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In Search Of Yummy-ness » Recipes » Drinks

Vietnamese Avocado Smoothie (Sinh To Bo)

Updated: July 9, 2025 • Published: June 19, 2013 by Shareba Abdul • 36 Comments

4.5 from 75 votes
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A tall glass of creamy Vietnamese avocado smoothie on a green napkin next to a thick straw and a wooden spoon. Text overlay says "Vietnamese Avocado Smoothie. Just 4 ingredients!"

A glass of Vietnamese avocado smoothie tastes like a rich milkshake, thanks to ripe avocado and sweetened condensed milk.

This creamy drink is so delicious that it might become your new favourite way to enjoy avocados. With only 4 ingredients, you can whip it up in just 5 minutes.

A tall glass of creamy Vietnamese avocado smoothie on a green napkin next to a thick straw and a wooden spoon.

An avocado smoothie might sound unusual if you're used to thinking of avocados as a strictly savoury ingredient, but this creamy, sweet treat is about to blow your mind.

When I first heard about sinh to bo from my mom's co-worker, I was skeptical. But then she mentioned the secret ingredient: sweetened condensed milk.

As someone who believes that condensed milk is a pantry staple (I eat it on toast!), I knew I had to try it. Now, it's on permanent rotation at my house.

Jump to Section:
  • Why This Recipe Works
  • Ingredients and Substitutions
  • Variations
  • How to Make a Vietnamese Avocado Smoothie
  • Tips for Success
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Refreshing Drinks
  • Recipe

Why This Recipe Works

  • It has just a few steps
  • The ingredients are easy to find
  • You can easily make it dairy-free
  • You can adjust the sweetness to your preference

"This is literally the best milkshake I’ve ever had! It is sweet, creamy and delicious. Thank you so much!" - Kristina

Don't let the word "smoothie" fool you - this Vietnamese avocado drink is much more like an avocado shake than the smoothies you might be used to.

The cool, custardy texture

In Vietnam, an avocado smoothie is enjoyed as a sweet treat or light dessert, not as a healthy breakfast drink.

It's thick enough that you could eat it with a spoon, or drink it through a wide straw, and it can be sweet enough to satisfy your dessert cravings (depending on how much sweetener you add).

Think of it as the Vietnamese cousin of a classic diner shake - only naturally green and buttery.

Ingredients and Substitutions

An open can of condensed milk, a measuring cup of milk, a bowl of ice and a black plate with an avocado cut in half on it. Text says "condensed milk, milk, ice, avocado".
  • Ice cubes: Chill and thicken the smoothie. Substitute with frozen avocado slices for an even better texture and flavour.
  • Ripe avocado: Choose a ripe Hass avocado, or a similar variety, for the creamiest texture. Store-bought frozen avocado chunks may work if fresh avocados are hard to find.
  • Sweetened condensed milk: Adds richness and sweetness. Condensed coconut milk is a great dairy-free alternative. Otherwise, try agave syrup or honey. Maple syrup also works but drastically changes the flavour.
  • Whole milk: Keeps the drink silky. Feel free to replace with low-fat milk, or use coconut milk, almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.

Variations

  • Make a Breakfast Avocado Smoothie: Replace the condensed milk with 1 or 2 teaspoons of honey, and about ½ cup of low-fat vanilla Greek yogurt (makes 2-3 portions).
  • Make it Tropical: Avocado and coconut are a delicious combination! Substitute dairy milk for coconut milk, and the condensed milk with condensed coconut milk. Garnish with coconut flakes.
  • Make it Caffeinated: add a shot of cold espresso into the drink and stir.

How to Make a Vietnamese Avocado Smoothie

Scooping ripe avocado out of the skin into a blender jug with ice.

Step 1: Add ice and avocado into a blender jug.

A blender jug with ice, milk, and ripe avocado waiting to be blended.

Step 2: Add the milk.

Adding condensed milk into the blender jug with the avocados, milk and ice.

Step 3: Add 2 tablespoons of condensed milk. You can add more later.

The avocado shake mixture being blended on high speed in a blender.

