• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Salima's Kitchen

  • About
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfasts
    • Desserts
    • Drinks & Cocktails
    • Main Dishes
    • Moroccan
    • Puerto Rican
    • Salads
    • Sauces
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
    • Soups
  • Portfolio
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • Moroccan Recipes
  • Puerto Rican Recipes
  • Portfolio
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Let's get social!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Dietary Preferences » Peanut Free » Shaved Ice (Piragua)

    Shaved Ice (Piragua)

    ★★★★★ from 2 reviews
    Jun 14, 2022 / by Salima Benkhalti / 3 Comments

    10 shares
    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
    shaved ice in a glass
    a glass of shaved ice

    Shaved ice (also known as Piragua in Puerto Rico) is a classic dessert made with shaved ice and a sweet, usually fruity topping.

    shaved ice in a glass

    This post may contain affiliate links; this means if you purchase an item linked, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Click here to learn more about my disclosure policy.

    While this post will teach you how to make any kind of shaved ice you like, this particular flavor is topped with a creamy coconut cinnamon topping.

    The classic flavors of sweet coconut and warm cinnamon are a signature of many of the most popular Puerto Rican recipes like this Coquito and Arroz con Dulce.

    Ingredients

    For the Ice:

    • 4 cups ice

    For the Piragua Coconut Topping: (see note for options)

    • ¼ cup sweetened condensed coconut milk
    • 2 tbsp coconut milk
    • 1 tsp cinnamon

    See recipe card for quantities.

    ingredients to make shaved ice topping

    Equipment

    If you're anything like me, you've probably already researched buying an ice shaving machine.

    While they are definitely out there and have glowing reviews, I'm here to tell you it's not a necessary tool in making this recipe.

    As long as you own a good quality blender, you can shave your own ice without needing a new (giant and expensive) kitchen appliance.

    I recommend investing in a great blender that will last the test of time and be a life saver for recipes like this.

    Otherwise, you can use a food processor or a shaving tool specific for the job.

    How to Make It

    shaved ice topping being mixed

    Prepare the topping. Whisk together the condensed milk with the coconut milk and cinnamon until smooth and creamy. Chill in the fridge until ready to use.

    shaved ice in a blender

    Shave the ice. Using a blender, food processor, or ice shaving machine, shave the ice until similar to snow in consistency.

    Shaved ice will adopt whatever flavor you pour over it. Get creative with your favorite flavors and use what you have available in your fridge. Scroll for more ideas.

    shaved ice in a glass

    Serve. Fill cups with the shaved ice before pouring the coconut mix over top.

    Tip: for a super smooth and creamy coconut topping, whip the coconut milk and condensed coconut milk with an immersion blender before combining.

    Topping Variations

    The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to shaved ice toppings.

    Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

    • Simple/Italian Syrups - us your favorite Italian syrup or make your own using equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan. Add a squeeze of lemon juice or your favorite flavoring and cool before using.
    • Fruit Compotes - stew your favorite fruits in a small saucepan with a bit of sugar, strain out the solids and cool before pouring the fruit reduction over the shaved ice.
    • Creamsicles - riff off my recipe below and use coconut or heavy cream to create a creamsicle-type flavor profile. Use 1 part cream to 3 parts whatever syrup you like (orange, raspberry, Rootbeer, etc.).
    • Keep it Light - keep the prep and clean up minimal and opt for a squeeze of your favorite fruit juice and a sprinkle of sugar (optional).

    As always, I encourage you to start with what you have in your fridge. A lemon and a handful of berries can go a long way when stewed with a few spoonfuls of sugar!

    shaved ice in glasses

    Traditional Puerto Rican Piragua Toppings

    Many of the traditional Puerto Rican piragua flavors are inspired by tropical fruit available on the island.

    Here are some of my favorites:

    • Coco - this is one of the most popular and for good reason! My recipe below is inspired by this classic topping flavor.
    • China - an orange flavored topping
    • Fresa - a sweet strawberry topping

    While there are infinitely many Piragua flavors you can find accross the island, what makes gives this version of shaved ice that Puerto Rican signature is the distinctive pyramid shape.

    Snow Cones vs. Shaved Ice

    You may be wondering what is the difference between shaved ice and snow cones?

    In general, snow cones are made up of larger pieces of ice, while shaved ice is known for it's snow-like texture.

    There are desserts found all over the world that resemble this recipe.

    In Puerto Rico we call it Piragua, but in Hawaii they call their Hawaiian rendition Kakigōri. Wherever you're enjoying it, shaved ice is easily distinguishable thanks to it's soft, light and fluffy texture.

    shaved ice in a glass

    Storage

    Like most single serve frozen treats, shaved ice is best enjoyed fresh, before it melts!

    If you're preparing this recipe for a crowd, prep the ice and the topping before hand, store separately for up to 5 days, and assemble when ready to serve.

    Cheers,

    the name Salima
    Print

    Shaved Ice

    shaved ice in a glass
    Print Recipe

    ★★★★★

    5 from 2 reviews

    Shaved ice (also known as Piragua in Puerto Rico) is a classic dessert made with shaved ice and a sweet, usually fruity topping.  

    • Author: Salima Benkhalti
    • Prep Time: 20 minutes
    • Total Time: 20 minutes
    • Yield: 2 servings 1x
    • Category: Dessert, Snack
    • Method: Raw
    • Cuisine: Puerto Rican, American
    • Diet: Vegan

    Ingredients

    Scale

    For the Shaved Ice:

    • 4 cups ice

    For the Coconut Topping: (see note for options)

    • 2 tbsp sweetened condensed coconut milk
    • ½ cup coconut milk
    • 1 tsp cinnamon

    Instructions

    1. Prepare the topping. Whisk together the condensed milk with the coconut milk and cinnamon until smooth and creamy. Chill in the fridge until ready to use.
    2. Shave the ice. Using a blender, food processor, or ice shaving machine, shave the ice until similar to snow in consistency.
    3. Serve. Fill cups with the shaved ice before pouring the coconut mix over top.

    Notes

    • Tip: for a super smooth and creamy coconut topping, whip the coconut milk and condensed coconut milk with an immersion blender before combining.
    • Shaved ice will adopt whatever flavor you pour over it. Get creative with your favorite flavors and use what is available to you. Scroll up for ideas.

    Keywords: shaved ice, Puerto Rican shaved ice

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @salimaskitchen on Instagram and hashtag it #salimaskitchen

    « The Jungle Bird (Pineapple Lime Cocktail)
    Chi Chi Drink »

    Reader Interactions

      Leave a comment & rate this recipe Cancel reply

      If you tried this recipe and loved it, please consider leaving a star rating and comment. Your reviews help other readers to discover my recipes. Your support means more than you know to me!

      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

      Comments

    1. Maria B

      June 15, 2022 at 6:56 am

      This looks delicious! How long can I keep the topping in the fridge once I prepare it? Thank you!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Salima Benkhalti

        June 16, 2022 at 11:37 am

        Thanks for your review and comment Maria! You can keep the topping for up to 5 days in your refrigerator.

        Reply
    2. Steve

      June 16, 2022 at 11:22 am

      This is our favorite summer treat!

      ★★★★★

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Reader Favorites

    • Empanadillas
    • Puerto Rican Flan
    • Piña Colada on the Rocks
    • Moroccan Tomato Salad
    • Empanada Dough

    Features

    a list of brands Salima has worked with

    recipe categories

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Learn more about Salima's Kitchen

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Portfolio

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Salima's Kitchen
    Support by Foodie Digital

    10 shares