5 Methods For Using Guava Jams And Relishes In Cocktails And Mocktails
Guavas are incorporated into cocktails in the form of juices and purees but guava jams and relishes are also a creative way to subtly introduce the fruit’s flavour into different blends. Jams and relishes can also be prepared and stored for a longer duration to be brought out even post winter in the making of mixes which contain this fruit’s flavours.
Read on below to know more about some of the ways in which guava jams and relishes can be used in cocktails and mocktails:
As A Sweetener
A classic guava jam is prepared by mixing chunks of this fruit with lots of sugar over a low flame until the two blend thoroughly with one another. This introduces a sweet quality into the fruit’s inherently sweet and juicy flavours.
A guava jam which has been prepared by harnessing the taste of the soft pink flesh of the fruit can then be used effectively as a sweetener in a lot of different alcoholic and non-alcoholic mixes.
Such drinks with a gin or champagne base or mocktails containing carbonated soda can be blended without the addition of simple syrup or any other sweetener.
Guava Jam And Chilli Mix
Another way to incorporate guava jam or relish into cocktails is by building into this element a spicy touch with the addition of chilli powder. Guava and chilli is a classic combination so mixing the sweet jam with the contrasting spiciness of red chillies can bring about a slightly savoury touch into a drink blend.
This mix can be added to drinks like bloody mary for its sweet and spicy touch. It can also be muddled with lime juice and about 30 ml tequila blanco to make a flavoured margarita mix.
Garnish such a drink with fresh guava slices for accentuating the fruit’s flavours.
Tangy Guava Relish
A guava relish can be made by bringing together the fruit slices with onions, peppers and cilantro as well as some sugar and vinegar that introduce lots of sweet, tangy and spicy elements into the dip.
The relish often accompanies savoury foods like different kinds of tarts and breads but it can also be an interesting addition to drinks.
A guava relish can be mixed in a simple non-alcoholic fruity sherbet or a coconut cream and guava fizz to accentuate the fruit’s flavours albeit with a spicy touch. Such a relish can also be used for building sweet and spicy tastes in a margarita cocktail.
Guava Jam In Mulled Wine
Another interesting recipe involves incorporating guava jam in mulled wine. A good quality red wine mulled with different spices like cinnamon and cloves can be used for this purpose.
The flavour of the guava jam will seep into this drink, introducing a sweet and distinct taste.
Such a mulled wine can then be used to make different punch recipes, as an addition to hot toddies and even in a sangria recipe.
Guava Relish As A Rim
One of the more imaginative ways to bring the flavours of a spicy, sweet and acidic guava relish into a cocktail or mocktail is to use it for rimming glasses.
A serving glass’ rim can be coated in some lime juice before dipping it in guava relish. The glass can then be filled up with cocktails like a margarita or a bellini and mocktails like a classic guava and ginger fizz.
A flavoured rim complete with so many tasting notes will give these cocktails a lot of depth and complexity.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