Step 4: Blend on high speed. If your blender has an ice-crushing mode, start with that and then switch to a high speed.

Once the mixture is blended, taste it. If it's not sweet enough for you, add more condensed milk (1 tablespoon at a time) until you reach your desired sweetness.

Enjoy this drink cold or at room temperature.

A tall glass of avocado shake with a thick clear straw in it, sitting on a green napkin next to a wooden spoon.

Tips for Success

  • For an even thicker avocado shake, use frozen avocado pieces.
  • A high-speed blender will give you the best texture.
  • Sweeten the drink with just a couple of tablespoons of condensed milk, then slowly add more until you reach your preferred sweetness.
  • If the smoothie is too thick, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired texture.
  • If the smoothie is too thin, add more avocado, one piece at a time, and check the consistency.
  • Serve immediately in tall glasses with a wide straw or spoon for the best texture. Be cautious when using a metal spoon in a glass, as it can easily break. I prefer using a wooden spoon instead.
An illustration of a cold thermometer and a snowflake.

Freeze ripe avocados that you can't use up and save them for making this drink - it's a great way to reduce food waste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe without condensed milk?

Yes, you can use condensed coconut milk, agave or honey to taste.

Can I make this recipe without a blender?

Yes! Mash very ripe avocados with a fork, then stir in the other ingredients. You won't get a super smooth texture but it will still taste great. If you don't have a regular blender, but do have an immersion blender, you could try that as an alternative.

How long does this last in the fridge?

This avocado shake is best served fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for about 12 hours. After a while, the drink may start to discolour. If the ingredients have separated while in the fridge, give the mixture a good stir before drinking it.

More Refreshing Drinks

Looking for more refreshing drink recipes? Try these reader favourites:

  • Caribbean Sorrel Drink - A vibrant, festive drink perfect for any season
  • Spiced Apple Cider - For cozy autumn vibes
  • Sparkling Cranberry Punch - Great for entertaining

Recipe

A tall glass of Vietnamese avocado smoothie on a green napkin next to a large straw and a wooden spoon.
Created By: Shareba Abdul

Vietnamese Avocado Smoothie (Sinh To Bo)

4.51 from 75 votes
This creamy, refreshing milkshake-style treat comes together in just 5 minutes. It can easily be made dairy-free if needed.
Print Recipe SaveSaved!
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Video Notes

Ingredients 
 

  • 1 cup ice cubes
  • 1 ripe Hass avocado, pit removed
  • ½ cup milk, plus extra to thin if needed
  • ¼ cup condensed milk, *see note on how to adjust the sweetness

Equipment

  • Blender

Method
 

  1. Add the ice cubes to the blender jug.
  2. Use a spoon to remove the avocado flesh from the skin, and add to blender.
  3. Add the milk and 2 tablespoons of condensed milk to the blender.
  4. Blend on high. If you have an ice-crushing mode on your blender, start with that, then move to a high setting.
  5. Check the consistency. If it's too thick, add more milk. If it's too thin, add more avocado. Taste the mixture: if it's not sweet enough, add more condensed milk 1 tablespoon at a time unti you reach your preferred sweetness.
  6. Pour into a tall glass and serve with a thick straw. Or serve in a dessert bowl with a spoon*.
  7. Enjoy cold or room temperature. Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored covered in the refridgre for up to 12 hours (discoloration may occur).

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 320 kcalCarbohydrates: 32 gProtein: 7 gFat: 20 gSaturated Fat: 5 gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2 gMonounsaturated Fat: 11 gCholesterol: 20 mgSodium: 85 mgPotassium: 721 mgFiber: 7 gSugar: 24 gVitamin A: 348 IUVitamin C: 11 mgCalcium: 199 mgIron: 1 mg

Video

Notes

  • Use a very ripe Hass avocado for the creamiest texture; frozen avocado pieces make the shake even thicker.
  • Start with 2 tablespoon condensed milk and blend, then add more 1 tablespoon at a time to reach your preferred sweetness.
  • A high-speed blender (ice-crush mode first, then high) gives the smoothest finish.
  • Too thick? Blend in milk 1 tablespoon at a time.
  • Too thin? Add extra avocado chunks. (I've never needed to do this, but I always buy my avocados in bags so I have more than 1 to work with).
  • Dairy-free option: swap whole milk for coconut, oat, or almond milk and use condensed coconut milk.
  • No blender? Mash the avocado well and whisk in the other ingredients—the texture will be rustic but still tasty.
*If you want to use a spoon with your drinking glass, be careful. Metal spoons can easily crack thin drinking glasses. I prefer to use a wooden spoon if serving anything in a drinking glass.

