Guava Lava Cocktail: Spicy Caribbean Rum Drink

Elenor Craig

The Guava Lava cocktail is a vibrant explosion of tropical flavors inspired by the lush landscapes of the Caribbean. Bursting with the juicy sweetness of guava and a hint of fiery spice, this cocktail brings together fruit-forward flavors that evoke the warmth of a sun-drenched island. It's a modern twist on a tropical classic, aimed at setting your senses ablaze whilst adding a glam twist to your usual cocktail gathering.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Drinks

Cuisine caribbean

Servings cocktail

Calories 192 kcal

Equipment

Cocktail shaker
Hawthorne strainer or fine mesh strainer
Jigger or measuring tool
Cocktail glass (coupe or rocks glass)
Citrus Juicer

Ingredients

2 oz guava juice preferably fresh, 60ml
1.5 oz white rum or aged rum for a deeper flavour, 45ml
0.5 oz lime juice freshly squeezed, 15ml
0.5 oz simple syrup adjust to taste, 15ml
1 dash hot sauce preferably Caribbean-style scotch bonnet-based
1 cup ice for shaking and serving
1 slice fresh guava for garnish
1 sprig mint for garnish

Instructions

Fill a cocktail shaker at least halfway with ice. Add 2 oz (60ml) fresh guava juice, 1.5 oz (45ml) white rum, 0.5 oz (15ml) freshly squeezed lime juice, and 0.5 oz (15ml) simple syrup.
1 cup ice, 2 oz guava juice, 1.5 oz white rum, 0.5 oz lime juice, 0.5 oz simple syrup
Add a dash of Caribbean-style hot sauce (scotch bonnet-based works best). Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for a full 15 seconds — the outside of the shaker should feel very cold to the touch.
1 dash hot sauce
Strain through a Hawthorne or fine mesh strainer into a chilled cocktail glass over fresh ice cubes.
1 cup ice
Garnish with a fresh guava slice on the rim and a lightly slapped sprig of mint to release its aroma. Serve immediately — this cocktail is best enjoyed within minutes of shaking.
1 slice fresh guava, 1 sprig mint

Notes

Storage: This cocktail does not keep well once mixed — the lime juice oxidizes and the shaken texture dissipates within an hour. Serve immediately after shaking.

Make-ahead: Combine guava juice, simple syrup, and hot sauce in a jar and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add fresh lime juice and rum just before shaking.

Substitutions: Swap white rum for aged rum for a deeper, smokier flavour. For a non-alcoholic version, replace rum with coconut water or sparkling water.

Heat control: Start with a single small dash of hot sauce, taste, then add more. Caribbean-style hot sauces (scotch bonnet-based) give the most authentic flavour — avoid vinegar-heavy Louisiana-style sauces.

Pro tip: Shake hard for a full 15 seconds with a shaker at least half full of ice. Under-shaking leaves the drink sharp and unintegrated. A pre-chilled glass from the freezer keeps it cold noticeably longer.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 192kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 26mgPotassium: 94mgFiber: 1gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 56IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 1mg

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