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.
Recipe Highlights
- Servings: Makes 2
- Time Commitment: 5 minutes prep
- Effort Required: Super easy! Just blend and serve.
- Special Equipment: Blender
- Ingredient Complexity: Pantry Basics (avocado, milk, sweetened condensed milk, ice)
- Dietary Notes: Can be made dairy-free and plant based by substituting coconut milk and coconut condensed milk
"This is literally the best milkshake I've ever had! It is sweet, creamy and delicious. Thank you so much!" - Kristina
Jump to Section:
The Story Behind This Dish
An avocado smoothie might sound unusual if you're used to thinking of avocados as a strictly savoury ingredient, but this creamy, sweet treat will surprise you.
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.
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. In Vietnam, it's 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 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. The cool, custardy texture is refreshing on a hot summer day.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- 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.
This recipe has not been tested with all possible substitutions or variations. Making changes may alter the taste, texture, or overall outcome. If you try a different ingredient, please share in the comments!
See the recipe card for the complete ingredient list and recipe instructions.
Variations
- 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).
- Tropical Twist: 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.
- Caffeinated: add a shot of cold espresso or strong brewed coffee into the drink and stir. The flavour is similar to an Indonesian avocado coffee shake.
- Chocolately: drizzle the finished drink with chocolate syrup (the kind used on ice cream)
How to Make a Vietnamese Avocado Smoothie
Step 1: Add ice and avocado into a blender jug.
Step 2: Add the milk.
Step 3: Add 2 tablespoons of condensed milk. You can add more later.
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.
Serve immediately for the best flavour.
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.
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
Yes, you can use condensed coconut milk, agave or honey to taste.
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.
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 ❋
Vietnamese Avocado Smoothie (Sinh To Bo)
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
Required Tools
- Blender
Instructions
- Add the ice cubes to the blender jug.
- Use a spoon to remove the avocado flesh from the skin, and add to blender.
- Add the milk and 2 tablespoons of condensed milk to the blender.
- Blend on high. If you have an ice-crushing mode on your blender, start with that, then move to a high setting.
- 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.
- Pour into a tall glass and serve with a thick straw. Or serve in a dessert bowl with a spoon*.
- This drink tastes best when served immediately. If you must, store it in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. However, the avocado will start to oxidize over time and become grey (and the flavour diminishes).
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used. Accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
This video may not play if an ad blocker is active.
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.
Please read the full blog post for all of my tips, variations, and recommendations for this recipe.
Vanessa says
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.
Shareba says
Thanks for sharing your results, Vanessa! I will revisit this recipe and check the sweetness.
Jasmine Zhu says
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.
Shareba says
That's awesome! I'll have to try that myself, thanks for sharing Jasmine!
Susie says
I was skeptical, but this smoothie is delicious. My 3 year loves it too. The recipe is a keeper.
Shareba says
So glad to hear that! 😀
Thinh says
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
Shareba says
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!
Kristina Hutson says
This is literally the best milkshake I’ve ever had! It is sweet, creamy and delicious. Thank you so much!
Shareba says
I'm glad you enjoyed it Kristina!
Mary says
Delicious!
Shareba says
I'm glad you liked it Mary!
Jane says
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.
Shareba says
I'm glad you liked it Jane!
James says
I've tried numerous recipies and this one is the best. Delicious.
Shareba says
Thank you! Let me know what else you've tried!
Elena says
I try this recipe, it’s delicious, I add the tapioca pearls.
Thank you for sharing.
Shareba says
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Elena! Adding the tapioca pearls is a great idea!