Batida

Batida is a Portuguese noun with several related meanings across different contexts. It is the feminine form of the past participle of the verb bater, meaning to beat, strike, or mix. In everyday language, batida can refer to a physical blow or collision, and it also appears in musical contexts to denote a rhythm or a drumbeat or percussive pattern, especially in Brazilian styles where the term conveys the feel or groove of a piece.

In culinary and beverage usage, batida most commonly designates a Brazilian cocktail or shake made by blending fruit juice with a spirit and often with milk or condensed milk. The best-known varieties are batida de coco (coconut) and batida de maracujá (passion fruit). Typical preparation involves blending or shaking ice, fruit pulp or juice, a cachaça-based spirit (though vodka or rum can be used), and sweeteners such as sugar or condensed milk until smooth. The drink is usually served chilled in a small glass. Batidas can be made non-alcoholic by omitting the spirit, yielding a fruit-flavored smoothie or milkshake.

Regional variations exist in ingredients and proportions, reflecting local tastes and available produce. The word’s usage highlights its underlying sense of blending, whether describing a physical act, a rhythmic pattern, or a mixed drink.