Pineapple-Guava Smash, just in time for the polar vortex

Have you heard about the polar vortex that is supposed to be hitting the entirety of the US this week? I think we’re going to miss the worst of it here in California, but I had brief dreams of snow. Despite the warnings or arctic chill headed everyones way I’ve been feeling some island vibes lately, maybe I just need a tropical vacation… So, when I saw some pineapple-guava fruit I had to pick it up. I had never tried pineapple-guava fruit before, but once I did I knew exactly what it needed. It is a slightly sweet fruit with an amazing aroma, and it is undeniably tropical, and what better to do with a fruit mash-up then a smash?

Instead of a traditional gin smash I decided to go with rum and embrace the tropical flavors of the fruit. While you could totally make this without the fernet branca, I used it as a seasoning, similar to bitters in a tiki drink, to bring out the flavors of the fruit. You could probably juice the fruit and use it that way, but it looks like it oxidizes quickly and I’m not too sure what that does to the flavor. For ultimate freshness and in keeping with a smash, I muddled pieces in the tin. Despite the oxidation I highly recommend garnishing with a slice of pineapple-guava, because they smell fantastic.

Pineapple Guava Smash
2 oz. Smith & Cross Jamaica Rum
3/4 oz. lemon juice
1/2 oz. simple syrup
1/4 oz. fernet branca
2 pineapple-guava quartered

Place all ingredients into a shaking tin, muddle the pineapple-guava, add ice and shake until chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass over ice, and garnish with some sliced pineapple-guava.

Cheers!