Batido de Mamey (Cuban Mamey Shake)

Ingredients

• 165 g (1 cup)mamey
• 240 ml (1 cup)whole milk
• 45 ml (3 tablespoons)sweetened condensed milk
• 38 g (3 tablespoons), to tastesugar
• 120 ml (1/2 cup)crushed ice

Instructions

1. 1

   Halve the mamey

   Cut the mamey in half lengthways and remove the seed.

2. 2

   Scoop the flesh

   Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh. When ripe, it should feel soft and come away easily.

3. 3

   Blend the shake

   Put the mamey, milk, sweetened condensed milk, sugar and ice in a high-speed blender. Blend on high for 1–2 minutes, until smooth and creamy.

4. 4

   Adjust the sweetness

   Taste the shake and add sugar as desired. For a thinner consistency, blend in a little more milk or water.

5. 5

   Serve immediately

   Pour into a glass and serve straight away, on its own or with a Cuban sandwich.

What is batido de mamey?

Batido de mamey is a Cuban fruit shake made by blending mamey with milk and sweeteners. This version uses sweetened condensed milk as well as sugar for a rich, creamy finish.

Ripe mamey gives the drink its distinctive fruit flavour and thick body. The ice chills the mixture as it blends, making it especially refreshing served straight away.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 478 calories, 13g protein, 80g carbs, 13g fat.

The mamey and sugar supply most of the carbohydrates, while whole milk and condensed milk contribute fat and protein. To balance the plate, serve the shake with a savoury Cuban sandwich rather than treating it as the whole meal.

Choosing the mamey

Ripe fruit: Choose mamey that feels soft when gently pressed, much like a ripe avocado. The flesh should scoop out easily once you remove the seed.

Amount: Measure one cup of flesh for the shake. If the fruit is particularly fibrous, check the blended texture and blend until smooth.

Getting a creamy texture

Blend time: Blend on high for 1–2 minutes so the fruit and crushed ice combine into a smooth drink.

Consistency: This recipe makes a thick shake. Add a little extra milk, or water, and blend again if you would rather have it thinner.

Balancing the sweetness

Sweeteners: Sweetened condensed milk brings both sweetness and a creamy quality, while the sugar is listed to taste. Start with the stated amount, then taste before adding more.

Fruit: The ripeness of the mamey affects the overall flavour. Adjust the sugar to suit the fruit and your preference.

Serve it cold

Timing: Pour the shake as soon as it is blended, while the ice is still keeping it cold and the texture is at its best.

Pairing: Enjoy it on its own or alongside a Cuban sandwich, as suggested in the recipe.

A quick blender drink

Preparation: The main hands-on task is halving the fruit, removing the seed and scooping out the flesh. Once that is done, all the ingredients go into the blender together.

Equipment: A high-speed blender is specified for this recipe. If the mixture needs loosening, add a little more liquid and blend again.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use mamey that is soft enough to scoop easily.
• Remove the seed before measuring the fruit flesh.
• Blend for the full 1–2 minutes for a smooth result.
• Taste before adding extra sugar, since the fruit's ripeness can affect sweetness.
• Add extra milk or water gradually if you want a thinner shake.
• Serve as soon as it is blended for the coldest texture.

Variations

• Less sweet: Reduce the sugar and taste before adding any more.
• Thinner shake: Blend in a little extra milk or water.
• More condensed milk: Add a little more for extra sweetness and creaminess.
• No added sugar: Leave out the sugar and rely on the fruit and condensed milk for sweetness.
• Sandwich pairing: Serve alongside your favourite Cuban sandwich for a more substantial meal.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Unripe mamey: The flesh may be difficult to scoop and less soft; choose fruit that yields gently when pressed.
• Leaving in the seed: Remove it before scooping and blending the fruit.
• Blending too briefly: The drink may not be smooth; blend on high for 1–2 minutes.
• Adding too much liquid: The shake can become thinner than intended; add extra milk or water a little at a time.
• Over-sweetening: Condensed milk is already sweet; taste the blended drink before increasing the sugar.

How to store

This shake is best served immediately, while cold and freshly blended. If necessary, cover and refrigerate briefly, then stir or blend again before serving; the texture may separate as it stands.

Frequently asked questions