Back in the day, guavaberry rum was aged in oak barrels. It is made from cane sugar, wild guavaberries from the hills in the center of the island, and spices. The fruit season is a fleeting one and the berries should be used as soon as they ripen. Guavaberry rum is therefore made in large quantities. This way, the people of Saint Martin always have a few bottles stored away, ready to open at different times of the year. This liqueur is traditionally enjoyed at Christmas, and every Saint Martin family observes the tradition of putting a bottle on the table for the holidays.
Saint Martin Guavaberry Rum Recipe by Jewel Daal
Ingredients:
- 75 lbs guavaberries,
- 1 gallon rum,
- 3¼ cups sugar,
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 cups water
- 2 vanilla pods
Method
Use a colander to rinse the guavaberries in cold water, then split them open and remove the seeds. Leave them to steep in the rum for about two weeks.
After the maceration period, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, and water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, then boil for 10 minutes.
Remove from the heat and add the vanilla pods (previously split in half).
Leave the vanilla to infuse as the mixture cools.
When it is completely cold it will take on a syrupy texture.
Pour the syrup into the jar containing the rum and guavaberries.
Shake well to obtain an even mixture.
For the best possible guavaberry rum, we recommend you leave it to steep for several weeks before consuming.
Please drink responsibly!
Practical Information
Which places are the best known for their guavaberry rum?
In downtown Marigot, Colombier Tradition welcomes you in a Creole hut for you to taste the Guavaberry. It’s tough to choose between all the varieties offered! Then, it will be time to choose the bottle you will bring home as a souvenir. Colombier Tradition can even send Guavaberry liquors by mail all over the world!
Located on Boulevard de Grand-Case, La Part des Anges, a rum bar adjoining the gourmet restaurant Le Pressoir, combines high quality products and outstanding service. There, you’ll taste the Guavaberry rum in a cozy and intimate setting.
Where to buy guavaberry rum
If you want to take some home with you, we recommend you visit one of the three leading producers of this divine nectar. Their packaging is designed to make the bottles easier to transport. The producers can pack the glass bottles in bubble wrap for you and even propose unbreakable plastic containers.
- Chez Busco – 6 rue Franklin Laurence (Grand Case)
- Ma Doudou – Lot 45 Les terrasses de Cul de Sac
- Colombier Tradition – 156 rue de Hollande (in Marigot)
You’ll also find guavaberry rum vendors at the Creole huts in the Marigot market.
French Customs Information:
French nationals, travelers from Saint Barthélémy, and residents of the European Union (citizens and non-citizens) may bring back 1 liter of spirits of more than 22% alcohol (44 proof), or 2 liters of 22% (44 proof) or less per person (aged 17+).
We would like to point out that the alcohol level of infused rum differs from one producer to another. It varies from 20% (40 proof) to 40% (80 proof). Check the labels carefully. Producers also often propose half-liter bottles. This is a good choice (rather than 1-liter bottles) if you want to try more than one brand or flavor. You can then split the 1-liter allowance per person between two different 50 cl bottles.
Practical information
RHUM ARRANGÉ BUSCO
