everywhere, everything (coconut)

in a coconut state of mind

east coast

Mid-July, multiple heat waves, peak summer... I think we're all looking for something to cool us off. Bonus points if it hydrates you, and even more if it actually tastes good. The easy answer? Coconut. Literally anything coconut.

There are actual scientific benefits to coconut water, from its superior hydration to its naturally occurring electrolytes. But honestly? I'm just obsessed with the taste.

It's a coconut girl summer—there, I said it—and I'm completely here for it.

Coconut margaritas, coconut coffee, coconut snacks... there's truly no end to the madness. And that's not even counting the shelves of coconut-scented products currently taking over my bathroom. So, in honor of my newest obsession, here are some of the coconut finds that have officially converted me into a super fan. In no particular order...

I've already spoken on Third Place in Stamford before, but maybe one day it'll get its own write-up because this place has a lot to unpack. Between the indoor workspaces, coffee shop, food truck, brewery, outdoor area, and countless events, there's always something to do. My favorite thing? Walking the 15 minutes from my apartment, grabbing a coconut latte, and perching myself in an Adirondack chair out back to enjoy my morning. Sometimes I even bring my laptop and get a few hundred words written before heading home. Their current summer special—and I'd like to think I inspired it with my countless orders of a coconut latte with whole milk—is the "Cloud 9ine," a coconut latte topped with vanilla cold foam and coconut shavings. It's delicious, so for the duration of my obsession, that's exactly what I'll be ordering.

Summer isn't complete without a trip out East. (If that sentence feels forced, it's because it was actually my first trip out East... but whatever.) It's dreamy, quintessential East Coast summer, and just happens to be home to one of the best coconut drinks I've had so far. Enter “One Trick Pony.” The coffee shop itself is aesthetic (but what in the Hamptons isn't?). Between the green accents, the envy-inducing logo, and the cute merch (I'm still thinking about those hats), I was already obsessed. I passed on the breakfast burrito and avocado toast and went for, you guessed it, a cold brew with coconut cold foam. Amazing. Five stars.

Because apparently it's also a Long Island summer, if you find yourself in Port Washington at a cute little Mexican spot called Dirty Taco on the water, order the coconut margarita. I can't imagine any of the drinks there are bad, but this one tasted like a piña colada in a glass—with Tajín, of course. Dirty Taco has locations across Long Island and is the perfect summer spot for margaritas, seafood appetizers, and an impressive spread of tacos.

Okay, bear with me; we're still on LI. A few towns over from Port Washington is Huntington, where you can wander the streets full of shops and restaurants before finding yourself people-watching from a picnic table at NewWave overlooking the roundabout. While I actually haven't eaten much there besides the guacamole, the service is great, and anything with outdoor seating already has me hooked. Their coconut margarita is completely different from Dirty Taco's. Instead of tasting like a piña colada, it tastes just like one of those Key Lime Pie Popsicles we all had as kids. I'll fact-check the brand, but either way, it's a coconut margarita with a ton of lime flavor, which basically makes it the perfect drink after a beach day in Northport. (If you find yourself on Long Island... text me for a full itinerary- I'm basically a local now.)

For everyone who doesn't live on Long Island—or even in Connecticut—Sunbear Sparkling Coconut Water deserves a mention. I stumbled upon them during a long, hot trip into Manhattan at a little coffee shop/ general store called The Elk. They're sparkling coconut waters that come in a variety of flavors. I tried the Lemon Lime and Watermelon, and both were delicious. They're light, refreshing, naturally packed with electrolytes, and low in calories. Basically, it's an elevated, bubbly coconut water, and I'll definitely be stocking my fridge with it.

Another fridge staple lately is Trader Joe's Coconut Coffee Creamer. Maybe I'm late to this one, but on the days I'm not emptying my wallet at Third Place, I'm making a (sigh... decaf) coffee at home. This creamer satisfies my coconut cravings and somehow makes my lack of barista skills taste surprisingly passable.

Finally, ending this piece with something sweet. I go out of my way to grab a bag of Unreal Dark Chocolate Coconut Bars whenever I'm at CVS, Target, or Whole Foods. They're the perfect little treat to end the night. Unreal makes better-for-you candy, and these coconut bars are made with clean ingredients, making it feel slightly less guilty when I eat half the bag (or the whole thing). And they're filled with coconut, so that's basically fruit, right? I'll end that note.

The coconut hunt continues all summer long, so if anyone has any recommendations (please), send them my way…