The Polynesian Sour brings the sweetness of the South Seas to your glass: white Rum meets guava juice, lemon and orange. The combination of fruity acidity and subtle sweetness makes it the perfect drink for warm evenings. No complicated mixing required, but one detail that makes all the difference – more on that below. A Sour that doesn’t just taste good but also evokes palm trees and the sound of the sea.
And this is what you need for the Polynesian Sour
4 cl white Rum
1 cl guava juice
1 cl lemon juice
1 cl freshly squeezed orange juice
1 cl sugar syrup (1:1)
1 egg white (optional, for texture)
What matters
The trick lies in the guava juice: use it fresh or as high-quality direct juice, not from concentrate. Concentrates often taste artificial and overpower the fresh citrus notes. If guava is unavailable, replace it with passion fruit juice – the acidity pairs perfectly with the Rum. Make sure the orange juice is really freshly squeezed; pre-packaged juice loses aroma quickly and makes the drink flat. The egg white is optional but gives the Sour a silky texture and a beautiful foam collar. If you omit it, shake the drink a little longer so it becomes creamier.
Variations
- Mango Polynesian Sour — Replace the guava juice with 1 cl mango purée and reduce the sugar syrup to 0.5 cl. The mango gives the drink a softer sweetness and a more intense colour.
- Spiced Polynesian Sour — Add 2 dashes Angostura Bitter and replace the white Rum with 4 cl brown Rum. The Bitter rounds off the sweetness and lends the drink a spicy depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Polynesian Sour without egg white?
Yes, the egg white is optional. It ensures a creamier texture and a nice foam, but the drink works fine without it. If you omit it, shake the Sour a little longer so it still develops a light creaminess.
Which Rum works best for this cocktail?
Use a light, dry white Rum with little inherent flavour. A Rum that’s too aromatic will overpower the fruit notes. If you only have brown Rum on hand, reduce the amount to 3 cl to balance out the sweetness.
Can I replace the guava juice with another juice?
Yes, passion fruit juice or passion fruit purée work well. Both have a similar acidity and fruitiness. Avoid overly sweet juices like pineapple or peach – they make the drink too heavy.
