Vietnamese Avocado Smoothie (Sinh To Bo)

Name: Vietnamese Avocado Smoothie (Sinh To Bo)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 cup ice cubes; 1 ripe Hass avocado (pit removed); 1/2 cup milk (plus extra to thin if needed); 1/4 cup condensed milk (*see note on how to adjust the sweetness)

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