Costa Rican Guaro Sour Cocktail

Costa Rican Guaro Sour Cocktail

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A beloved Costa Rican bar classic, this bright and silky cocktail showcases guaro, the country's signature sugarcane spirit. Shaken with fresh lime, a touch of sugar, and an egg white for a velvety foam, it's the perfect refresher on a warm tropical afternoon.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time5 mins
Total Time15 mins
Servings4
Yield4 cocktails

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (estimated)

  • 215 kcalCalories
  • 0 gFat
  • 0 gSaturated Fat
  • 15 gCarbs
  • 0 gFiber
  • 13 gSugar
  • 2 gProtein
  • 25 mgSodium
  • 55 mgPotassium
  • 6 mgCalcium
  • 0 mgIron
  • 9 mgVitamin C
  • 0 mcgVitamin A

Ingredients

For the Simple Syrup

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water

For the Cocktails

  • 8 oz (1 cup) guaro, chilled
  • 4 oz (1/2 cup) fresh lime juice, strained
  • 2 oz (1/4 cup) simple syrup
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1 cup ice cubes
  • 4 dashes Angostura bitters, for garnish
  • 4 thin lime wheels, for garnish

Directions

  1. Make the simple syrup: combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
  2. Juice the limes and strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove pulp and seeds; you need exactly 1/2 cup.
  3. In a large cocktail shaker, combine the guaro, fresh lime juice, cooled simple syrup, and egg whites.
  4. Dry shake (without ice) vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white into a thick, silky foam.
  5. Add the ice cubes and shake again hard for 20 seconds until the shaker is frosty on the outside and the cocktail is well-chilled.
  6. Strain into four chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glasses, holding back the ice.
  7. Drop a few dashes of Angostura bitters on top of the foam in each glass and swirl gently with a toothpick for a marbled effect.
  8. Garnish each with a lime wheel and serve immediately while the foam is still glossy.

Cook’s Notes

  • Always use fresh-squeezed lime juice; bottled juice will mute the bright citrus character and ruin the foam.
  • The dry shake (without ice) is essential for a silky, long-lasting foam — do not skip it.
  • For a vegan version, swap each egg white for 2 tablespoons of aquafaba (chickpea brine) with the same dry-shake technique.
  • Guaro Cacique is the most widely available brand in Costa Rica; if you can't find it, substitute with a clean white rum or silver cachaça.
  • Chill your serving glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes for the frostiest presentation and longest-lasting foam.
DinnerSour