If you’ve ever walked into a Dominican kitchen on a hot day and smelled fresh papaya, you probably already know what’s coming next—a big glass of Batido de Lechosa.
This Dominican papaya milkshake is simple, nostalgic, and made with love. Just a few ingredients—fresh papaya, evaporated milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla—and you’ve got a creamy, naturally sweet drink that tastes like home. I grew up drinking this after school or with Sunday lunch, and now I make it for my own kids (or just myself when I need a little pick-me-up!).
If you’re a fan of tropical fruit drinks, you might also love my Batida de Zapote or Morir Soñando, but this one right here? It’s a classic.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Add all ingredients to a blender: Combine the papaya, evaporated milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and ice.
Blend until smooth: Start on low speed and gradually increase to high until the ice is fully crushed and everything is creamy and smooth.
Taste and adjust: Give it a quick taste—add more sugar or cinnamon if needed. Blend again for a few seconds.
Serve immediately: Pour into glasses and enjoy while cold and frothy.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy it as a refreshing breakfast drink or afternoon snack
- Pair with a Dominican Chimi or fresh pan de agua
- Serve chilled in tall glasses with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a little flair
Storage Tips
Best served fresh: Batido de Lechosa is best enjoyed right after blending.
Short-term storage: You can refrigerate leftovers in a sealed jar for up to 1 day. Shake well before drinking.
Freeze papaya for later: Cut extra papaya into chunks and freeze them in a single layer. Use frozen fruit for an extra-thick shake next time!
Recipe Tips
- For a lighter version, you can use regular milk or a plant-based alternative, but evaporated milk gives it that classic Dominican creaminess
- Use very ripe papaya for the best flavor and smoothest texture
- If your papaya is already super sweet, you can reduce or skip the added sugar
Batido de Lechosa (Dominican Papaya Milkshake)
Author:Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups about 450g fresh papaya, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 can 12 oz / 354 ml evaporated milk
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar or to taste (optional, see notes)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 –2 cups ice cubes depending on desired thickness
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and the ice is fully crushed.
- Taste and adjust sweetness if needed, then blend again for an additional 30 seconds.
- Serve immediately in tall glasses. Enjoy cold and fresh!
Notes
- Make it thicker: Use frozen papaya or more ice if you prefer a creamier, thicker milkshake.
- Sweetener options: You can substitute sugar with honey, stevia, or skip it altogether, depending on your taste and dietary needs.
- Papaya prep tip: Have extra ripe papaya? Chop and freeze in a single layer to prevent sticking. Perfect for making this batido anytime.
- Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day in a sealed container. Shake or stir before serving.
Nutrition
The nutritional information of this recipe and all recipes on mydominicankitchen.com is only an estimate. The accuracy of any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Update Notes: This recipe was originally published in March 2015. It was updated in February 2022 with new photos and extra notes and tips.
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Jennifer Nelson says
Yum! I LOVED the “batido de lechozas” when I lived in the DR for awhile many years ago. I have started making my own, but have been using almond milk. Keeps the calories and fat down a bit, but of course it doesn’t taste nearly as creamy and decadent!! I also just guessed at the spice, I thought I tasted nutmeg, so that’s what I used, just a pinch. I still loved it, but I’ll try cinnamon next time. Thanks for setting me straight on some of these ingredients!!
Vanessa says
So glad you loved the recipe! We use cinnamon but nutmeg is definitely another great option some people use.
Yari says
Thank you for the recipe! Very good! Satisfies my pregnancy 🤰 cravings! 🥰❤️😬
Vanessa says
So glad you liked it. Congratulations!
Lisa Barrera says
Great recipe and SOOooooo delicious!! Never had papaya before this drink and my husband now expects it all the time…..
Vanessa says
I’m so happy you and your husband enjoy this recipe! 🙂
Pamela says
This is the exact recipe from when I was in DR! I’ve been searching for it for about two years now! Thank you so much!
Andrea says
Congrats on the job!
This recipe looks delicious. I’ve never worked with papaya before. But I’ll definitely give it a try.
Vanessa says
@Andrea Papaya is a delicious fruit and great for you too, rich in fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants. You must try it. 🙂
melissa says
Oh yum! I think everyone in my family would love this!
Vanessa says
@Melissa You can believe they will for sure.
Deborah Cruz says
This looks delicious. I may have to give it a try with the cheese sandwiches for my girls next week over spring break!
Vanessa says
Please do try it. I’m sure your kids will love it. 🙂
Alicia says
I don’t really like papaya like that but this look really yummy! Congrats on all of your blessings you deserve it!
Vanessa says
Thank you my love. 🙂
Erika says
Que delicioso!!! Wow! I’m definitely going to try this out this week. Looks so yummy and is also healthy. =)