Guinep Drink Jamaican Style

A clear glass filled with a golden-hued Jamaican Guinep drink, garnished with a few whole guinep fruits and ice cubes on a wooden table."
Jamaican Guinep drink

Guinep, also known as Spanish Lime in many other countries, is a much-beloved fruit here in Jamaica. Although its peak season is from late July to early October, a small bag of these green spheres can still be found in some parishes, providing that nostalgic, sweet-tart taste. Unlike many other fruits, the "flesh" or "pulp" of the guinep is quite delicate, so when making a drink, it's crucial to get the flavor right. This Jamaican-style Guinep drink is the perfect way to capture its unique taste.

Guinep fruit, also called Spanish lime



The Secret to a Perfect Flavor

The key to a truly flavorful guinep drink is simple: use more guinep and less water. The pulp of the guinep is light, and if you use too much water, the resulting drink will taste insipid. By using a generous amount of fruit, you ensure the drink is rich, full-bodied, and tastes just as it should.

Ingredients

  • About 3 dozen ripe guinep

  • 3 cups of water

  • 1 small piece of fresh ginger root, peeled and crushed

  • Your favorite sweetener (sugar, honey, etc.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep the Guinep: Wash the fruit thoroughly, then carefully peel off the thin outer skin. Place the peeled seeds into a large container or bowl.

  2. Infuse the Water: In a small pot, bring the 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the peeled and crushed ginger root. Let it simmer for about 4 minutes to allow the ginger to fully infuse the water, then turn off the heat.

  3. Soak the Seeds: Pour the hot ginger water directly over the guinep seeds in the container. Cover it and let the seeds soak. For the best result, let it sit overnight, but a minimum of 5 hours will work. This process is crucial as it helps to loosen the pulp from the seeds.

  4. Separate the Pulp: Once the seeds have soaked, use your hands to vigorously rub the seeds together in the water. The goal is to strip the soft pulp off the hard seed. This is the fun part!

  5. Strain: Pour the liquid through a regular strainer into a clean pitcher. Important: Strain it only once. Avoid using a cheesecloth, as it will remove all the delicious pulp, and you’ll lose the flavor. The remaining pulp adds body and a fuller taste to the drink.

  6. Sweeten and Chill: Add your preferred sweetener to taste and stir well until it is fully dissolved. Refrigerate the pitcher until the drink is well-chilled, then serve and enjoy!

peeled guinep fruit

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