Creamy Avocado Es Teler

Creamy Avocado Es Teler (Indonesian Fruit Cocktail Drink)

Es Teler is an iconic Indonesian tropical fruit cocktail that leans heavily into rich, velvety textures. This version elevates the classic recipe with an extra creamy milk-and-coconut base that highlights buttery, ripe avocados, sweet jackfruit, and tender coconut.

Ingredients

The Fruit Layer:

  • 2 large ripe avocados (sliced into chunks or scooped into soft pieces)
  • 6 to 8 pieces ripe jackfruit (nangka), deseeded and sliced into strips
  • 1 cup young coconut meat (kelapa muda), fresh or canned
  • 1 tbsp basil seeds (selasih), soaked in warm water until plump
  • Optional add-in: 1 cup of grass jelly (cincau) or coconut jelly cubes (nutrijell)

The Creamy Milk Base:

  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • ½ cup sweetened condensed milk (adjust to your preferred sweetness)
  • ½ cup instant coconut milk (or coconut water for a lighter profile)
  • 2 tbsp pandan-infused simple syrup or Coco Pandan syrup (optional, for authentic floral sweetness and color)

To Serve:

  • 2 to 3 cups crushed ice or shaved ice

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep the Basil Seeds: Place the basil seeds in a small bowl with warm water, let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes until they expand into translucent jelly-like beads, then drain.
  2. Mix the Creamy Sauce: In a large pitcher or bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, and syrup until thoroughly combined and smooth.
  3. Assemble the Fruits: In tall serving glasses or a large communal bowl, layer your prepared fruits: add the sliced jackfruit, young coconut meat, jelly cubes (if using), and generous scoops of the ripe avocado.
  4. Add the Basil Seeds: Spoon the soaked basil seeds over the top of the fruit layers.
  5. Drench in Creaminess: Pour the rich milk-coconut mixture generously over the fruits until they are completely submerged in the velvety liquid.
  6. Ice it Down: Pack plenty of crushed ice or shaved ice right on top.
  7. Serve: Serve immediately with a long spoon and a straw. Give everything a good, gentle mix just before diving in so the cold ice melds with the creamy sweet broth!

Chef’s Tips for Success

  • Choose the Right Avocado: Look for avocados that are fully ripe and soft, but not bruised. Varieties with a rich, buttery texture (like Hass or tropical buttery local varieties) make the entire soup delightfully creamy.
  • Customize the Sweetness: Sweetened condensed milk carries most of the sweetness here. Feel free to scale it up or down depending on how sweet your jackfruit and syrups are.
Are you making this as a refreshing treat for a hot afternoon, or for a special dessert after dinner?

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