Lebanese Avocado and Strawberry Cocktail

This Lebanese avocado and strawberry cocktail combines some of my favorite things: creamy avocado smoothie, ripe strawberries, a delicious cream topping, crunchy almonds, and honey. I have perfected this homemade version so you don't have to go all the way to Lebanon to enjoy it. If you've never had avocados in dessert, you need to try this. I beg you.

Avocado and strawberry cocktails are one of Lebanon's iconic spring and summer desserts. You'll find juice and cocktail bars with a beautiful display of ripe fruits waiting to be chopped and blended into this delicious concoction.

My absolute favorite thing back home was to go out with friends and family to eat a chicken shawerma wrap with extra toum then walk across the street to order this cocktail.

Note that the term "cocktail" here does not involve any alcohol. It's basically a smoothie based dessert, but in Lebanon they are called cocktails. If you want to spike it though, be my guest.

Ingredients

Since the fruits are the star of the show, make sure to buy high quality fruits that are in season for best flavor.

• Avocados: Creates a super creamy smoothie base which is my favorite part of the entire cocktail.
• Milk: Blended with the avocado to thin out the smoothie and add extra creaminess.
• Honey: To sweeten the smoothie bases and drizzle on top.
• Strawberries: For the top smoothie layer, adds nice contrast to the avocado smoothie.
• Seasonal fruits: Chopped and layered in the cocktail.
• Ashta: A traditional and super delicious clotted cream. Ricotta is a great substitute.
• Almonds: For a crunchy and nutty topping.

Instructions

Wash and prepare the fruits: Cut the avocado in half and discard the pit. Trim the stems off the strawberries that will be blended. Chop the rest of the fruits into bite sized pieces.

If you are using ricotta and like floral flavors, mix in rose water and orange blossom water then set aside.

Blend the avocado with the milk and honey until smooth and creamy, then pour the smoothie equally into two pint glasses or 16 oz beer mugs.

Spoon the chopped fruits on top of the avocado smoothie.

Blend the strawberries with water and honey until smooth. Pour the strawberry smoothie equally over the layered avocado smoothie and fruits. Leave a little bit of room at the top.

Spoon some of the cream mixture on top, then garnish with almonds and a drizzle of honey.

Maybe don't go overboard like I did and don't fill it to the top before adding toppings. Or do. It's delicious either way.

The creamy avocado, sweet strawberries, ripe fruits, floral cream, crunchy almonds, and that extra drizzle of honey... Drop a straw in there and take a sip. Then eat a spoonful of the fruit and toppings. Repeat. Mmm it is too good.

Substitutions and Variations

• Vegan - substitute the milk with a plant-based milk or water, use maple syrup instead of honey, and use a plant-based ricotta as long as it is not savory.
• Smoothie layers - you don't have to use the same fruits every time. You can make a mango smoothie layer instead of strawberry, or make it all avocado (so good).
• Ashta - this Middle Eastern clotted cream is difficult to find in the US, and when found, it is often an inferior product. I like to make my own version at home (should I post a recipe?) but a very easy and delicious substitute is a good quality ricotta mixed with some rose water and orange blossom water for a subtle floral flavor.
• Rose water and orange blossom water - these can be easily found at Middle Eastern grocery stores or in the specialty aisles at some local grocery stores. They can also be ordered online. If you don't want to buy them, just omit them and use plain ricotta but make sure to top it with honey.

Tips to Make The Best Lebanese Strawberry and Avocado Cocktail

• Organic, seasonal fruits: Buy the highest quality fruits you can afford for the best flavor.
• Use cold fruits: Blending causes the smoothie to get warmer, so I like to keep my avocados and other fruits in the fridge at least overnight before making this. Otherwise, add a few ice cubes to the blender to keep the smoothies cool.
• Adjust to your liking: Taste the smoothie layers before assembling the cocktail. You may like more honey or more milk, etc.
• Soak the almonds: I like to soak raw almonds overnight in a bowl with water. The next day I can easily remove the skin by squeezing the almonds. You can also soak blanched (peeled) almonds. Soaking gives them a really nice crunch and also makes them easily digestible.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long is this good for? This cocktail is best enjoyed immediately for best flavor, color, and freshness.
• How do I store leftovers? Either cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to a jar with a tight lid and place it in the refrigerator. It will lose freshness quickly, so consume leftovers within 1 or 2 days.

If you’ve tried making this Lebanese Avocado and Strawberry Cocktail recipe or any other recipe on Forks & Foliage, then please don't forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! I would be so happy to hear how it turned out for you. And if you took any photos or videos, please share them with me on Instagram @forksandfoliage so I can see the deliciousness you made!

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