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refreshing guava lemonade

Refreshing Caribbean Guava Lemonade

This tropical Guava Lemonade combines ripe guava, fresh lemons, and warm cinnamon for a refreshing Caribbean summer drink. Made using a Brazilian-style limonada suíça technique, this homemade Guava Lemonade delivers bold citrus flavor with fragrant tropical sweetness.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Marinating 10 hours
Course Drinks, Easy Caribbean Recipes, In Season
Cuisine General Caribbean
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ripe guava chopped
  • 3-4 lemons chopped
  • 1 stick cinnamon
  • 1 3/4 cups sugar
  • 2 litres water
  • sprigs thyme

Instructions
 

  • Wash the lemons and guavas very well since the entire fruits, including the skins, will be used. Organic lemons work especially well for this recipe.
    chopped lemons and guava for making lemonade
  • Remove the stems from the guavas and give them a rough chop.
    chopped guava for lemonade
  • Roughly chop the lemons and discard any visible seeds if desired.
    fresh lemons chopped for making guava lemonade
  • Place the chopped lemons, guavas, sugar, and cinnamon stick into a non-reactive bowl or container. Mix well, cover, and place in the fridge overnight or for about 10 hours to macerate. Stir a few times during the process if possible to help release the fragrant juices.
    prepping chopped lemons and guava for making lemonade
  • sugar added to chopped lemons and guavas
  • combined sugar, cinnamon, lemon and guava in making guava lemonade
  • Working in batches, place the fruit mixture into a blender with twice the amount of water and puree until smooth.
    blending lemons and guava for lemonade
  • Strain the mixture to remove the seeds and pulp residue. As you open the blender, the deep tropical aroma of guava and citrus will fill the kitchen, instantly bringing me back to childhood days in Guaracara where homemade juices were part of everyday life.
    straining the pulp of lemons and guavas to make lemonade
  • Repeat the blending and straining process once more for an extra smooth and seed-free Guava Lemonade.
  • Chill thoroughly before serving. Give the Guava Lemonade a good shake or stir before pouring, as the natural fruit pulp will settle at the bottom over time. Unlike a typical clear lemonade, this version will have a slightly cloudy appearance from the blended guava and whole lemons, which is exactly what gives it that rich tropical body and flavor.
  • Serve over ice with fresh thyme sprigs. I like letting the thyme bruise gently against the ice so it releases its subtle herbal notes into the drink. Mint or lavender also work beautifully.
    chilled guava lemonade
  • Cheers to a hydrated summer.

Video

Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Can I juice the lemons instead of blending them whole?

Yes, but the flavor will be lighter and less aromatic. If juicing the lemons instead, I recommend doubling the amount used to maintain the bold citrus flavor.

Can I use frozen guava for Guava Lemonade?

Yes. Frozen guava works very well in this recipe and can usually be found in Caribbean, Latin, and Asian grocery stores. Allow it to thaw slightly before blending for the best texture and flavor.

Why is this Guava Lemonade cloudy?

Because the entire lemon is blended using a Brazilian-style limonada suíça technique, the drink naturally has a slightly cloudy appearance. That cloudiness comes from the fruit pulp and citrus oils, which also add incredible flavor and aroma.

Can I make Guava Lemonade ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, this Guava Lemonade tastes even better after chilling for several hours, allowing the flavors to develop fully. Yes, you can also add rum, vodka, or an orange liqueur to make the drink adult-like.

Can I use mint instead of thyme?

Yes. Mint adds a refreshing cooling effect while thyme brings a more subtle herbal finish. Lavender can also work nicely.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!