Batidas (batidos or licuados in other Spanish-speaking countries) are very popular fruit milkshakes, and some of the favorite drinks in the Dominican Republic. We love an ice-cold, creamy batida with our favorite fruit to improve our day, so let me share my favorite batidos.
We drink these blended iced Dominican fruit and milk drinks as a mid-morning or afternoon snack, instead of breakfast or dinner, or --accompanied by a delicious cheese sandwich-- as a light meal. Among our collection of Dominican drink recipes, these are some of the most popular.
When ordering a batida remember to specify if you want it with or without milk – “con leche” or “natural”. If you choose milk, you may have to specify if you want evaporated milk, which is the most popular choice.
Check out our recipes, and see if find your favorite here.
Batida de zapote (mamey milkshake)
A refreshing, creamy smoothie, Batida de zapote (Zapote milkshake) is one of our favorite drinks because of its distinctive rich flavor, comparable to sweet pumpkin. If you want to try a new taste, zapote is a good place to start.
Zapote (Pouteria sapota) is also known as mamey, zapote colorado, zapote rojo, and níspero in different Latin American countries. Notice that in the Dominican Republic, níspero is a different fruit. You'll see it below.
Batida de lechosa (papaya milkshake)
The most popular fruit drink recipe on our blog, this papaya milkshake (batida de lechosa) has a subtle floral taste of the fruit that blends beautifully with the creaminess of the milk. A great way to start the day but can be enjoyed at any time really.
In the Dominican Republic, lechosa is what we call papaya. In other parts of Latin América, it is known also as papaya, and in Cuba, they call it "fruta bomba". In English, it is also known as 'pawpaw'.
Batida de níspero (sapodilla milkshake)
Níspero (sapodilla) is a lovely, aromatic tropical fruit. Its soft and sweet flesh has a rich, malty taste, best enjoyed in a refreshing milkshake. You can drink it at any time of the day either as a snack, as a light dinner, or with a sandwich for lunch.
Níspero (Manilkara sapota) is known in English as chicle, naseberry, mispel, sapodilla, and sapote). In other parts of Latin America it is also known as chico sapote, zapote and zapotillo.
Batida de granadillo (giant granadilla milkshake)
The delicate, pear-like taste of this tropical fruit makes an amazing Batida de Granadillo (Giant Granadilla Milkshake) that we Dominicans love and can never get enough of. It will help you stay cool even on the hottest summer day.
Also known in English as granadilla, as well as giant granadilla, this fruit related to passionfruit has a slightly sour citrusy taste. With a pear-like texture, it is very aromatic and gently sweet.
Batida mango y chinola (mango passionfruit milkshake)
Mango and passionfruit (chinola) are two of our favorite fruits, and they get together so very well in this batida that so reminds me of summer vacation days when mangos are in season in the Dominican Republic.
We have added a little something something for the grownups too.
Did you find the recipe you were looking for? Did we miss any? Do you have a favorite? We'd love to hear about it in the comments.
Also, check out more of our Dominican drink recipes.
Published April 28, 2022, revised
