Avocado Aperitif

Think of this as a liquid salad in a glass, and a gorgeous one at that.

Ripe avocado and cucumber get blended with fresh parsley and lemon juice, then poured over crushed ice and strained into glasses. What comes out is cool, silky, and a shade of green that looks almost too pretty to drink.

The flavor is clean and herbaceous. Cucumber keeps things light, the avocado adds body without heaviness, and the lemon brings a bright acidity that wakes everything up.

No sugar. No dairy. Just vegetables, herbs, and ice.

Serve it before dinner as an elegant palate opener, or pour it alongside brunch when you want something more interesting than orange juice.

Kitchen Tips

• Strain through a fine-mesh sieve for a smooth, elegant pour. Skipping this step leaves you with a thicker, smoothie-like texture, which is fine but changes the vibe completely.
• Use a ripe but not overripe avocado. Brown spots will muddy the flavor and turn the color from vibrant green to murky.
• Blend the ice in last, just enough to chill and thin the mixture. Too much ice and you’ll water down the flavor.

Variations

• Spicy Green Aperitif: Add a thin slice of jalapeno or a few drops of green hot sauce before blending for a spicy kick.
• Gin Aperitif: Add an ounce of gin per glass before straining for a cocktail version that’s stunning at a summer party.