📝 About This Recipe
Transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Jakarta with Es Alpukat, a decadent Indonesian staple that reimagines the avocado as a sweet, velvety treat. Unlike savory Western preparations, this shake highlights the fruit's buttery richness by pairing it with deep cocoa notes and sweetened condensed milk. It is a refreshing, thick, and luxurious beverage that blurs the line between a drink and a dessert, offering a unique cooling experience perfect for warm afternoons.
🥗 Ingredients
The Avocado Base
- 2 large Ripe Hass Avocados (pitted and scooped out; ensure they are buttery and soft)
- 1/2 cup Cold Whole Milk (can substitute with coconut milk for a tropical twist)
- 3-4 tablespoons Sweetened Condensed Milk (adjust based on desired sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon Simple Syrup or Honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (to enhance the floral notes of the avocado)
- 1.5 cups Ice Cubes (crushed ice works best for a smoother blend)
- 1 pinch Sea Salt (to balance the sugars)
The Chocolate Component
- 3 tablespoons Chocolate Condensed Milk (traditional Indonesian 'Susu Kental Manis Cokelat')
- 2 tablespoons Dark Chocolate Syrup (for drizzling the glass)
Optional Toppings & Texture
- 2 tablespoons Strong Cold Brew Coffee (optional, for an 'Es Alpukat Kopi' variation)
- 1 teaspoon Chocolate Sprinkles (Meses) (for a nostalgic crunch)
- 2 dollops Whipped Cream (for a modern cafe-style presentation)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Begin by selecting perfectly ripe avocados. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure. Cut them in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a bowl.
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2
Chill your serving glasses in the freezer for at least 10 minutes. This helps the chocolate drizzle stay on the sides of the glass longer.
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3
In a high-speed blender, combine the scooped avocado flesh, cold whole milk, and 3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk.
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4
Add the vanilla extract and a tiny pinch of sea salt to the blender to brighten the overall flavor profile.
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5
Add the ice cubes to the blender. If you prefer a thicker, spoonable consistency, use more ice; for a sippable shake, stick to 1.5 cups.
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6
Pulse the blender several times to break up the ice, then blend on high speed for 45-60 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and pale green.
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7
Taste the mixture. If you prefer it sweeter, add the extra tablespoon of simple syrup or more condensed milk and blend for another 5 seconds.
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8
Remove your chilled glasses from the freezer. Hold a glass at an angle and drizzle the chocolate syrup or chocolate condensed milk in a circular motion around the inside walls to create decorative swirls.
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9
Carefully pour the avocado shake into the center of the decorated glasses, being careful not to smudge the chocolate patterns on the sides.
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10
If you are making the coffee version (Es Alpukat Kopi), gently pour a tablespoon of cold brew over the top of the shake now; it will naturally marble into the green base.
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11
Drizzle an additional teaspoon of chocolate condensed milk directly over the top of the shake.
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12
Finish with a dusting of chocolate sprinkles or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
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13
Serve immediately with a wide straw and a long spoon to ensure you get every bit of the chocolate-lined avocado goodness.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use Hass avocados for the best fat content and creamy texture; avoid stringy varieties. If your avocado has small brown spots, remove them before blending to ensure a vibrant, bright green color. For a vegan version, use coconut cream and sweetened condensed coconut milk—it complements the avocado beautifully. Don't over-blend once the ice is smooth, or the friction from the blades will start to warm the shake and melt the ice. If the shake is too thick to blend, add milk one tablespoon at a time until the blades catch.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with spicy Indonesian snacks like Martabak Telur or Fried Tempeh to balance the heat. Serve as a liquid dessert after a heavy meal of Nasi Goreng or Satay. Add a scoop of mocha or chocolate ice cream on top for an extra indulgent 'Float' version. Enjoy alongside a plate of fresh tropical fruits like mango or mangosteen. For a morning boost, stir in a shot of hot espresso right before drinking.