Avocado Smoothie

Avocado smoothies are one of the most popular drinks at Moroccan juice stands and cafes, particularly in Marrakech and the southern regions where avocados grow abundantly. The smoothie is remarkably thick and creamy — more like a milkshake than a juice — and is made by blending ripe avocado with cold milk and sugar. Many vendors enhance the drink with almonds, argan oil, dates, or a drizzle of honey. For visitors accustomed to thinking of avocado as a savory food, the sweet treatment can be a delightful surprise. The drink is especially popular in the warmer months as a refreshing, filling snack. The juice stands on Jemaa el-Fna in Marrakech are famous for their avocado smoothies alongside the orange juice.

Region: Southern Morocco, nationwide

Avocados were likely introduced to Morocco from the Americas via the Portuguese or Spanish colonial trade routes. The Souss-Massa region near Agadir and the northern coastal areas are the main growing regions. The tradition of blending avocado into a sweet drink is shared with other North and West African countries and has been popular in Morocco for decades.

Ripe avocado flesh is scooped into a blender with cold milk, sugar, and ice. The mixture is blended until thick and smooth. Some variations include added almonds, a drizzle of argan oil, dates, banana, or honey. The result is a thick, creamy drink typically served in a large glass. Some juice stands layer avocado smoothie with other fruit juices for a colorful multi-layer drink.

The sweet treatment of avocado is common across North and West Africa, reflecting a different culinary tradition from the savory guacamole of Mexican cuisine. In Morocco, juice stands are a vital part of the food culture, offering affordable nutrition to people of all economic levels. The juice stand culture is participatory — you stand or sit on a stool, drink your smoothie, and hand back the glass, all within a few minutes.