How to Make: The Refreshing Es Kopyor


 

Ramadan is here, and after a long day of fasting, there’s nothing more satisfying than breaking your fast with something cold, sweet, and refreshing. One of my favorite drinks to enjoy during iftar is Es Kopyor. It’s not only delicious and cooling but also quite simple to make at home.

Es Kopyor is an Indonesian coconut-based iced drink known for its soft, jelly-like texture and sweet, fragrant syrup. Traditionally, it uses kopyor coconut, a rare genetic variant of coconut with an abnormal, soft endosperm. Because this type of coconut is difficult to find and expensive, I use a clever substitution: agar jelly made with coconut milk. The result is just as refreshing—and far more affordable!

Let’s dive into what makes Es Kopyor special, its origins, and how you can make a version that’s perfect for breaking your fast.


What Is Es Kopyor?

Es Kopyor is a traditional Indonesian iced drink that features jelly-like coconut flesh and sweet syrup over crushed ice. It’s popular across Java and other parts of Indonesia, especially during the hot months and during Ramadhan.

The word "kopyor" refers to a mutant coconut—also known in some places as macapuno. The inside of this coconut has soft, pudding-like flesh instead of the firm meat found in regular coconuts. It naturally separates from the shell, forming curds that float in the coconut water. This makes it perfect for creating soft, chewy textures in drinks and desserts.

Because kopyor coconuts are rare and more expensive, many home cooks (myself included) recreate the texture using a combination of agar powder, jelly powder, and coconut milk. It’s an easy and fun kitchen hack that works wonderfully!


Why Es Kopyor Is Perfect for Breaking the Fast

When you’ve been fasting all day, your body needs a quick source of hydration, sugar, and electrolytes. Es Kopyor delivers all of that:

  • Hydrating coconut milk

  • Natural sugars from cocopandan syrup

  • Cool, refreshing ice to revive your senses

  • Soft, jelly-like texture that’s easy to digest after a long fast

This makes Es Kopyor not just a tasty iftar treat, but also a functional drink that helps rehydrate and replenish your energy quickly.


Ingredients for Es Kopyor

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own homemade Es Kopyor, using a simple agar-based method. All ingredients are easily found in Asian grocery stores or online.

Jelly Base:

  • 1 sachet of plain agar-agar powder (about 7–10 grams)

  • 1/2 sachet of plain jelly powder (around 5 grams)

  • 900 ml of coconut milk (fresh or canned)

  • Sugar to taste (start with 3–5 tablespoons, adjust as needed)

Syrup Mixture:

  • Cocopandan syrup (or substitute with coconut syrup or rose syrup)

  • Water

  • Extra sugar if needed

Ice:

  • Large ice cubes or crushed ice

📝 Tip: If cocopandan syrup isn’t available, mix coconut syrup with a few drops of pandan or rose extract to create the signature floral note.


Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Jelly “Kopyor” Base

Start by preparing your jelly, which will mimic the soft, curdy texture of real kopyor coconut flesh.

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, combine:

    • 1 sachet of plain agar powder

    • 1/2 sachet of jelly powder

    • 900 ml of coconut milk

    • Sugar to taste

  2. Stir well and bring to a boil over medium heat.

  3. Keep stirring to prevent lumps or the coconut milk from separating.

Once it reaches a gentle boil and everything is dissolved evenly, you’re ready to shape the jelly into “kopyor” flakes.


2. Shape the Jelly into Kopyor-Like Strands

This is the fun part! You’ll recreate the curdled texture of kopyor coconut by pouring hot jelly onto ice.

Instructions:

  1. Prepare a large bowl filled with big ice cubes or very cold water with ice.

  2. Using a spoon or ladle, pour 1 tablespoon at a time of the hot jelly onto the ice. The cold temperature will instantly solidify the jelly into soft, irregular curls.

  3. Repeat until all the jelly mixture is used up.

Let the jelly cool completely, then strain and transfer it into a clean bowl.


3. Prepare the Cocopandan Syrup

While your jelly is setting, prepare the sweet, fragrant syrup that gives Es Kopyor its signature flavor.

Instructions:

  1. In a pitcher, combine:

    • 3–4 tablespoons of cocopandan syrup

    • 400 ml of cold water

    • Additional sugar if needed (depending on your taste)

  2. Stir well until dissolved. Chill in the refrigerator for best results.


4. Assemble and Serve the Es Kopyor

Time to put everything together for the ultimate refreshing drink!

Instructions:

  1. In a serving glass or bowl, add a generous spoonful of your kopyor-style jelly.

  2. Pour the syrup mixture over it until the glass is nearly full.

  3. Add ice cubes or crushed ice to chill it further.

  4. Stir gently and serve immediately.

Enjoy your refreshing homemade Es Kopyor, perfect for iftar or any sunny day!


Optional Add-ins and Variations

While the traditional Es Kopyor is simple and pure, you can get creative by adding:

  • Basil seeds (selasih) for texture

  • Jackfruit slices for sweetness

  • Nata de coco for chewiness

  • Young coconut meat, if available

You can also try using almond milk or soy milk instead of coconut milk if you're looking for a lighter or dairy-free version with a twist.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this drink ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the jelly and syrup a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Just assemble the drink right before serving for best texture.

2. Is Es Kopyor vegan-friendly?
Yes, as long as your agar and jelly powders are plant-based and don’t contain gelatin (which comes from animal sources). Most agar powders are vegan.

3. What’s the difference between agar and jelly powder?
Agar gives a firm, clean-cut texture, while jelly powder (often containing carrageenan) gives a more bouncy or elastic texture. Using both mimics the soft irregular texture of real kopyor coconut.

4. Can I use canned coconut milk?
Absolutely. Just make sure it’s unsweetened and well-mixed. Shake or stir it before use.


Why You’ll Love This Es Kopyor Recipe

  • ✅ Super refreshing and hydrating

  • ✅ Naturally vegan and gluten-free

  • ✅ Budget-friendly compared to real kopyor coconut

  • ✅ Fun and easy to make with just a few ingredients

  • ✅ Perfect for Ramadan, summer days, or tropical dessert menus

It’s one of those drinks that looks fancy but is incredibly easy to whip up, especially once you master the technique of pouring hot jelly onto ice. Kids will love helping too—it’s like a science experiment that turns into dessert!


Final Thoughts

Es Kopyor is a classic Indonesian beverage that brings cool relief and a taste of tradition to your table. Whether you’re observing Ramadhan and looking for the perfect iftar drink, or simply want to explore tropical flavors from Southeast Asia, this homemade version will win your heart.

With soft coconut jelly, fragrant syrup, and a cooling burst of ice, Es Kopyor is more than a drink—it’s a celebration of creativity, refreshment, and culture in a glass.

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