Guava Mai Tai: Flawless Guava Nectar Cocktail
Aug 21, 2025
Tiki Christmas, y’all. This bright guava nectar cocktail brings instant celebration. It is a tropical twist on a classic and a quick trip to paradise with every sip.
This Guava Mai Tai builds on the original by pairing two rums with Creole Orgeat and Polynesian Kiss Bitters. The result is a polished, fruit forward drink with serious flavor. It is everything we love about tiki with a New Orleans backbone.
Guava Mai Tai: The Mai Tai’s Journey From OG To Island Getaway
The first Mai Tai came to life in the 1940s. Its name came from the Tahitian word for good. The formula was simple. Rum. Curaçao. Orgeat. Lime. It became a legend because it was balanced and bold. Over time bartenders gave the drink a lighter feel with fresh fruit and brighter juices. Guava answered the call. Its sweet floral notes lift the rum and bring a fresh layer that feels indulgent without trying.
A Closer Look At Our Guava Nectar Cocktail Ingredients
The secret to a great guava nectar cocktail sits in the quality of each ingredient. Every part matters.
- The rums give depth. Gold rum offers a smooth base. Aged spiced rum brings warm notes of vanilla and cinnamon that play beautifully with guava and orgeat.
- The orgeat sets the tone. Most recipes use plain almond orgeat. Ours uses El Guapo Creole Orgeat for roasted pecans and aromatic spice. It gives this drink a Southern edge that stands out.
- The juices form a tropical trio. Guava nectar leads. Pineapple gives tart lift. Orange mango rounds the blend with gentle sweetness.
- The bitters finish the drink. A few dashes of El Guapo Polynesian Kiss Bitters add hibiscus and passionfruit notes that brighten the entire pour.
A Foolproof Mai Tai With Guava Juice
This recipe makes two drinks. Share the tiki spirit.
Makes 2 cocktails
- 1.5 oz Gold Rum
- 1.5 oz Aged Spiced Rum
- 1 oz El Guapo™ Creole Orgeat
- 2 oz Guava Nectar
- 1 oz Pineapple Juice
- 1 oz @nataliesoj Orange Mango Juice
- 0.5 oz Lime Juice
- 2 Barspoons Orange Blossom Water
- 6 Dashes El Guapo™ Polynesian Kiss Bitters
- Edible flowers or fruit for garnish
Instructions:
- Add both rums, Creole Orgeat, guava nectar, all juices, orange blossom water, and Polynesian Kiss Bitters to a shaker.
- Add one large ice cube.
- Shake for 10 to 15 seconds until cold and diluted.
- Strain into two hurricane glasses filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a tropical blossom or fresh fruit. Cheers.
The Aromatic Bridge: Polynesian Kiss Bitters
The balance in this guava nectar cocktail comes from the way the tropical juices meet the modifiers. Polynesian Kiss Bitters adds concentrated hibiscus and passionfruit that cut through the richness of the rums and guava. This final layer keeps the drink structured and bright. It elevates the cocktail beyond a simple fruit blend.
Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo’s homepage to explore everything we offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use two types of rum?
Combining gold and aged spiced rum builds depth. Gold rum gives you the classic base. Spiced rum adds warm flavors that make the drink more dynamic.
What is the difference between guava juice and guava nectar?
Guava juice tastes lighter and more tart. Guava nectar is thicker and sweeter. Nectar adds body and a stronger fruit profile.
Can I use simple syrup instead of orgeat?
You can but it changes the drink completely. Orgeat brings nutty and floral notes that define a Mai Tai. For the best result use El Guapo Creole Orgeat.
