Obtuse, rubber goose, green moose, guava juice…
Happy Friyay, kids! Tomorrow I’m hosting a POOL PARTY and I cannot wait to have all of my favorite people in one place with nibbles and sips and splashes and good conversation.
Of course, a good menu is imperative to the experience, and being me I had to whip up something newfangled to serve to my guests (and quell my neuroses for always having innovative ideas to test out). My friends are providing this and that for the table, while I’m bringing a pasta salad (also in the works) and this gorgeous pink glass out to the deck.
Trader Joes released a guava nectar recently, and I was eager to try it out in a drink. Hence, Guava Mint Lemonade. This pitcher is lovely, bright, and easy to prep, with the most gorgeous rosy hue and a snappy citrus essence to compliment the unique tropical flavor of the guava.
Summer demands cold drinks to be ever present in the fridge, and this one is worthy for yours!
The Floor is Guava
My mint syrup appeared in the Coconut Mint Limeade, and was such a delightful touch that I had to incorporate it again. Also helps that I had a handful of random mint in my fridge that I wanted to use up.
To make, stir lots of mint leaves into equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, then strain the mint leaves while pouring the syrup into a jar or other heat-safe container. I use all the syrup in my pitcher, but if you don’t, leftovers will last up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
Take the time to squeeze up lots of lemons – I promise, it makes a huge difference. A citrus press helps a lot. Find your favorite pitcher and stir in the lemon juice with guava nectar, coconut water, regular filtered water, and the mint syrup. You can start with 1/2 cup of syrup and add more as needed. I ended up using the whole batch.
I prefer to chill the lemonade for at least an hour before serving, but if you’re an impatient ho (I usually am with other things, not to fear. Hos unite!) you can serve right away with plenty of ice. I like to provide lemon wheels and more mint leaves for garnish.
For the adults at your party, a shot of coconut rum in each glass is a fabulous addition. Especially if there’s little kids running around the deck, you might need it to take the edge off.
Leftovers? Lemonade will keep great for up to a week, but if you added lemon wheels or mint leaves, remove them before storing.
Where do I get guava nectar? As I said, Trader Joes released their own bottle, but several other brands exist. Sun Tropics and El Juguero are good brands from Whole Foods. Keep in mind that some are clear and not colored, so you won’t get the pretty hue!
You’ll find me bumming outside all weekend. Enjoy, friends!
Tried this recipe out? Leave a rating and comment below with your thoughts, and don’t forget to come say hi on Instagram and show me what you made!
When life throws you lemons…
Fresh Strawberry Mango Lemonade
guava mint lemonade
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup mint leaves, packed
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 10-12 lemons)
- 1 1/2 cups guava nectar
- 2 cups coconut water
- 4-6 cups cold filtered water
- more mint leaves and lemon wheels, for garnish
Instructions
- In a small saucepot, combine the sugar, 1 cup of water, and the mint leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer and heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain the syrup into a jar or other container. Discard the mint leaves.
- Grab a large pitcher. Stir in the lemon juice, mint syrup – you can start with 1/2 cup and taste later if you want more sweetness. I used the whole batch in mine – guava nectar, coconut water, and cold water. Throw in some lemon wheels and mint leaves just for funsies.
- Cover and refrigerate the lemonade for at least an hour. Or, you can fill your glasses generously with ice and pour the drink straight after mixing, but I prefer the chill time to let the flavors mellow one another out.
- Garnish each glass with fresh mint leaves and lemon wheels, as desired.
