Citrus Guava Sparkler
A bubbly, light cocktail combining tropical guava with zesty citrus and a sparkling finish, ideal for warm-weather celebrations. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 5 minutes pairs Guava juice, Fresh lemon juice, Simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 160 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Guava juice
- 0.75 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz Simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
- 1.5 oz Gin
- 3 oz Sparkling water
- as needed Ice cubes
- 1 Lemon wheel
- 1 Fresh basil leaf
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to the brim. Pour in 1.5 oz gin, 2 oz guava juice, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup.
- Step 2: Shake vigorously for 12 seconds until the shaker is cold to the touch.
- Step 3: Strain into a chilled highball glass filled halfway with ice cubes.
- Step 4: Top with 3 oz sparkling water and stir gently with a bar spoon for 10 seconds to combine.
- Step 5: Garnish with a lemon wheel floated on the surface and a fresh basil leaf gently slapped to release its aroma placed atop the lemon.
- Step 6: Serve immediately with a reusable straw.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus Guava Sparkler take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Citrus Guava Sparkler?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep guava juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus Guava Sparkler?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Citrus Guava Sparkler for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Citrus Guava Sparkler?
Cocktails quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
