Guava Melon Lassi
Look, it’s starting to get real hot and we all need a cool drink once in a while. Here’s your cool drink for this summer: the guava melon lassi. It’s fruity, not too sweet, and perfect if you want to try something new.
I tried this drink at Disneyland a few years ago, at the Disney Festival of Holidays. It’s an annual event held in the California Adventure park. They have a host of little food and drink stalls scattered around the park, serving limited-edition treats. One of those treats when I went to Disneyland in 2023 was a guava melon lassi. After trying one, we bought THREE MORE. Because it was GREAT.
Here’s the description from the menu: Guava Nectar, Rock Melon Syrup, Yogurt and Honey, garnished with Cinnamon Whipped Cream and Honey-Flavored Cereal.
You might be wondering, what is a rock melon? I thought the same thing. Apparently it’s what a cantaloupe is called in Australia and New Zealand. Maybe Disney was just trying to add some whimsy by calling it that on the sign.
My version of the drink isn’t the same color as the one I tried in the park, but it tastes just about right! I played with the balance between the guava nectar and the cantaloupe simple syrup, and every variation was delicious. Enjoy!
Cantaloupe Simple Syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
8 oz diced cantaloupe
Combine sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the cantaloupe and simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Remove the cantaloupe chunks and refrigerate until use.
Guava Melon Lassi
Makes 2 tall servings
2 oz plain yogurt
6 oz cantaloupe simple syrup
6 oz guava nectar
2 tsp honey
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Whipped cream (store-bought is fine, or you can make your own. If you do, I’d recommend mixing in the cinnamon for even flavor distribution)
Honeycomb cereal (optional)
Combine the yogurt, simple syrup, guava nectar, and honey in a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour over ice. Top with whipped cream, a shake or two of cinnamon, and a few pieces of cereal (optional).
Note: the blender isn’t required, you can just stir until combined, but I prefer the blended texture.