Exotic cocktails from Costa Rica

You may have heard about Costa Rica’s local firewater, guaro. Distilled from pure sugar cane molasses, it’s alternately described as rot-gut liquor and something akin to strong vodka. At 70-proof, guaro’s alcohol content packs a wicked punch, but thanks to a reasonable price tag, it remains a favorite for both shots and tasty cocktails. Aged rum – produced by Ron Centenario and Flor de Cana – is another popular choice for spicing up social events. We hope you enjoy this selection of popular Costa Rican cocktails, which can be tinkered with according to taste.

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Tropical Bloody Mary, Tico Style

• 36 ounces canned tomato juice
• 1 1/2 cups guaro
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 2 tsp. horseradish
• 1 tsp. grated ginger
• 1 lime, juice only
• 1/2 tsp. Lizano sauce (or Worcestershire)
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 12 dashes hot sauce
• stalks of celery as garnish, as needed
• Cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

In a blender combine 1/4 of the tomato juice, horseradish, ginger, celery, lime juice, Lizano, salt and hot sauce and mix until all are pureed. Pour the contents into a pitcher and add guaro and remaining tomato juice. After chilling for one hour, serve in tall glasses with cilantro, celery sticks and lime wedges as garnish.

Basil Mojito

• 10 fresh basil leaves
• 2 ounces simple syrup
• 3 ounces light rum
• Splash of ginger ale
• 5 wedges of lime
• Ice cubes

In a glass, muddle the lime wedges and basil leaves thoroughly. Add rum, ginger ale and simple syrup and stir well.  Serve over ice.

Guaro Sour

• 2 ounces guaro
• 2 ounces simple syrup
• 5 -6 lime wedges
• Splash of club soda
• Ice

Place guaro, simple syrup and lime in a glass and muddle well until lime juice is extracted. Pour over ice and add a dash of club soda.

Bubbly Star Fruit Surprise

• 3 ripe star fruits, finely chopped
• 2 sprigs of fresh mint
• 1 cup club soda
• ¼ cup white sugar
• ½ cup light rum
• Ice cubes

Mix star fruit, sugar, fresh mint and rum in a blender on high until smooth. Pour the mixture over ice cubes and add club soda. Stir and enjoy!