📝 About This Recipe
Spris is a stunning, multi-layered fruit puree that is a staple in juice bars across Addis Ababa. This non-alcoholic beverage is less of a juice and more of a luscious, spoonable dessert, featuring distinct bands of avocado, mango, and papaya. It is a celebration of tropical freshness, offering a creamy, velvety texture and a natural sweetness that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying.
🥗 Ingredients
Avocado Layer
- 1 large Ripe Hass Avocado (pitted and peeled)
- 2-3 tablespoons Cold Water (to adjust consistency)
- 1 teaspoon Lime Juice (to prevent browning)
- 1 tablespoon Honey or Sugar (optional, to taste)
Mango Layer
- 1 large Ripe Mango (peeled and cubed, preferably Kent or Keitt variety)
- 1-2 tablespoons Cold Water (only if needed for blending)
Papaya Layer
- 1.5 cups Ripe Papaya (peeled, seeded, and cubed)
- 1/2 teaspoon Lemon Juice (to brighten the flavor)
Garnish and Assembly
- 2 pieces Fresh Lime Wedge (for the rim)
- 1 tablespoon Honey (for drizzling over the top)
- 2 sprigs Fresh Mint Sprig (for a pop of color)
- 1 teaspoon Vimto or Grenadine (optional, for a traditional red streak)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Begin by chilling your tall serving glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes; this helps the layers set quickly as you pour.
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2
Prepare the avocado layer first. Place the avocado flesh, lime juice, and honey into a blender. Blend until completely smooth and thick, like a heavy custard. Add water one tablespoon at a time if it's too thick to move the blades.
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3
Transfer the avocado puree to a small bowl and set aside. Rinse the blender jar thoroughly to ensure the colors don't mix.
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4
Prepare the mango layer. Blend the mango cubes until they form a thick, vibrant yellow puree. Do not add water unless absolutely necessary, as this layer needs to be dense enough to support the one above it.
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5
Transfer the mango puree to a separate bowl and rinse the blender jar again.
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6
Prepare the papaya layer by blending the papaya cubes with the lemon juice. Papaya is naturally more watery, so blend it last to ensure it doesn't separate.
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7
Now, begin the assembly. Take your chilled glass and carefully spoon the avocado puree into the bottom third. Smooth the top with the back of the spoon to create a level surface.
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8
To add the mango layer, place a large spoon face-down against the inside wall of the glass, just above the avocado. Slowly pour or spoon the mango puree over the back of the spoon to minimize the impact and keep the layers distinct.
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9
Repeat the spoon technique for the final papaya layer, filling the glass almost to the brim.
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10
If using Vimto or Grenadine, take a thin straw or a long spoon and gently drizzle it down the side of the glass to create a decorative red streak through the layers.
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11
Finish with a light drizzle of honey over the top and garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lime wedge on the rim.
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12
Serve immediately with both a straw and a long-handled spoon, as the consistency is thick enough to eat.
💡 Chef's Tips
Ensure all your fruits are very ripe; the natural sugars are what make Spris truly delicious without adding much extra sweetener. Keep the purees as thick as possible; if the juice is too thin, the layers will bleed into each other and lose the 'spris' effect. Always wash the blender between fruits to keep the colors vibrant and the flavors distinct. If your avocado is slightly under-ripe, add an extra teaspoon of honey to compensate for the lack of creaminess. For a truly authentic touch, serve with a small piece of lime to squeeze over the top just before eating.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside a warm plate of spicy Doro Wat to cool the palate. Pair with a piece of traditional Himbasha (Ethiopian spiced bread) for a light breakfast. Enjoy as a refreshing afternoon snack on a hot summer day. Serve in smaller glasses as a colorful, healthy dessert course for a dinner party. Accompany with a cup of strong, traditional Ethiopian coffee.