guava liqueur

Throughout history, people all over the world have made alcoholic beverages using indigenous ingredients. Guavaberry liqueur is one of the most unique examples of this universal effort. Made in various locations in the Caribbean, the concoction is usually associated with St. Maarten, where it is considered the national drink.

Plant

Contrary to its name, guava is not related to guava at all. It is actually a closer relative of cloves and eucalyptus. Guava trees grow wild on the Caribbean islands and in some areas of South and Central America. The fruits, sometimes called rumberries, have also been introduced to Florida, Hawaii, Bermuda, and the Philippines.

Because the trees grow best in rocky, difficult terrain, and their fruits grow out of reach, harvesting the berries is a challenge. Strong winds and insects can decrease the amount of fruit trees produce; in fact, the trees are so susceptible that some years they bear no berries at all. The berries themselves ripen to an orange-yellow or dark red bordering on black, and are about half the size of cherries. On St. Maarten, trees bear fruit at different times from year to year, but only when conditions are right.

The drink

For centuries, the people of the Caribbean made their own guava liqueurs from a combination of guava, rum, and sugar cane. A profitable business even sprang up in the Virgin Islands in the late 19th century, exporting guava wines and rums to Denmark. But its market never expanded and it is currently difficult to find outside the Caribbean.

The Sint Maarten Guavaberry Company is the leading producer of guavaberry liqueur these days, keeping the legendary drink alive. Their Guavaberry Emporium in Phillipsburg offers free samples of their wide variety of spirits. With their old varieties and hand-painted bottles, they have perfected guava liqueur like no other. They also sell rums, barbecue sauces, guava honey, and similar items. Housed in a quaint old house on Front Street, the Emporium is a popular stop for tourists visiting the island.

While travelers are more likely to come across the Sint Maarten brand, handcrafted guava liqueurs still exist. In the Virgin Islands, Ashley Nibbs (aka “Doctor Bush Tea”) brews her own small brand, A. Nibbs Sons & Daughters, according to family tradition. And in the Dominican Republic, people often make their own guava liqueur by filling a jar with guavaberry, pouring in rum to cover it, and then burying the jar for a year.

traditions

A prized Christmas drink, guava liqueur inspired Christmas traditions. In St. Maarten, carolers went door to door, singing “Good morning, good morning, I’m here for my guavaberry.” At each house, they would receive a small sample of the owner’s bottle. But this isn’t reserved for St. Maarten; Residents of the Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic also associate the spirit with the Christmas festivities.

Many people prefer to mix guava liqueur into drinks rather than drink it neat due to its sweet and fruity taste. It is considered especially delicious as a colada, made by mixing guava liqueur, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. A small amount of liquor added to sauces or desserts gives a special flavor to the dish.

Historically, guavas were used to make jams, juices, tarts, and pastries on various islands in the Caribbean. Those tasty treats can still be found occasionally by lucky travelers. Cubans savor juicy and sweet-sour fruits, eating them plain or in juice. They also make a guava syrup, which is used medicinally for liver problems.

Due to its rarity and exceptionally pleasant taste, those who come across guava liqueur should be sure to try it. You might even be inspired to take home a bottle to add to your own Christmas traditions.