Guava Lime Cooler Recipe – Refreshing Indian Summer Drink

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Guava Lime Cooler Recipe – Refreshing Indian Summer Drink

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a drink that’s both incredibly refreshing and easy to whip up, especially when the Indian summer heat kicks in. This Guava Lime Cooler is exactly that – a burst of tropical sweetness with a zesty kick. I first made this when I was craving something different from the usual nimbu pani, and it’s been a family favourite ever since! It’s seriously the perfect way to beat the heat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another summer cooler. It’s a little slice of sunshine in a glass! It’s quick to make (seriously, 10 minutes!), requires minimal ingredients, and is unbelievably delicious. Plus, guava is packed with Vitamin C, so you’re getting a little health boost with every sip. What’s not to love? It’s a fantastic alternative to sugary sodas and a great way to enjoy seasonal fruits.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing cooler:

• 2 green guava (approximately 200-250g each)
• 1 lime (approximately 60-80g)
• 1 pinch lime zest
• 2 tablespoons honey (approximately 30ml)
• 1 pinch salt
• Sugar to taste (as needed – approximately 1-2 tablespoons, or to your preference)
• Ice cubes (for serving)
• Water (approximately 200-250ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk guava! Using green guava is key here. It has a slightly tart flavour that balances beautifully with the sweetness of the honey and the zing of the lime. You’ll find different varieties of guava across India – Allahabad guava is super common, but you can also use Lucknow guava, which is a bit sweeter.

Don’t worry about the seeds too much; we’ll be straining the juice. If you’re using very ripe guava, you might need a little less honey. And a tiny pinch of salt? Trust me on this one – it really enhances the flavours! Feel free to adjust the honey and sugar to your liking. I prefer using honey for a more natural sweetness, but sugar works just as well.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get making!

1. First, give your guavas a good wash. Then, carefully cube them – you can leave the skin on, it adds a nice bit of colour and fibre.
2. Pop the guava cubes into a blender along with about 100ml of water. Don’t over-blend! We just want to break down the guava, not pulverize the seeds. A quick pulse or two should do the trick.
3. Now, grab a metal strainer (a fine-mesh sieve works too). Place it over a bowl and pour in the blended guava. Use a spoon to press down and extract as much juice as possible, adding a little more water if needed to get every last drop.
4. Time for the flavour boost! Add the lime zest, freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2-3 tablespoons), salt, and honey to the guava juice. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely combined.
5. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed. Add a little sugar if you prefer a sweeter cooler.
6. Finally, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour in the guava lime cooler. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Chill your guavas: Using chilled guavas will give you an even more refreshing drink.
• Don’t over-blend: Over-blending can make the juice cloudy and bitter.
• Strain well: A good strain is crucial for a smooth, seedless cooler.
• Freshly squeezed lime juice is best: It makes all the difference in flavour!

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to spice things up:

• Spice Level: If you like a bit of a kick, add a tiny pinch of black salt (kala namak) or a sliver of green chilli to the blender. My friend, Priya, loves adding a dash of chaat masala!
• Festival Adaptations: This cooler is perfect for Holi or any summer festival. It’s a cooling and refreshing drink to enjoy after all the dancing and fun.
• Minty Fresh: Add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the blender for an extra layer of freshness.

Vegan Adaptation

This is already a pretty vegan-friendly recipe! Just swap the honey for agave nectar, maple syrup, or your favourite vegan sweetener.

Sugar-Free Adaptation

Skip the sugar altogether! The honey provides plenty of sweetness, and the guava itself has a natural sweetness. You can also use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol if you prefer.

Serving Suggestions

This cooler is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with light snacks like:

• Spicy chaat
• Samosas
• Fruit salad
• Light sandwiches

Storage Instructions

This cooler is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftover juice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The flavour might mellow slightly over time.

FAQs

1. What is the best type of guava to use for this cooler?

Green guava is ideal! It has a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness. Allahabad and Lucknow guava are both great options.

2. Can I use guava pulp instead of fresh guava?

You can, but the flavour won’t be quite as vibrant. If using guava pulp, start with about 1 cup (240ml) and adjust the water accordingly.

3. How can I adjust the sweetness of the cooler?

Simply add more or less honey or sugar to taste.

4. Can this cooler be made ahead of time?

You can prepare the guava juice ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Add the lime juice and honey just before serving for the best flavour.

5. What are the health benefits of guava juice?

Guava is packed with Vitamin C, antioxidants, and fibre. It’s great for boosting your immunity and aiding digestion!