Throughout history, people all over the world have made alcoholic beverages with indigenous ingredients. Guavaberry liqueur is one of the most unique examples of this universal effort. Made in various places 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 clove 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 and difficult terrain, and their fruit grows 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 a deep red or orange-yellow color 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 cane sugar. 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 widened and it is now hard to find outside the Caribbean.
The Sint Maarten Guavaberry Company is the leading producer of guavaberry liqueur these days, keeping the legendary drink alive. His Guavaberry Emporium in Phillipsburg offers free samples of his wide variety of spirits. With their vintage varieties and hand-painted bottles, they have perfected guava liqueur like no one else. They also sell rums, barbecue sauces, honey guava, 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, handmade guava liqueurs still exist. In the Virgin Islands, Ashley Nibbs (aka “Dr. Bush Tea”) brews her own small brand, A. Nibbs Sons & Daughters, in the family tradition. And in the Dominican Republic, people often make their own guava liqueur by filling a jar with guavaberry, pouring rum to cover it, and then burying the jar for a year.
traditions
A prized holiday beverage, guava liqueur inspired holiday traditions. On St. Maarten, carols went from door to door, singing “Good morning, good morning, I’m here for my guavaberry.” At each house, they would receive a small sample from the owner’s bottle. But this is not reserved for St. Maarten; Residents of the Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic also associate the spirit with Christmas festivities.
Many people prefer to mix guava liqueur into drinks rather than drinking 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 Caribbean islands. Those tasty treats can still be found occasionally by lucky travelers. Cubans savor the 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 flavor, those who come across guava liqueur should be sure to try it. You might even feel inspired to bring home a bottle to add to your own holiday traditions.
