If a lemon drop, a margarita, and Thailand had a baby it would be this cocktail… and I’m ok with that.
For those of you who don’t know, a kaffir lime is a very bumpy/wrinkly variety of lime (see picture above) that is native to certain tropical regions of Asia. The kaffir tree also has unique double leaves that are commonly used in Thai cuisine due to their distinct taste and wonderful fragrance.
What makes this cocktail great is the use of kaffir simple syrup (recipe below). Though we have our own tree, I exclusively use the leaves in the syrup because they are much easier to come by than the limes and can be found in some ethnic markets (so you guys at home can make it too).
Well now that we’ve talked about it, let’s actually make it, shall we?
KAFFIR SIMPLE SYRUP
Time: 12 mins
Difficulty: easy
INGREDIENTS
1 cup White Sugar (or pure cane sugar, Zulka)
1 cup Water
4 Kaffir Lime Leaves
METHOD
Place the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
Cut the kaffir leaves into quarters where they naturally split and add them to the saucepan.
Slowly stir until all the sugar is dissolved in the water (about 1-2 minutes).
Once the sugar is dissolved, continue to simmer for 10 minutes. The leaves will darken and soften.
Strain syrup into a bottle, cool, and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. You may also freeze the mixture if you do not plan on using it right away.
Now it’s time for the fun stuff!
KAFFIR LIME DROP
Servings: 1
Time: 2 mins
Difficulty: easy
INGREDIENTS
1.5 oz Vodka
.5 oz Triple Sec
1.5 oz Lime Juice (regular limes)
1.5 oz Kaffir Simple Syrup
1 tsp White Sugar or Pure Cane Sugar (for rimming glass)
Ice for Shaking
Martini Glass
METHOD
Rim a martini glass with lime juice and white sugar.
To do this, run a piece of lime or some lime juice around the rim of the glass. Pour the white sugar in a circle the size of the glass’ rim on a plate. Dip the wet rim in the sugar and swirl around until the whole rim is covered in a thin layer of sugar.
Combine all liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously for 10 seconds and strain into your martini glass.
Serve plain or with a kaffir leaf as a garnish.
Enjoy your drink and have an awesome weekend!
