Jus Alpukat, which translates to “avocado juice,” is one of those treats that surprised me the first time I had it in Indonesia. I remember sitting at a small roadside café in Bali, sweaty from walking under the blazing sun, when the vendor handed me a tall glass swirled with chocolate syrup and filled with this rich, creamy avocado shake. One sip, and I realized this wasn’t the kind of “healthy green smoothie” I was used to back home—it tasted more like dessert in a glass.
It’s cold, sweet, and silky, with that buttery avocado texture blended into something that feels like a milkshake. Sometimes it comes with coffee mixed in, sometimes just with chocolate, but every version I’ve had feels indulgent yet refreshing. This recipe brings that same café magic right into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Homemade chocolate syrup (optional) – I like making a quick version with cocoa powder, maple syrup, coconut oil, and a pinch of salt. It tastes fresher and isn’t overly sweet.
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Ripe avocado – This is the heart of the recipe. Don’t try it with an underripe one—it’ll taste grassy instead of creamy. I usually press the avocado gently; if it yields slightly, it’s ready.
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Milk of choice – Almond, oat, cashew, or coconut milk all work. Personally, I find oat milk gives the best creaminess without competing with the avocado flavor.
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Sweetened condensed milk – I often make a coconut milk condensed version at home, which keeps the drink dairy-free. It adds that rich sweetness without needing extra sugar.
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Ice cubes – These keep the shake chilled and light.
How I Make Jus Alpukat
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Chocolate swirl – I like to drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass before pouring in the shake. It feels like something you’d get at a café, and kids especially love the chocolatey ribbons.
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Blend the shake – Into the blender go the avocado, milk, condensed milk, and ice cubes. Blend until it’s smooth and thick. If I want it thinner, I just splash in a little more milk.
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Assemble and enjoy – Pour the shake into glasses, add an extra drizzle of chocolate on top, and sip immediately.
My Little Tips and Tricks
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Pick the right avocado: I’ve learned the hard way that one underripe avocado can ruin the shake. If you’re not sure, pop the avocado in a paper bag with a banana for a day or two to ripen it up quickly.
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Sweetness check: Some avocados are naturally richer, so before pouring, I take a small taste. If it feels like it needs more sweetness, I add a drizzle of maple syrup or a little extra condensed milk.
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Coffee option: On mornings when I want breakfast and caffeine in one, I add a shot of espresso right into the blender. It tastes a bit like an avocado mocha.
Make Ahead Thoughts
I don’t recommend making the shake hours in advance—the avocado tends to darken and lose its fresh taste. What you can do is prep the chocolate syrup ahead of time and keep it in a jar in the fridge for a week. That way, when you’re ready, all you need to do is blend the avocado mixture and pour.
Fun Serving Ideas
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Dessert treat: Serve it in small glasses with a spoon, almost like pudding.
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Breakfast shake: Blend it with coffee and a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top.
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Kid-friendly twist: Skip the coffee and swirl extra chocolate; my niece calls it “green chocolate milk.”
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Party drink: Pour into shot glasses, drizzle chocolate, and serve as a fun mini-dessert after a meal.
Storing Leftovers
Avocado doesn’t keep well once blended, so I always make just enough for the moment. If you do end up with leftovers, cover tightly and refrigerate for no more than a few hours. A quick stir before drinking helps bring it back together, but fresh is always best.
Common Questions I Get
Can I use frozen avocado?
Yes, frozen avocado chunks work, but the texture will be slightly icier. It’s a good shortcut if you want to keep some on hand.
What if I don’t like chocolate syrup?
Skip it! Some versions in Indonesia are served plain, and they’re just as creamy and delicious.
Can I make it sugar-free?
You can use unsweetened almond milk and skip condensed milk, adding just a little date syrup or honey if you prefer.
Jus Alpukat (Indonesian Avocado Shake)
Creamy, rich, and refreshing—Jus Alpukat is a beloved Indonesian drink that tastes like dessert in a glass. Ripe avocado is blended into a velvety shake and drizzled with chocolate syrup for a touch of indulgence. It’s filling enough to enjoy on its own, but also makes a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients
Chocolate Syrup (optional but delicious):
- 1 ½ tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- Pinch of salt
Avocado Shake:
- ½ ripe avocado (about ½ cup)
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk (dairy-free or regular)
- ½ cup milk of choice (oat, dairy, almond, etc.), plus more if needed
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions
- For the chocolate drizzle, whisk together cocoa powder, maple syrup, coconut oil, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Set aside.
- Scoop out the avocado and add it to a blender with condensed milk, your choice of milk, and ice cubes. Blend until thick and creamy. For a thinner consistency, add a little extra milk and blend again.
- Swirl the chocolate syrup inside your serving glass, pour in the avocado shake, and top with more chocolate drizzle if you’d like. Serve immediately while chilled.
Notes
- Coffee twist: Add a double shot of espresso or ¼ cup strong brewed coffee for an avocado-coffee shake.
- Classic dairy version: Use whole milk and regular condensed milk for the traditional flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 321Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 154mgCarbohydrates: 44gFiber: 4gSugar: 36gProtein: 7g
Asianplated.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
A Final Thought
For me, Jus Alpukat will always remind me of those hot afternoons wandering around Indonesia, finding shade and a sweet avocado shake. It’s proof that avocados can be more than just guacamole or toast—they can be dessert too. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear whether you keep it classic with chocolate or give it your own twist.
Try other Indonesian recipes:
