Drink of the Week: Pura Vida

Not only is “pura vida” (pure life) a greeting and way of life in Costa Rica, it’s also a fruity tropical cocktail. My friend spotted it on the menu at RipJack restaurant on Playa Grande, and he couldn’t resist ordering a Pura Vida to complete his holiday experience.

The Pura Vida cocktail is fruity and includes Cacique Guaro, which is a local spirit made from distilled sugar cane.

We all liked the drink’s presentation and agreed that the mason jar made it look less girly (it’s pink in hue and has a star fruit garnish). That certainly didn’t stop my friend from guzzling it down after everyone enjoyed a sip.

You can’t really taste the main spirit, Cacique Guaro (a local rum-like liquor made from distilled sugar cane), but in a smokin’ hot climate that’s not the point. You just want icy, fizzy refreshment — and perhaps a happy hour buzz — and the chilled orange and mixed fruit juice delivers. As they say in Costa Rica, “Pura Vida!”

Pura Vida

• 1-1/2 oz Cacique Guaro
• Splash grenadine
• 1/2 oz orange juice
• 1/2 oz mixed fruit juice (such as Dos Pinos brand)
• Top Sprite
• Garnish: star fruit and lime wedge

Method: Into a mason jar add Cacique Guaro and grenadine. Fill glass with ice and add juices and Sprite. Stir, and garnish with star fruit and lime wedge.

— Recipe courtesy RipJack