Anna I LOVE Root beer floats! Don’t get me wrong! But sometimes I crave something light, smooth, creamy, with a silky texture. This drink is the perfect solution that turns any meal into a one way ticket to paradise! Hawaiian Sun Guava Nectar was always the first drink I would have in Hawaii. It kick-started the family trip and was the first flavor that told me I was back in Hawaii!
Thick, pink, and deliciously refreshing, one sip of guava nectar in my Grandma’s tiny plantation home with the trade winds blowing through the open windows was always the start of a great food adventure!
A Float without Root beer
I feel like adding ice cream to guava is a no brainer. The addition of vanilla bean ice cream adds to the creamy texture. When you add a little bit of club soda, it makes it fizzy and extra delicious.
I had a similar punch at my bridal shower! We originally used rainbow sherbet (which is also absolutely delish!) When we ran out of punch, the only ice cream we had left in the house was vanilla. That is where this guava float originated from. The simplicity of vanilla allowed for the guava nectar to shine on it’s own.
My Grandma’s Mango Tree
The second ultimate taste of the islands was my Grandma’s sun-kissed mangoes. My other grandma had a gold mine in her back yard! Here, we would eat mountains of Portuguese sausage and rice, mounds of vibrantly purple Okinawan sweet potatoes, and bright yellow mangoes that were mouthfuls of concentrated, sugary sunshine! All you needed to do was freeze these treats, and you would instantly get mango ice cream! They were decadently rich and creamy.
The Perfect Mango
If you are not in Hawaii, it is really hard to find mangoes that can compare to my grandma’s amazing mango tree. However, I have found a variety of mango that is pretty similar and is fairly easy to find in grocery stores! the Ataulfo mango is from Mexico. It has bright yellow skin, a flat small seed, and it purees like a dream. It isn’t stringy, and has a concentrated sweet, sunny taste. I often find Ataulfo mangoes at Costco!
The Guy to Avoid
I would not try this drink using a Tommy Atkins or Kent mango. These varieties are common in grocery stores. they are usually green and have a rosy hue when ripe. However, they are fibrous and do not have the same buttery smooth texture. Same thing goes for some frozen mangoes! Those can be hit and miss when it comes to sweetness. Hold out on adding the mango until you can find a fruity gem that will make your float truly delicious! It will be worth it, I promise!
With or Without the Mango
While you can definitely make this drink with just the guava nectar, I feel like the mango puree makes the guava float extra special. It’s silky, sweet, and explodes with tropical flavor!
Creamy Guava Float
Equipment
- Immersion Blender
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Guava Nectar Guava Juice also works
- 1 1/3 Cups Club Soda
- 1 Ripe Ataulfo Mango (optional)
- 2 Scoops Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
- 1 Tbsp Swedish Pearl Sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Chill two tall glasses in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Peel and slice the ripe mango. I prefer to use a potato peeler to remove the skin. I find this allows you to avoid wasting any of that sweet, fruity gold! Remove the fruit from the seed using your knife. Slice it into strips.
- Place half of the mango into a bowl. Using an immersion blender, blend the mango into a creamy puree. Alternatively, you can use a fork to mash the mango into a puree, but you will not get the same smooth texture. If your mango isn't very sweet, you may need to add a teaspoon of sugar.
- Remove the chilled glasses from the fridge. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the mango puree into each of your glasses. Pour the guava juice into each glass.
- Add in the club soda and give it a quick stir! Taste it! If it needs a little more nectar or soda, feel free to add a little extra to taste.
- Top each glass with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Add a slice of fresh mango to the rim, and sprinkle the pearl sugar on top. Serve immediately, and enjoy a little trip to the islands!
Guava Float For a Party
- This recipe is easy to double for a party! Use a blender to blend 3 mangoes and 3 cups of guava nectar til smooth. Pour the guava mango blend into 6 serving glasses.
- Pour 3 cups of guava nectar evenly into glasses. Pour 6 cups of club soda evenly into glasses. Taste the blend! If it needs more guava nectar or club soda, add it to taste.
- Add one scoop of vanilla ice cream into each glass. Sprinkle with pearl sugar and serve!
