I’ve started to get into exploring more tropical fruits, and recently that has led to a newfound love of guava. So of course, I had to make a guava margarita which showcases that great fruity flavor in cocktail form. The sweetness of guavas pair perfectly with the citrus for a great drink!
Guavas are a delicious tropical fruit with a white or light pink flesh, and are a great source of potassium and fiber as well! Their sweet flavor is a cross of something like a strawberry and a pear, which lends itself well to cocktails.
You can find them fresh in many supermarkets, but it’s also readily available as nectar in a can, which I find ideal for making cocktails with since it cuts down on work.
The tropical flavors pair perfectly with lime juice, orange liqueur, and tequila for this delicious guava margarita. A guavarita is a perfect cocktail for summer thanks to the island vibes, but it’s also great for Cinco de Mayo due to the tequila base.
Sea salt, granulated sugar, or Tajin (approx 1 Tbsp)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
Blanco or silver tequila is what I usually use for this recipe, but you can experiment with others to create different flavor combinations
Any other orange flavored liqueur (like Cointreau, O3, Grand Marnier, etc) is fine in place of the triple sec
While less traditional, you can use lemon juice instead of the lime juice. Fresh is always best, but you can use bottled as well in a pinch!
I use sugar for the glass rim for this recipe personally, as I don’t find the guava overly sweet already, and I think it adds just the right balance
Guava Margarita Variations
Frozen. Instead of serving on the rocks, add all ingredients to a blender with 1 cup of ice and blend until a slushy consistency forms for a frozen guava margarita
Spicy. Cut a few slices of fresh jalapeno and add it to your shaker, or use a few dashes of guava hot sauce to create a spicy guava margarita variation!
Strawberry. You can use a strawberry guava nectar in place of plain guava. Alternatively blend and strain ½ pound of fresh strawberries, or use about 1 tsp of strawberry syrup in addition to the guava nectar to create a strawberry guava margarita variation
How to Make a Guava Margarita
(Optional) To rim your glass, run a fresh lime wedge around the top edge of the glass. Invert it and dip it into a shallow bowl or plate with sea salt or sugar (your choice) until coated
To a cocktail shaker (or similar) add the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, guava nectar, and a couple ice cubes. Also fill your margarita glass (or similar) with ice
Shake for around 20-30 seconds, until the drink is well chilled and some light frothing occurs, then strain into your prepared margarita glasses
Garnish with a slice of lime or fresh guava if desired, and enjoy!
Guava Margarita Pairing Suggestions
Spicy Foods: The sweetness of the guava balances well with spicy dishes like tacos al pastor or spicy shrimp, such as my Old Bay Shrimp in the Air Fryer
Tropical Fruits: Enhance the tropical flavors with dishes featuring mango, pineapple, or papaya, like my Air Fryer Swordfish Steak with mango salsa, or some Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pineapple
Seafood: Light and refreshing seafood dishes like ceviche or fish tacos complement the citrusy and fruity notes of the margarita. Check out my spicy panko Air Fryer Mahi Mahifish tacos recipe!
Salty Snacks: Classic bar snacks like chips and salsa or guacamole enhance the margarita’s flavors while providing a satisfying contrast in textures. Air Fryer Nachos are always a great choice!
Light Salads: A fresh salad with mixed greens, avocado, and citrus vinaigrette pairs nicely with the bright flavors of the margarita
Cheese Platter: Serve a selection of cheeses like creamy brie, tangy goat cheese, and aged cheddar alongside crackers and nuts for a delightful accompaniment. My Air Fryer Goat Cheese Balls are another great choice
Desserts: End your meal with a light and fruity dessert like coconut flan or mango sorbet to complement the tropical vibes of the guava margarita. My Microwave Sticky Rice has coconut and fresh mango for the perfect pairing!
Recipe FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need to Make a Guava Margarita?
You’ll need tequila, guava juice or nectar, lime juice, triple sec, and ice.
If you would like to add a rim to your glass, which is optional, then you’ll need an extra wedge of lime and some sea salt, sugar, or Tajin for a spicy twist.
Can I Use Fresh Guava for This Recipe?
Yes, while it is more work, you can use fresh guava for this recipe. Simply blend it into a puree and strain well before mixing.
I usually try to remove the seeds before blending as well just to be safe. Make sure to use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to catch all the big pieces when straining.
