Coffee and avocado is an interesting flavor combination that more people are experimenting with. Avocado can provide a creamy richness that complements the bitter taste of coffee. However, the taste depends on how the ingredients are prepared and combined. Here is an overview of coffee and avocado together.
Do coffee and avocado taste good together?
Coffee and avocado can taste delicious together when prepared properly. The rich, nutty flavor of avocado can balance and mellow out the typical bitterness of coffee. It creates a unique flavor profile that some people enjoy. However, others find the combination unappealing. It really comes down to personal taste preferences.
Here are some potential benefits of pairing coffee and avocado:
- The creaminess of avocado can soften the acidity of coffee for a smoother taste
- Avocado adds a luxurious, velvety mouthfeel
- The healthy fats in avocado can help slow the absorption of caffeine for a more even energy boost
- Avocado’s subtle flavor doesn’t overwhelm the coffee
- The combo satisfies both your caffeine fix and hunger
However, there are also some potential downsides:
- Some find the flavors clash instead of complement each other
- It can mute some of the nuanced tasting notes in high quality coffee beans
- The texture of avocado may seem unusual with hot coffee
- It’s an unconventional combination that is not for everyone
Popular ways to mix coffee and avocado
Here are some of the most popular preparation methods for combining coffee and avocado:
Avocado coffee
This is where avocado is blended directly into a coffee beverage in place of cream or milk. Typically 1/4 to 1/2 an avocado is used per serving. The avocado lends a creamy, frothy texture. It can be blended with hot brewed coffee, cold brew concentrate, instant coffee granules, etc. Spices like cinnamon or cacao may also be added.
Avocado lattes
Making a latte with avocado instead of milk or cream. The avocado is blended into a smooth puree then mixed with espresso and optional sweetener. The avocado froths up nicely and mimics the texture of a traditional latte while adding its signature flavor.
Avocado coffee bombs
Coffee bombs are spherical capsules filled with ground coffee, cocoa powder, spices, and creamer. When hot water is poured over them, the bomb “explodes” and releases the ingredients. Swapping in mashed avocado for a creamy filling adds its distinctive richness. The avocado coffee bomb can be dropped in hot milk for a tasty iced latte too.
Iced avocado mocha
Blending avocado, chocolate sauce, coffee concentrate, milk/non-dairy milk, ice, and any sweeteners makes a chilled mocha-esque drink. The avocado provides creaminess and healthy fats to balance the chocolate and coffee. Top with cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, or whipped cream if desired!
Avocado affogato
An affogato is a classic Italian dessert of espresso poured over a scoop of gelato or ice cream. Swapping in avocado ice cream creates an avocado affogato. The hot espresso partially melts the cold avocado ice cream for a decadent texture contrast.
Potential health benefits
Pairing coffee and avocado may provide certain potential health advantages:
- Healthy fats – Avocados offer anti-inflammatory monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that can help slow digestion and provide lasting energy. They may help offset any jitters from caffeine.
- Antioxidants – Avocados contain antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin that can complement antioxidants from coffee.
- Hydration – The water and electrolytes in avocado can help hydrate the body to counter any dehydrating effects of caffeine.
- Nutrients – Avocados provide nutrients like vitamins C, E, K, B-6, riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium and potassium. Coffee has some B vitamins, magnesium, potassium and antioxidants.
- Fiber – Avocados supply dietary fiber, which combined with coffee may help maintain digestive regularity.
However, both coffee and avocados are relatively high in calories. The combo may be more of a treat than a weight loss aid.
Potential downsides
There are also some potential drawbacks to mixing coffee and avocado:
- The bold flavors may not appeal to all palates
- Some report upset stomach or diarrhea after consuming
- It’s not ideal for certain diets like keto or low-fat since avocados contain carbs and fat
- The perishability of fresh avocado means it doesn’t have a long shelf-life for use in pre-made drinks or coffee bombs
- There are more calorie-dense versions of coffee drinks like a latte or mocha
- The texture and mouthfeel of blended or mashed avocado may be off-putting to some
Overall, it comes down to personal preference. Those who enjoy both rich, intense coffee and the mild nutty flavor of avocado may find it to be a tasty combo. People who don’t like bitter or savory flavors likely won’t prefer the mixture. It’s an adventurous choice that isn’t universally loved.
