Adding guava to a classic mai tai cocktail will create the perfect balance of tropical fruit to the classic tiki drink. This Guava Mai Tai recipe will bring a burst of flavor and color for a tropical transformation.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
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This cocktail is sweet, tangy, and has hints of tropical flavor that make it a winner for almost anyone, just like my Guava Margarita.
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Guava flavor is becoming more and more popular in things like drinks and desserts like my Guava Gelato, and adding it to a mai tai is another way to enjoy this unique flavor.
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This mai tai cocktail recipe gets its inspiration from the original mai tai cocktail, but the addition of guava transforms the traditional drink into a pink tropical infusion!
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You can serve this Guava Mai Tai at your next party, summer gathering, or when you want to feel like you are on vacation!
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History of the Mai Tai Cocktail
The Mai Tai cocktail was created in 1944 by Victor “Trader Vic” Bergeron at his bar in Oakland, California. He mixed it to highlight a fine Jamaican rum, and a friend from Tahiti exclaimed “Maita’i roa a’e,” meaning “very good,” giving the drink its name.
Donn Beach of Don the Beachcomber also claimed to have invented a similar drink earlier, but most credit goes to Bergeron. The original recipe used Jamaican rum, lime juice, orange curaçao, orgeat, and simple syrup. Over time, many versions appeared, but the original remains a favorite for its bold tropical flavor.
Key Ingredients Needed for This Recipe
- Aged Rum & White Rum: A mix of deep, smooth flavor from aged rum and the light, crisp notes of white rum adds balance and depth.
- Guava Puree or Nectar: Brings sweet, tropical fruit flavor with a slightly tart edge.
- Orange Curaçao: A citrus liqueur that adds a bright, zesty orange note.
- Orgeat: A sweet almond syrup with a hint of floral that adds richness and a smooth finish.
⭐️ Top Tip
Use freshly squeezed lime juice for optimal flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- Spicy Guava Mai Tai – For a bold twist, add a thin slice of fresh jalapeño to the shaker or mix in a small dash of chili-infused simple syrup to bring heat that balances the sweetness of the guava.
- Frozen Guava Mai Tai – For a refreshing frozen twist, combine all the ingredients with a generous amount of ice in a blender and blend until smooth and slushy. Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with tropical fruit for the perfect warm-weather cocktail.
- Non-Alcoholic Guava Mai Tai – For a booze-free version, swap the rum for coconut water, a tropical fruit juice blend, or a non-alcoholic rum alternative. Shake with the rest of the ingredients and serve over ice for a flavorful and refreshing mocktail that still captures the spirit of a classic Mai Tai.
How to Make a Guava Mai Tai
Step 1: Fill a shaker with ice, then add all ingredients except garnishes and shake until well chilled.
Step 2: Strain into an ice-filled glass and garnish as desired.
Pairing Suggestions for This Recipe
Foods that complement the Guava Mai Tai highlight its tropical and sweet flavors. Seafood and spicy Asian dishes create a nice contrast, while tropical fruit salads add a freshness element.
For example, shrimp ceviche pairs perfectly with the cocktail, balancing savory and fruity notes. The fresh vegetables and fresh shrimp enhance the overall flavor experience.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Guava Mai Tai
- Use high-quality rums for noticeable depth of flavor and better results.
- Pebble or crushed ice is recommended for the Mai Tai and most tiki drinks. However, if you're like me and want a good cocktail at home, using the ice you have will work just fine.
- It's always a good idea to garnish your cocktail, especially a tiki drink like the Mai Tai! Get creative with lime slices, pineapple fronds, and cherries, or explore this article on tiki garnishes for more fun ideas.
FAQs
Can I use guava syrup instead of guava puree?
Yes, you can use guava juice to make a guava mai tai. Adjust the quantity to balance the sweetness since syrups tend to be very sweet..
What's the best rum for a Guava Mai Tai?
For the dark rum, aged rums with rich, caramel notes work best. For the white rum, choose a clean, flavorful rum like agricole rhum.
How can I make a large batch for a party?
Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and mix in a pitcher. Shake individually with ice when ready to serve. Mai tais are best when shaken and served immediately.
If you get a chance to make this Mai Tai with Guava Recipe, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes in your inbox.
Equipment
- 1 cocktail strainer (or strainer on shaker)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces dark rum
- 1 ounce white rum
- 1 ounce guava pulp or puree
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ¼ ounce orange curacao (can sub orange liqueur)
- ¼ ounce orgeat
- lime wedge, cocktail cherry, pineapple fronds (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail glass with fresh ice and set it aside.
- Add fresh ice to a cocktail shaker along with all of the ingredients (except the garnishes). Place the top on the shaker and shake for 10-12 seconds until nice and cold.
- Strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with a lime wedge, cocktail cherry, and/or pineapple fronds. Cheers!
Notes
- Use high-quality rums for noticeable depth of flavor and better results.
- Pebble or crushed ice is recommended for the Mai Tai and most tiki drinks. However, if you're like me and want a good cocktail at home, using the ice you have will work just fine.
- It's always a good idea to garnish your cocktail, especially a tiki drink like the Mai Tai! Get creative with lime slices, pineapple fronds, and cherries, or explore this article on tiki garnishes for more fun ideas.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
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