Tried this recipe?

Let me know how it was!

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Comments

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  1. Vanessa says

    September 27, 2021 at 3:43 am

    Super yummy and creamy! I used only 1/3 cup condensed milk and still found it a tad too sweet so next time will use 1/4 cup condensed milk.

    Reply
    • Shareba says

      September 27, 2021 at 11:10 am

      Thanks for sharing your results, Vanessa! I will revisit this recipe and check the sweetness.

      Reply
  2. Jasmine Zhu says

    April 21, 2021 at 12:07 pm

    I made this with 2 tbsp of maple syrup instead of condensed milk (which, I know, was the key flavouring for the recipe) since I didn't have any condensed milk on hand. It tasted amazing! My mum loves it as well.

    Reply
    • Shareba says

      April 21, 2021 at 1:32 pm

      That's awesome! I'll have to try that myself, thanks for sharing Jasmine!

      Reply
  3. Susie says

    February 27, 2021 at 6:23 pm

    I was skeptical, but this smoothie is delicious. My 3 year loves it too. The recipe is a keeper.

    Reply
    • Shareba says

      February 27, 2021 at 6:45 pm

      So glad to hear that! 😀

      Reply
  4. Thinh says

    August 26, 2020 at 1:42 pm

    Hi Shareba,

    This is pretty spot on to the original sinh to bo I've had in Vietnam. I myself like condensed milk too. And yes, it tastes amazing on toast.

    If you've ever tried Vietnamese iced coffee, the reason it's so good is because of the condensed milk they put in it.

    Thanks again for the recipe.

    Have a good one.

    Thinh

    Reply
    • Shareba says

      August 26, 2020 at 11:16 pm

      Hi Thinh, thank you so much for your nice comment. I don't think I've had Vietnamese coffee before, but it sounds delicious!
      Happy Cooking and stay safe!

      Reply
  5. Kristina Hutson says

    August 24, 2020 at 6:26 pm

    This is literally the best milkshake I’ve ever had! It is sweet, creamy and delicious. Thank you so much!

    Reply
    • Shareba says

      August 25, 2020 at 11:48 am

      I'm glad you enjoyed it Kristina!

      Reply
  6. Mary says

    June 13, 2020 at 8:36 pm

    Delicious!

    Reply
    • Shareba says

      June 14, 2020 at 12:27 pm

      I'm glad you liked it Mary!

      Reply
  7. Jane says

    May 29, 2020 at 2:20 pm

    love this recipe!! reminds me of my childhood. for those of y'all without a strong sweet tooth, lowering the amount of condensed milk makes the recipe perfect for me.

    Reply
    • Shareba says

      May 29, 2020 at 3:54 pm

      I'm glad you liked it Jane!

      Reply
  8. James says

    March 07, 2019 at 12:55 pm

    I've tried numerous recipies and this one is the best. Delicious.

    Reply
    • Shareba says

      March 07, 2019 at 2:36 pm

      Thank you! Let me know what else you've tried!

      Reply
      • Elena says

        August 16, 2022 at 1:34 pm

        I try this recipe, it’s delicious, I add the tapioca pearls.
        Thank you for sharing.

        Reply
        • Shareba says

          August 16, 2022 at 3:44 pm

          I'm glad you enjoyed it, Elena! Adding the tapioca pearls is a great idea!

          Reply
« Older Comments
A photo of Shareba Abdul, founder of In Search Of Yummy-ness.

Hi, I'm Shareba!

I’m a home cook with a culinary arts certificate who shares seasonal comfort food recipes and cozy living inspiration.

Read More About Me

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