Tips for preparation
Here are some tips for getting the best results when making coffee and avocado drinks:
- Use very ripe avocados for sweetness and soft texture
- Blend the avocado well into a smooth, lump-free puree
- Chill avocado mixtures to help thicken and get a frothy texture
- Stick to a 1:2 avocado to liquid ratio for best consistency
- Add a dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder to complement the flavors
- Sweeten to taste if desired, but avoid overpowering the coffee
- Use high quality, freshly ground coffee for best aroma and flavor
- Experiment with different brewing methods like Aeropress, cold brew, espresso, etc
- Keep avocado portions modest to avoid muting the coffee entirely
Finding the right balance of coffee strength, avocado creaminess, and added seasonings can elevate this unique combination. But it may take some trial and error to nail down your perfect avocado-coffee drink.
Best coffee beans to pair with avocado
Certain coffee bean varieties can complement avocado’s flavor profile better than others. Here are some top options:
| Coffee Bean | Taste Notes | Why it Works with Avocado |
|---|---|---|
| Light roast Colombian | Mild, nutty, caramel | Allows avocado flavor to shine |
| Medium roast Guatemalan | Smooth, chocolate, spices | Richness matches avocado |
| Dark roast Sumatran | Deep, earthy, herbal | Strong flavor holds up to avocado |
| Cold brew concentrate | Low acidity, smooth | Let’s avocado creaminess come through |
In general, nutty and chocolatey coffee beans seem to pair most seamlessly with avocado’s natural flavor. Very acidic or fruity coffees are more likely to clash.Medium roasts also tend to complement avocado better than very light or very dark roasts. You can adjust the coffee strength to account for the creamy avocado muting it slightly.
Avocado coffee recipes to try
Once you’re ready to experiment with avocado coffee drinks, here are some delicious recipes to try:
Avocado mocha protein smoothie
Blend avocado, chocolate protein powder, milk, coffee, cocoa powder, peanut butter, and ice for a frothy, nutrition-packed breakfast smoothie.
Iced vanilla avocado latte
Combine chilled espresso, avocado, vanilla syrup, milk, and ice for a sweet iced latte.
Spicy avocado coffee milkshake
Milkshake made with avocado, coffee ice cream, milk, cold brew concentrate, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
Avocado coffee chia pudding
Stir together mashed avocado, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, coffee, maple syrup, and let chill overnight.
Avocado affogato
Scoop avocado ice cream into a cup and pour freshly brewed espresso over the top.
Where to buy avocado coffee drinks
You can find ready-made avocado coffee drinks at some cafes, coffee shops, and juice bars, typically in major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. For example:
- The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker (LA) – Avocado latte
- Devocion (NYC) – Oaxacan avocado latte
- Glasshalfull (Miami) – Avocado cortadito
- Malibu Farms (CA) – Avocado cappuccino
- Evie’s Bistro (San Diego) – Avocado matcha latte
There are also ready-to-blend avocado coffee powders like Avocado Soul and products like Avopulp that provide mashed hass avocado in compostable pods. So you can easily make fresh avocado coffee drinks at home.
The verdict on coffee and avocado together
Combining coffee and avocado is an adventurous choice that can result in a luxuriously creamy and subtly nutty drink. However, the flavors don’t appeal to everyone’s tastebuds. If you enjoy both rich coffee and avocado, it’s worth experimenting to find a blend you truly relish.
Opt for ripe avocados, high quality coffee beans, and your preferred brewing method. Adjust the proportions, spices, sweeteners, and textures until you hit on your ideal avocado-coffee treat. Sip mindfully and savor this unlikely pairing of two beloved foods.
