Avocado milk smoothie in two tall glasses.

Avocado Milk

Avocados aren’t just for guacamole! In the Philippines and throughout Southeast Asia, Avocado Milk (smoothie or milkshake) is a simple, refreshing treat!

Avocado milk smoothie in two tall glasses.
Avocado Milk

Avocados aren’t just for guacamole! In the Philippines and throughout Southeast Asia, Avocado Milk (avocado milk smoothie or avocado milkshake) is a simple, refreshing treat!

Note: This post first appeared on February 10, 2010. The recipe has been updated from the archives with updated content and photographs, as well as improved kitchen notes and recipe annotation. I hope you enjoy this favorite from my kitchen.

The other night I was catching up with an old friend, when the topic turned to avocados. (One of my favorite subjects!) She was telling me that some Filipino friends had introduced her to a drink with avocado in it.

Waaaaiit a minute. I thought that was my own little secret. Not even my sister knew about it.  I actually believed that it was my Tita (Aunt) Leah’s quirky concoction that she passed on to me when I was about 8 years old. I decided to poke around, and was surprised to learn that variations of a milky avocado drink are widely popular around Asia.

The internet produced loads of avocado drink images. This describes an Indonesian variety with chocolate (!). Here is yet another version.

So, apparently, I’m not alone.

Avocados for avocado milk.

Avocado Drinks in Southeast Asia

Ever since this epiphany, I learned that sweet avocado drinks are popular throughout Southeast Asia. In Indonesia, avocado shakes are called jus alpukat, in Vietnam, avocado smoothies are called Sinh tố bơ, and in the Philippines, you can of course what I call avocado milk, or avocado smoothies (sometimes called milkshakes).

It is not uncommon to enjoy avocado sweet, like a dessert, rather than savory, and in the Philippines, it is not uncommon to enjoy avocado mashed and sweetened with sugar over ice, with a little milk.

And of course, if you’ve gone to any bubble tea store these days, I’m sure you’ve seen avocado shakes with boba!

Ingredients for avocado milk smoothie in a glass jar.

Avocado Milk

My kids love what we call “Avocado Milk.”  My son periodically begs for this drink.  And when I’ve got ripe avocados, I am happy to oblige. Avocados are loaded with “good” (mono-saturated) fat, AND it has more potassium than bananas AND is high in vitamins B, E, and K.  Oh, and avocados are a good source of fiber.  You know how good that is for you.

The drink is simple, really.  Avocados, milk and sugar.  You can control the sugar, of course.  My friend likes to use rice milk, which is already sweet, and passes on the sugar.  I haven’t tried it yet, but I imagine that would be good. 

My kids like it smooth from a blender shake-style, while I like mine chunky.  There are many ways to enjoy it!  Give it a try, you might find that avocados aren’t just for guacamole anymore.

Avocado milk smoothie in two tall glasses.

More Avocado Recipes

Avocado Kale Superfood Smoothie
Grilled Fish Tacos with Avocado-Cilantro Sauce
Avocado Cucumber Salad
Citrus and Avocado Salad with Quick-Pickled Fennel
Lemony Kale, Avocado, and Chickpea Salad

Note: This post first appeared on February 10, 2010. The recipe has been updated from the archives with updated content and photographs, as well as improved kitchen notes and recipe annotation. I hope you enjoy this favorite from my kitchen.

Avocado Milk

Avocados aren't just for guacamole! In the Philippines and throughout Southeast Asia, Avocado Milk (avocado milk smoothie or avocado milkshake) is a simple, refreshing treat!
Avocado milk smoothie in two tall glasses.
Print This Pin This
5 from 1 vote
Course Drinks, Snack
Cuisine Filipino
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 109kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 large ripe avocado
  • 2-3 tablespoons granulated sugar to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups ice cold skim milk

Instructions

  • Halve and pit the avocado, slice into quarters and peel the skin. Discard the pit and peel.
  • Place avocado slices in a large glass with the sugar and mash, creating a paste. Whisk in the milk. For a more creamy texture, like a smoothie, place all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
  • Pour the avocado milk into two glasses and serve immediately.

Notes

One of the best things about avocado milk is that there are no hard or fast rules. I prefer my drink milky, with a few chunks of avocado in each sip. But some like it smooth and creamy. Also, feel free to experiment with your favorite soy or almond milk.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 109kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 6g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 77mg | Potassium: 286mg | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 375IU | Calcium: 224mg
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see! Tag @kitchconfidante on Instagram and hashtag it #kitchenconfidante
Photo of Avocado Milk from the original post, February 10, 2010.

Comments

Recipe Rating




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  1. Martin

    wow, Avocado smoothie :) this smoothie is perfect for being refresh. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

    Reply
  2. Sabrina

    5 stars
    another interesting recipe that’s new to me, thank you! I love avocados but have never had avocado milk

    Reply
  3. Hafsah

    Just triedbit this morning with honey instead of sugar was devine

    Reply
    • Liren Baker

      Hi Kiti! Since avocado oxidizes and turns brown quickly, I like to drink the avocado milk as soon as I make it. I probably wouldn’t keep it for longer than an hour or two in the refrigerator. Hope this helps!

      Reply
  4. Serena

    Mmm…avocado milk! Tastes even smoother with condensed milk then you can omit the granulated sugar

    Reply
  5. Guadalupe Flad

    Hello, I also love the Madagaskar movies, great movie!

    Reply
  6. sheila

    Been following your blog for a couple of days now! I’m loving it! I remember my lola (grandma) making Avocado ice candy in the Philippines while I was little. It was my favorite! This reminded me of it! I;m going to have to make this soon! Thanks for sharing! It made my day :)

    Reply
    • Liren

      Hi Sheila, welcome! Did your lola really make avocado ice candy? How did she do it? I would love to know!

      Reply
  7. Pierre

    In Indonesia, you can find this with chocolate condense milk in every restaurants. It’s said to be skin-nourishing.

    Reply
    • kitchenworthy

      Really?! I’ll definitely have to try it with chocolate and condensed milk one day — it sounds delicious and would make a good dessert!

      Reply
  8. TinyGatsbyKid

    I will, in fact I have purchased my avocado & rice milk. Just need to wait for the ‘cado to ripen. P.S. I passed by a store that had california cuties in a crate and saw the cutie character smiling at me. Thought of you!

    Reply
  9. TinyGatsbyKid

    Nice photo! It makes me want to take a big gulp of the green stuff!

    Reply
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