Happy Guanacaste Day to all my Costa Ricans! July 25th marks the celebration of Guanacaste Day which commemorates the annexation f the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica from Nicaragua. The celebration is a symbol of democracy and independence for all of Costa Rica. The story goes that in 1824, Nicaragua was a torn country due to several civil wars. The Nicaraguans in the Guanacaste region asked to be annexed to Costa Rica, a more stable and well-off country and that was that! The motto of the Guanacaste region to this day is “part of this country by choice.” I’d drink to that!
Let’s get down to business; guaro is the national liquor of Costa Rica. It’s made from sugar cane, which makes it sweeter than other liquors and it’s very popular in all of South America. The word guaro can refer to any liquor in Spanish, so to make sure you’re getting what you want, ask for Cacique Guaro (the only legal guaro currently being produced). Here’s two ways you can use guaro during the day or night!
The S.O.B.
[photo: That’s Some Good Cookin‘]
Now, now this isn’t what you think it is! This all natural smoothie gets its title from strawberries, oranges, and bananas (get it? SOB!). Anyway, follow the recipe below to achieve bliss.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Guaro
- 10 ounces of fresh strawberries
- 2 cups fresh orange juice
- 1 whole banana
Mix together the ingredients in a blender; blend until smooth. Add ice for a refreshing smoothie and add a tiny umbrella for beach-side enjoyment. View the original recipe at Drinking Made Easy.
Guaro Sour
[photo: wikicommons]
Because guaro is naturally sweet and smooth, it’s nice to add a refreshing twist to pucker your lips!
Ingredients
- 2 ounces guaro (more if you want it to be tan fuerte)’
- 2 teaspoons raw sugar
- 1 lime cut into 6 or 8 wedges
- splash of club soda
Muddle the guaro, sugar and lime wedges in a lowball glass until the juice is extracted. Add ice cubes (as many as desired) and club soda. Enjoy. View the original recipe at Key Ingredient.
I just recently returned from Costa Rica (and live in NJ), where can I get Guaro here?! I found Argentinian Aguardiente in my liquor store, but it has anise favor, and I can’t remember that from the guaro I had in Costa Rica… Am I mistaken or is this a good substitute?