Guava Mary Recipe

Guava Mary Cocktail

1. 1

   Prepare guava puree

   If you don't have ready-made guava puree, wash 2 medium ripe guavas, quarter them, remove large seeds, and pulse in a blender until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl using a spatula to push the pulp; you should get about 1 cup of smooth guava puree. Chill until ready to use.

2. 2

   Prepare glass rims

   Rub a lime wedge around the rim of two highball or Collins glasses. Spread the coarse salt on a small plate and dip the rims into the salt to coat. Set glasses aside with a few ice cubes in each if desired.

3. 3

   Infuse chillies (optional for heat control)

   Thinly slice 1 fresh chilli. For a milder result, remove seeds before slicing. Place slices in a small jar with 1 tablespoon of the guava puree and let sit for 5–10 minutes to mellow and color the puree slightly. For more heat, muddle a couple slices in the shaker later.

4. 4

   Mix the cocktail base

   In a cocktail shaker or large mixing glass, add the strained guava puree (1 cup), lime juice (1/2 cup), tomato juice (1 cup), vodka (6 tablespoons) if using, Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon), hot sauce (1 teaspoon), celery salt (1/2 teaspoon), fine sea salt (1/4 teaspoon), and freshly ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon).

5. 5

   Add chillies and ice, then shake or stir

   Add the chilli-infused guava puree (or sliced/muddled chilli per taste) and fill the shaker with ice (about 1 to 1 1/2 cups). If you prefer a brighter, slightly frothy mix, shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds. For a smoother, less aerated drink, stir gently for 20–25 seconds to chill and combine.

6. 6

   Taste and adjust seasoning

   Strain a small amount into a tasting glass to check balance. Adjust acidity with extra lime (1/2 lime at a time), heat with more hot sauce, or salt with pinch more celery salt. If too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of chilled water or tomato juice and stir to combine.

7. 7

   Serve

   Fill the prepared glasses with fresh ice cubes. Fine-strain or double-strain the cocktail into the glasses to remove chilli bits and pulp if desired. Garnish each glass with a lime wedge, a couple of thin chilli slices floated on top (or speared on a skewer), and an optional cilantro sprig or celery stalk. Serve immediately.

8. 8

   Non-alcoholic variation

   Omit vodka and increase tomato juice or chilled sparkling water by 6 tablespoons (to taste). Proceed with the same mixing and seasoning steps.