Can I Make a Non-Alcoholic Version of the Guava Margarita?
Yes. To make a non-alcoholic mocktail version of the guava margarita, replace the triple sec with orange juice or another tropical juice of choice.
Instead of tequila, use lemon-lime soda or sparkling water for a refreshing fizz.
How Do I Rim the Glass With Salt or Sugar?
To rim your glass, rub a lime wedge around the rim to wet it. Try to keep it mostly on the outside edge (so it does not fall into the drink. Then, dip the wetted edge into salt or sugar spread on a plate.
For a spicy option, try Tajin instead of salt or sugar, or you can also use a combination thereof for your own unique option.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Margarita?
Yes. To make your margarita sweeter, add more guava nectar, or supplement with other sweet fruit juices or simple syrup.
For a less sweet version, add more lime juice, or lower the amount of guava nectar used. You can also juice your own guavas, which will be less sweet, since canned nectar has added sugars.
What Garnishes Can I Use For a Guava Margarita?
Lime wedges, fresh guava slices, or even a sprig of mint make for nice garnishes for a guava margarita.
For a spicy version, garnish with a couple slices of fresh jalapeno.
Can I Make a Large Batch of Guava Margaritas For a Party?
Yes, simply multiply the ingredients accordingly and mix them in a pitcher with plenty of ice.
If you are making the drink in advance, do not add the ice to prevent dilution. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve, and then pour into individual glasses filled with ice instead.
How Do I Store Leftover Guava Margarita?
Store any leftover margarita in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a day.
Since this drink contains real fruit juices, it is best consumed within 24 hours.
Recipe Pro Tips
One medium lime should give you about 1 ounce of juice, as a reference point. Of course, they can vary slightly but this is a good ballpark at least
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, a mason jar is another good option. You can also stir it in a pitcher, or blend it in a blender with ice to make a frozen version!
Storage and Serving Tips
For glasses, margarita glasses are the classic choice. However, you can also serve guava margaritas in mason jars, stemless wine glasses, rocks glasses, or a similar lowball
Thisguavarita recipe can be scaled for parties. Mix all ingredients in a pitcher up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator. Add rims and ice to individual glasses and then pour to serve
This easy guava margarita is a delicious tropical cocktail for Cinco de Mayo, and all summer long! With just 4 ingredients and a few minutes to put together, it’s simple yet delicious!
I love the tropical vibes you get from this cocktail, which pair perfectly with the lime and orange found in traditional margaritas. It’s like a little sip of paradise in a glass!
Like most cocktails, you can absolutely adjust your guavarita to your preferences. It’s not overly sweet as written, but you can add more sweet, spice, or complimentary flavors to really make it your own. Enjoy!
Easy Guava Margarita on the Rocks
This easy guava margarita has just 4 ingredients and takes a few minutes to put together. The guavarita is the perfect blend of tropical flavor, citrus, and a hint of sweet for the perfect sip!
(Optional) To rim your glass, run a fresh lime wedge around the top edge of the glass. Invert it and dip it into a shallow bowl or plate with sea salt, sugar, or Tajin (your choice) until coated
1 wedge lime, 1 Tbsp sea salt, sugar, or Tajin
To a cocktail shaker (or similar) add the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, guava nectar, and a couple ice cubes. Also fill your margarita glass (or similar) with ice
Shake for around 20-30 seconds, until the drink is well chilled and some light frothing occurs, then strain into your prepared margarita glasses
Garnish with a slice of lime or fresh guava if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
Blanco or silver tequila is what I usually use for this recipe, but you can experiment with others to create different flavor combinations
Any other orange flavored liqueur (like Cointreau, O3, Grand Marnier, etc) is fine in place of the triple sec
While less traditional, you can use lemon juice instead of the lime juice. Fresh is always best, but you can use bottled as well in a pinch!
I use sugar for the glass rim for this recipe personally, as I don’t find the guava overly sweet already, and I think it adds just the right balance
One medium lime should give you about 1 ounce of juice, as a reference point. Of course, they can vary slightly but this is a good ballpark at least
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, a mason jar is another good option. You can also stir it in a pitcher, or blend it in a blender with 1 cup of ice to make a frozen version!
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and variety of ingredients, any garnishes or rims added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
