Raúl Cardaba, the renowned content creator from Madrid known as the "Frutero Tiktokero," couldn't resist the allure of the Cuban mamey shake. In a video that quickly sparked a flurry of reactions among Cubans and Latin Americans on social media, he shared his delightful experience.
Cardaba, who runs Frutería Vitaminas with his family on Aristóteles Street, Madrid, crafted this simple yet delectable drink. He extracted the pulp of the mamey sapote, blended it with milk, and added a touch of ice, deliberately omitting sugar or any other ingredient.
The outcome left him speechless. "Not a drop of sugar, just a mamey, a bit of milk, and it might be the best shake in the world," he exclaimed, visibly amazed on camera.
Even before tasting the final product, he had already hinted at his verdict: "This might be the best shake I've ever had in my life."
By the end of the video, the Madrid-based fruit vendor rated it a remarkable 9.5 out of 10, describing the fruit's texture as akin to "avocado, very creamy," something he hadn't anticipated when opening the mamey sapote to prepare the drink.
In just a few days, the video garnered thousands of likes and comments. Hundreds of Cubans chimed in with the island's traditional recipe: mamey pulp, condensed milk, crushed ice, and, according to some, a pinch of salt or a splash of vanilla.
"A can of condensed milk, a cup of whole milk, ice, and a pinch of salt—blend until it's creamy. That's Cuba in a shake," wrote one follower, garnering significant support in the comments.
Another user traced the drink's origins: "The mamey shake originated in Cuba, where the blend of mamey sapote pulp with milk, ice, and sugar became a beloved tradition in their cuisine. Although the mamey tree is native to Mesoamerica and the Caribbean, its traditional shake preparation took root and gained popularity in the island's shops, cafes, and homes."
Dominican users also laid claim to the beverage under the name "batida de zapote," while Ecuadorians pointed out that the preparation is a shared heritage across several Latin American countries. One humorous comment summed it up: "People argue over the fruit's origin and the recipe's ownership. Folks, it's a shared legacy for all!"
Since 2024, Cardaba has been popularizing lesser-known tropical fruits in Spain through his social media platforms, where he boasts hundreds of thousands of followers. His first major success was the mamoncillo—also known as anoncillo in Cuba—a fruit he claims to have been the first to market in Spain, skyrocketing his fame. One of his videos about guanábana even exceeded four million views.
Frutería Vitaminas has already become a go-to spot for the Cuban community in Madrid. In April 2025, a Cuban chef was moved to find mamey, guava, and anón, fruits she hadn't tasted in five years.
At the video's conclusion, Cardaba proposed an intriguing idea to his followers: "It makes me wonder if there are lost shakes around the world that we're missing out on and could make for an incredible series," inviting them to suggest in the comments which country he should represent with the next shake.
Exploring the Cuban Mamey Shake
What makes the Cuban mamey shake unique?
The Cuban mamey shake is unique due to its simple yet flavorful blend of mamey sapote pulp, milk, and ice. Traditionally, it can also include condensed milk and a hint of vanilla or salt, creating a creamy and rich taste.
How did Raúl Cardaba become famous?
Raúl Cardaba gained fame by promoting lesser-known tropical fruits in Spain through his social media platforms. His first major hit was the mamoncillo, and his engaging content has garnered him hundreds of thousands of followers.
Why is the mamey shake popular in Cuba?
The mamey shake is popular in Cuba because it combines the native mamey sapote with common ingredients like milk and sugar, creating a beloved traditional drink that is both refreshing and satisfying.