Macuá Cocktail

The Macuá is the official national drink of Nicaragua, a modern creation that perfectly captures the tropical spirit of the region. It is a vibrant and fruity blend of white rum, guava juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup. The cocktail is both sweet and tangy, with the exotic flavor of guava taking center stage. This balance makes it an incredibly refreshing and easy-to-drink concoction, ideal for warm weather.
Macuá Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 4 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Macuá is classified as a modern classic cocktail due to its creation in the 21st century. Its flavor profile also places it firmly in the category of tropical cocktails. It is a shaken, rum-based drink served in a highball glass.

Serving

Served cold over fresh ice in a tall Highball glass, the Macuá is a moderately strong but very approachable tropical long drink.
Serving size
Approximately 6-7 oz / 180-210 ml (before ice)
Alcohol content
Approximately 12-15% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The Macuá was born in October 2006 from a national contest sponsored by Flor de Caña, a renowned Nicaraguan rum producer, to create a signature cocktail that would represent the country. The winning recipe was submitted by Dr. Edmundo Miranda Saenz, a pediatrician from the city of Granada. The name "Macuá" was chosen in honor of a tropical bird native to Nicaragua.
Origin
The Macuá cocktail was created in Nicaragua in 2006. It was officially designated as the country's national drink after winning a nationwide competition.

Macuá Cocktail

The drink is primarily known by its original Spanish name, Macuá. It is sometimes referred to as "El Macuá," which simply means "The Macuá." The name itself refers to a tropical bird native to Nicaragua.
Original name
Macuá
Alternative name
El Macuá

Characteristics overview

The Macuá boasts a vibrant tropical flavor dominated by sweet guava, with a refreshing citrus aroma and a balanced sweet-and-sour taste. Its smooth texture and clean, fruity finish make it a perfect summery drink.
Flavor
Tropical, fruity, guava, sweet, tangy, citrusy
Aroma
Fruity, guava, sweet, zesty lemon
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, fruity, short
Fizziness
Still, none
Color appearance
Opaque, pinkish-orange, cloudy
Texture
Smooth, juicy, light-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, tropical

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intensely fruity and tropical, with a well-balanced sweetness and sourness. The alcohol is present but not overpowering, resulting in a very drinkable and refreshing cocktail.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires just four simple ingredients: a base of white rum, complemented by guava juice, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of simple syrup for balance.
  • White Rum1.5 oz / 45 ml
    A Nicaraguan rum like Flor de Caña is traditional.
  • Guava Juice2 oz / 60 ml
    Use good quality, preferably 100% guava juice or nectar.
  • Lemon Juice0.5 oz / 15 ml
    Freshly squeezed is essential for the best flavor.
  • Simple Syrup0.5 oz / 15 ml(optional)
    Adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of the guava juice.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for measuring and a strainer, to prepare this shaken drink.
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or measuring cup
  • Strainer

Instructions

Preparation is straightforward: chill your glass, shake all liquid ingredients vigorously with ice in a cocktail shaker, and then strain into the ice-filled glass before garnishing.
1. Fill a highball glass with ice to chill it.
2. Add white rum, guava juice, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared highball glass filled with fresh ice.
6. Garnish with an orange wheel and a maraschino cherry.
7. Serve immediately.

Garnishing

Garnish with a vibrant orange wheel and a sweet maraschino cherry, often skewered together, to add visual appeal and a complementary citrus aroma.
  • Orange wheel and maraschino cherry, skewered and placed on the rim or in the glass.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten (when using gluten-free certified ingredients), making it suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This drink is moderately caloric, with its calories primarily coming from the high carbohydrate and sugar content of the guava juice and simple syrup.
Calories
Averagely 180-220 kcal / 753-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 20-25 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 18-23 g
Sugar level

Occasions

Perfect for warm weather, the Macuá is an ideal choice for summer parties, beach gatherings, or a relaxed happy hour. Its tropical and refreshing character makes it a crowd-pleaser for casual social events.
  • Summer Party
  • Beach Vacation
  • Casual Gathering
  • Happy Hour

Pairing suggestions

The Macuá's fruity and refreshing profile pairs wonderfully with light and flavorful dishes. It complements grilled chicken or fish, zesty ceviche, and simple salty snacks like plantain chips. Its tropical nature makes it a versatile companion for many Latin American and Caribbean foods.
  • Grilled chicken or fish
  • Light appetizers
  • Ceviche
  • Tropical fruit salad
  • Salty plantain chips

Macuá Cocktail: The Tropical Taste of Nicaragua

The Macuá Cocktail is a delightful and refreshing tropical drink that holds the title of Nicaragua's national beverage. Created in 2006, this modern classic combines white rum with the sweet, exotic flavor of guava juice, balanced by the tartness of fresh lemon. It is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing cocktail that is perfect for warm weather and social gatherings. The Macuá offers a vibrant and authentic taste of Central America in every sip.

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