    ♦︎ Pineapple: Add another layer to the flavor profile by adding a half a cup of fresh or canned pineapple when you blend it. 

    ♦︎ Mango: Mango is another tropical traditionally included in 'otai.

    ♦︎ Shredded coconut: We really like the added flavor a handful of shredded coconut brings to the mix.

    How to Make this Recipe

    Pour 2 cups of almond-coconut milk and 16 ounces of watermelon in a blender.

    If you use sweetened almond milk, you do not need to add any additional sugar to your 'otai. If you use unsweetened almond milk, add ½ cup of sugar to the mixture, sweetening to taste. 

    Add any optional ingredients (i.e., pineapple, mango, coconut) as desired.

    Otai ingredients in a blender cup.

    Blend until almost smooth and serve cold over ice.

    FAQs & Expert Tips

    Where does 'otai come from?

    'Otai (pronounced OH – tie) has its roots in Polynesia. Tongans claim to have invented this modern watermelon-based version, but Hawaiians, Samoans, and Fijians, and other Polynesian cultures now all enjoy this refreshing, easy-to-make beverage.

    Is the fruit always blended in 'otai?

    Traditionally, the fruit in 'otai is shredded; however, this is an easy 'otai recipe, and shredding all that fruit can be pretty time consuming. A blender makes the work fast and easy, making this recipe very party-friendly.

    Overhead shot of watermelon basket and two glasses of watermelon drink.

    Related Recipes

    • How to Pick a Perfect Watermelon
    • Vietnamese Banana Tapioca Pudding (Chè Chuối)
    • 25 Refreshing Watermelon Recipes
    • Mango Pina Colada Smoothie

    For more recipes and cozy living tips, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for all of the latest updates.

    Otai in small snifter-style glasses, garnished with watermelon cut-outs.
    5 from 4 votes

    Easy 'Otai (Polynesian Watermelon Drink)

    'Otai, a watermelon drink popular in Polynesia, is a refreshing fruit drink usually made with coconut milk or heavy cream. This dairy-free, lower-fat recipe is made with almond milk - and just as fresh and creamy as the original!
    Print Pin Add to Shopping List Go to Shopping List
    Course: Beverage
    Cuisine: American, Polynesian
    Diet: Gluten Free, Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time:5 minutes
    Total Time:5 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 52kcal
    Author: Renee
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • 1 Blender

    Ingredients

    US Customary - Metric
    • 2 cups sweetened almond-coconut milk or unsweetened + sugar
    • 16 ounces watermelon cut up, seeds removed
    Optional Ingredients
    • ½ cup sugar use only if using unsweetened almond milk
    • ½ cup pineapple optional; fresh or canned
    • ½ cup shredded coconut optional
    • 1 whole mango optional; chopped

    Instructions

    • Put 2 cups of almond-coconut milk and 16 ounces of watermelon in a blender.
      If you use sweetened almond milk, you do not need to add any additional sugar to your 'otai. If you use unsweetened almond milk, add ½ cup of sugar to the mixture, sweetening to taste. 
    • Add any optional ingredients (i.e., pineapple, mango, coconut) as desired.
    • Blend until almost smooth and serve cold over ice.

    Notes

    Makes 1 quart
    *If you use sweetened almond milk, you do not need to add any additional sugar to your Otai. If you use unsweetened almond milk, add about ½ cup of sugar to the mixture, and sweeten to taste. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cup | Calories: 52kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 164mg | Potassium: 127mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 645IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 158mg | Iron: 1mg
    This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
    Have you tried this recipe?Mention @TheGoodHeartedWoman or tag #thegoodheartedwoman!

    Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details.

    Originally published Septemeber 2, 2013. This post has been updated with new images, content, and recipe instructions to improve reader experience.

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    About Renée B.

    Renée is writer, music maker, artist, and storyteller. In her spare time, you can find her writing love songs about cowboys, exploring the moss-covered nooks and crannies of the Pacific Northwest, and making music with her talented singer-husband.

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    1. cam says

      August 17, 2022 at 11:43 am

      5 stars
      This was super yummy and refreshing! I added a little coconut rum to mine for a cocktail with friends and it was amazing!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        August 17, 2022 at 12:04 pm

        Absolutely! We love it with a little rum, especially on a hot summer evening!

        Reply
    2. Aimee Mars says

      August 17, 2022 at 10:59 am

      5 stars
      Ohhh this is so yummy! I think next time I may add a little coconut rum to it for a fun happy hour drink!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        August 17, 2022 at 11:11 am

        You are not the first one to do that, for sure! 😉 Enjoy!

        Reply
    3. Sheila says

      August 17, 2022 at 10:33 am

      5 stars
      This drink is so refreshing! Thanks for the recipe — it's definitely a keeper!

      Reply
    4. Tayler says

      August 17, 2022 at 10:16 am

      5 stars
      I made this drink over the weekend and it was so perfect and refreshing! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        August 17, 2022 at 10:31 am

        It's a great way to cool on in the summer heat!

        Reply
    5. Christine Gonzales says

      June 19, 2016 at 9:53 am

      I am used to drinking otai in Hawai'i with shredded coconut....

      Reply
    6. CupcakeKitteh says

      September 03, 2013 at 6:20 pm

      This sounds like the perfect drink for summer, so pretty, too!

      Reply
      • Renée ♥ says

        September 03, 2013 at 7:48 pm

        Thanks for stopping by - I love those apple pie pancakes on your blog!!

        Reply
    7. Kylie - FotV says

      September 03, 2013 at 6:00 pm

      That sounds so amazingly good - and so simple!!

      Reply
      • Renée ♥ says

        September 03, 2013 at 7:52 pm

        Thank you for stopping by, Kylie! I checked you blog and your gluten-free cinnamon rolls with coconut glaze sound wonderful! I need to pass that recipe on to some dear gluten-free friends of mine.

        Reply
    8. veganmiam.com says

      September 03, 2013 at 12:33 am

      Sounds like a divine beverage I would love to try! Summer isn't over here in Spain, but the weather is lovely for a Polynesian watermelon drink...perhaps I should try the santa claus melon version! XX

      Reply

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