Want to know my favorite Filipino childhood treat? It’s this creamy Filipino avocado shake that my Lola (grandmother) used to make. While everyone else is spreading avocados on toast these days, we Filipinos have been blending them into sweet, icy drinks for generations.
Every time I make this 4-ingredient shake, it takes me back to hot Bataan afternoons when Lola would whip this up for our merienda (afternoon snack). It only takes 7 minutes to make, and you probably have all the ingredients in your kitchen right now.
After trying this shake, you’ll understand why Filipino kids always get excited when they see ripe avocados at home. It’s creamy, refreshing, and perfectly sweet – just like a healthy milkshake.
This recipe is exactly how we make it in Filipino homes, no fancy ingredients needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🥑 Uses just 4 simple ingredients
- ⏱️ Ready in under 10 minutes
- 🌱 Naturally creamy without cream
- 💚 Customizable sweetness
- 🧊 Perfectly refreshing for hot days
- 👨👩👧👦 Kid-friendly and nutritious
Filipino Avocado Shake Recipe
Equipment
- Blender For creating the smooth, creamy texture
- Measuring cups For accurate ingredient portions
- Sharp knife [Matalas na kutsilyo] For halving the avocado
- Spoon (Kutsara) For scooping out avocado flesh
- Glass measuring cup For liquid ingredients
- Ice crusher or plastic bag with rolling pin (optional) For crushing ice
Ingredients
- Large Avocado about 200-250g
- 2 Cups Crushed Ice Dinurog na yelo
- 1 Cup Milk Gatas
- 2 Tablespoons Honey Pulot
Instructions
- Start by choosing a ripe avocado that yields slightly when pressed. Cut it in half lengthwise, remove the pit, and scoop out all the flesh into your blender.
- Pour in one cup of cold milk and add two tablespoons of honey. Top everything with two cups of crushed ice.
- Begin blending on low speed for about 30 seconds to break down the avocado, then increase to high speed and blend for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth with no chunks remaining.
- If your shake is too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Pour the shake immediately into two chilled glasses and serve right away. The sooner you drink it, the brighter green it will stay.
- You can add a fresh mint leaf on top if you’d like, but it’s perfectly delicious as is. The whole process takes about 7 minutes from start to finish, and you’ll know you’ve done it right when the shake is silky smooth, pale green, and has a creamy, milkshake-like texture.
Tips from Lola’s Kitchen
- Choose avocados that yield slightly when pressed – not too soft, not too hard
- Chill glasses beforehand for an extra cold drink
- Use very cold milk for best results
- Add ice gradually if your blender struggles
- Save the pit if making ahead – it helps prevent browning
Traditional Serving Suggestions
- Serve in tall glasses with bubble tea straws
- Pair with Filipino merienda like ensaymada or pan de sal
- Traditionally enjoyed as afternoon refreshment
- Can be served as dessert after main meals
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Too thick | Not enough liquid | Add milk gradually, 2 tbsp at a time |
| Too thin | Too much ice/milk | Add more avocado or freeze briefly |
| Browning | Oxidation | Add lemon juice or serve immediately |
| Not sweet enough | Avocado not ripe | Add more honey or condensed milk |
| Lumpy | Insufficient blending | Blend longer on high speed |
Ingredient Alternatives
- Milk: Evaporated milk, coconut milk, almond milk, oat milk
- Honey: Condensed milk, sugar, stevia, maple syrup
- Ice: Frozen milk cubes for extra creaminess
- Add-ins: Vanilla extract, coconut cream, chia seeds
Storage & Reheating
- Best consumed immediately
- Can be stored up to 4 hours if:
- Covered tightly
- Kept refrigerated
- Added lemon juice
- Freezing options:
- Pour into popsicle molds
- Make ice cream cups
- Create shake cubes for later
Variations
- Classic Filipino Style
- Use condensed milk instead of regular milk and honey
- Tropical Twist
- Add 1/4 cup coconut cream
- Use coconut milk instead of regular milk
- Extra Green Power
- Blend spinach with milk first
- Continue with regular recipe
- Protein Power
- Add 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- Reduce honey to 1 tablespoon
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: Best served fresh, but can be preserved for a few hours with lemon juice and proper storage. Q: Why is my shake turning brown? A: Avocado oxidizes when exposed to air. Serve immediately or add citrus juice to prevent browning. Q: Can I use frozen avocado? A: Yes, thaw slightly before blending and reduce ice quantity. Q: Is this drink healthy? A: Yes! It’s rich in healthy fats, potassium, and vitamins. Control sugar for healthier version.
Nutrition
The Story Behind Filipino Avocado Shake
The story of Filipino Avocado Shake is a delicious journey that starts in many Filipino backyards. Long before avocados became famous on toast or in guacamole, Filipino families were turning them into sweet, creamy drinks. This tradition began in the early 1900s when avocado trees became common in Filipino home gardens, offering families a steady supply of this nutritious fruit through the hot summer months.
Unlike other countries that treat avocados as a savory ingredient, Filipinos discovered that the fruit’s creamy texture made it perfect for desserts and drinks. Our grandparents knew that combining ripe avocados with sweet milk created something magical – a drink that was both refreshing and filling. This shake became a favorite merienda (afternoon snack) across the Philippines, from busy Manila neighborhoods to quiet provincial homes.
The genius of Filipino Avocado Shake lies in its simplicity. While modern smoothie shops now add dozens of ingredients to their drinks, the traditional Filipino version sticks to just four: ripe avocados, crushed ice, milk, and a sweetener. This basic recipe hasn’t changed much over generations because, as any Filipino will tell you, when something’s already perfect, why complicate it?
Today, as more people worldwide discover the health benefits of avocados, this humble Filipino drink is gaining international attention. What makes it special isn’t just its taste, but how it represents Filipino food culture – taking simple ingredients and transforming them into something extraordinary. Whether you’re enjoying it on a hot afternoon in Manila or making it in your kitchen halfway across the world, each sip of Avocado Shake carries a bit of Filipino food history.
In many Filipino homes, seeing a ripe avocado still triggers the same response: “Time to make a shake!” It’s more than just a beverage – it’s a tradition passed down through generations, a sweet reminder of childhood afternoons, and proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most memorable.
