Mogu litchi is a lychee-coconut beverage containing artificial red dye E129 (with child behavior warnings), synthetic preservatives, and artificial flavoring. This DIY version uses real organic lychee juice, coconut milk, and natural sweeteners for a cleaner, preservative-free alternative with superior nutrition and flavor.
Based on: Mogu litchi
· Makes approximately 16 servings (320g each)
· Serving: 320g (about 1.3 cups)
Why This Recipe is Seed Oil Free
Commercial Mogu litchi from Sappe Public Company Limited often contains inflammatory seed oils like canola, soybean, or sunflower oil. This homemade version replaces them with healthier fats like butter, ghee, coconut oil, or avocado oil — giving you the same great taste without the processed oils.
The original Mogu litchi may also contain artificial dyes. Check it on DyeFreeCheck to find out.
Ingredients
Filtered water
3.2L (about 13.5 cups) · Home filtration system or spring water
Base liquid that carries all flavors and provides hydration
Fresh lychee juice
1.28L (about 5.4 cups) - 25% of total volume · Pressed from 2.5kg fresh organic lychees or Lakewood Organic Lychee Juice
Primary fruit flavor providing natural sweetness, vitamin C, and authentic lychee taste
Organic coconut milk
1.28L (about 5.4 cups) - 25% of total volume · Native Forest Organic Coconut Milk (full-fat canned)
Provides creamy mouthfeel, natural electrolytes, and tropical coconut flavor balance
Natural preservative and tartness enhancer that brightens fruit flavors and extends shelf life
Organic agar powder
4g (about 1 teaspoon) · Now Foods Organic Agar Powder
Seaweed-based natural thickener that creates the slightly viscous texture of the original
Himalayan pink salt
2g (about 0.5 teaspoon) · Redmond Real Salt Fine
Enhances fruit flavors and provides trace minerals for electrolyte balance
Instructions
Step 1. If using fresh lychees: Peel 2.5kg (about 5.5 lbs) of organic lychees, remove pits, and process in a high-speed blender with 200ml water until smooth. Strain through fine mesh to extract 1.28L pure juice. This takes 20-30 minutes but provides vastly superior flavor compared to concentrate. If using bottled organic lychee juice, ensure it's 100% pure with no added sugars or preservatives.
Step 2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut sugar (120g) and citric acid (8g) until evenly combined. The acid will help the sugar dissolve more quickly and prevent clumping. Add the Himalayan salt (2g) and whisk again. This dry mixture ensures even distribution when combined with liquids.
Step 3. In a small saucepan, bring 500ml of the filtered water to a gentle boil. Slowly whisk in the agar powder (4g) while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, whisking continuously, until the agar is completely dissolved and the mixture appears clear. Agar requires heat activation to form proper gel structure.
Step 4. Remove agar mixture from heat and immediately whisk in the sugar-citric acid blend. Stir vigorously for 1-2 minutes until completely dissolved. The mixture should be clear with no granules visible. Allow to cool for 5 minutes to room temperature - hot liquid will separate the coconut milk.
Step 5. In a large pitcher (at least 6L capacity), combine the cooled agar-sugar mixture with the remaining 2.7L filtered water. Add the fresh lychee juice (1.28L) and stir gently but thoroughly. The lychee juice should be at room temperature to prevent shock when combined with other ingredients.
Step 6. Slowly pour in the organic coconut milk (1.28L) while stirring continuously in a figure-8 pattern. This prevents the coconut milk from separating or forming clumps. The mixture should have a light pink color from the lychee and creamy opacity from the coconut milk. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed - the flavor should be balanced between lychee tartness and coconut richness.
Step 7. Pour the finished beverage into clean glass bottles or jars, leaving 1 inch headspace. Refrigerate immediately for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the agar to set slightly, creating the characteristic viscous mouthfeel. Shake or stir gently before each serving as natural separation is normal.
Step 8. Serve chilled over ice if desired. Each 320g serving provides natural fruit sugars, electrolytes from coconut, and vitamin C from lychee. Store refrigerated and consume within 5-7 days for optimal freshness and safety, as this preservative-free version has a shorter shelf life than commercial products.
Storage
Store in refrigerator at 35-40°F for up to 7 days. Natural separation is normal - gently shake or stir before serving. Do not freeze as this will break the agar gel structure and separate the coconut milk.
Cost Comparison
Cost per serving (homemade)$0.74
Cost per serving (store-bought)$2.50
Savings70%
High upfront ingredient cost due to specialty items like organic lychee and agar, but most ingredients last for many batches. Fresh lychees provide superior flavor and nutrition compared to concentrate-based commercial versions.