Avocado Milkshake

The Avocado Milkshake is a thick, creamy, and surprisingly refreshing non-alcoholic blend. It’s a rich dessert drink, showcasing the subtle, earthy sweetness of ripe avocado alongside milk and sugar. This drink stands out for its unique savory-sweet profile and luxurious texture, often surprising those unfamiliar with avocado in sweet applications. It’s a perfect choice for anyone seeking a substantial, cooling treat or a satisfying alcohol-free option.

Avocado Milkshake

4.38 from 29 votes

Calories: 26kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Ingredients

▢ 1 Liter(s) Milk
▢ 2 - 3 halved and peeled Avocado
▢ 0.5 Cup(s) Sugar

Instructions

▢
Blend on medium for 3 to 5 minutes.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 26kcal (1%)Carbohydrates: 5g (2%)Sugar: 5g (6%)

Mocktail

Where it came from

Avocado milkshakes, or similar sweet preparations of avocado, are staples in Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines, as well as parts of South America. It’s more of a cafe or street food item than a traditional bar drink, a natural culinary development in regions where avocados are abundant and utilized beyond savory dishes.

This is less a cocktail and more a blended fruit refreshment. It fits into the broader category of fruit shakes and smoothies. While it shares structural similarities with a banana milkshake or a mango lassi, the avocado provides a distinct creamy richness and an earthy sweetness that sets it apart from its fruitier relatives.

You’d typically find this drink in a bustling street market, a casual cafe, or as a homemade cooler. It’s a popular choice for an afternoon pick-me-up or a dessert, especially in warmer climates. It’s not usually a fixture on a high-end cocktail bar menu, but it holds its own as a beloved staple.

What it tastes like

The Avocado Milkshake delivers a smooth, thick mouthfeel upfront, immediately followed by the creamy, subtly nutty flavor of ripe avocado. The sugar provides a balanced sweetness that carries through the mid-palate, finishing clean with a lingering richness rather than a sharp sugary note. It’s surprisingly satisfying despite its density.

This is a non-alcoholic drink. With no spirits in the recipe, the Avocado Milkshake has an ABV of 0.0%. It’s comparable to a glass of milk or a fruit smoothie, offering pure refreshment without any alcoholic kick.

The technique

Building an Avocado Milkshake is straightforward. Combine the peeled and halved avocados, milk, and sugar in a blender. Start on a low setting to break down the solids, then increase to medium speed. Continue blending until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform, typically for three to five minutes, ensuring no avocado lumps remain. Pour directly into a tall glass.

The most crucial technique here is thorough blending. Avocado has a tendency to clump, and if not blended long enough, you’ll end up with an unappetizing chunky texture. A proper blend ensures a silky, consistent drink that holds its creamy body from the first sip to the last. Don’t rush the process.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Avocado

Use: Ripe Hass avocados are ideal for their creamy texture and rich flavor. Aim for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure.
Skip: Unripe, hard avocados will result in a watery, less flavorful shake with a gritty texture. Overripe, stringy avocados can impart an off-flavor.
Why: Avocado provides the foundational creamy texture and subtle, earthy sweetness that defines this milkshake. It’s the star ingredient.

Milk

Use: Whole milk provides the best richness and body. For a slightly lighter version, 2% milk works. Dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk can also be used, though they alter the flavor profile.
Skip: Skim milk will make the shake too thin and watery, losing much of its luxurious mouthfeel and overall richness.
Why: Milk is the liquid base that carries and emulsifies the avocado and sugar, contributing significantly to the overall creaminess and drinkability of the milkshake.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.

Spiced Avocado

A warming twist.: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the blender for an aromatic depth that complements the avocado’s natural flavor.

Coffee Kick

For a jolt of energy.: Blend in a shot of cold brew coffee or espresso for a mocha-like flavor with the creamy avocado base, creating a unique pick-me-up.

Tropical Sweetener

A fruitier alternative.: Introduce a few chunks of ripe mango or a splash of coconut cream to the blend for an added layer of tropical fruitiness and richness.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Avocado?

Use ripe banana for a similar creamy texture, though the flavor will obviously shift to banana. Mango can also work for a different fruit profile.

No Milk?

Coconut milk or a rich oat milk will provide creaminess, but expect a different flavor profile. Soy milk is another option.

No Sugar?

Honey, maple syrup, or a pitted Medjool date can be used as alternative sweeteners, adjust to taste for desired sweetness.

No Blender?

A food processor can work, but achieving the same perfectly smooth consistency might take longer and require more scraping. An immersion blender can also work in a deep container.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in an Avocado Milkshake?

An Avocado Milkshake typically contains milk, ripe avocado, and sugar, all blended until smooth and creamy.

Is an Avocado Milkshake healthy?

It contains healthy fats from avocado and calcium from milk, but also sugar. It’s a rich treat, best enjoyed in moderation.

Can I make an Avocado Milkshake vegan?

Yes, absolutely. Use a plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk, and ensure your sugar source is vegan-friendly.

How do I choose a ripe avocado for a milkshake?

Look for an avocado that yields slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed. It should not be rock hard nor overly mushy.

Can I add ice to an Avocado Milkshake?

Yes, a handful of ice can make it colder and slightly thinner, which some prefer. It may dilute the flavor slightly.

How long does an Avocado Milkshake last?

It’s best consumed immediately for optimal texture and freshness. It can be stored in the fridge for a few hours, but it may separate and the avocado can oxidize.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Not recommended. Avocado tends to oxidize and change color and flavor when exposed to air. Best made fresh for the best experience.

What if my Avocado Milkshake is too thick?

If your milkshake is too thick, add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, and blend until it reaches your desired consistency.

From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · 1 min read