Cool and refreshing, Kaffir Cooler. Make it boozy – think mojito meets Southeast Asia. Or keep it virgin for a perfectly thirst-quenching drink.
Have you used kaffir lime leaves? It’s an incredible ingredient common in Thai and other Southeast Asian cuisine. It’s amazingly aromatic – just rub one leaf between your fingers and you’ll smell it’s limey-sweet perfume immediately.
Thai Chicken and Rice – Classic Thai Flavors, Simple Prep! Great for Weeknight Dinners!
I recently made Thai-Style Chicken and Rice that made use of this wonderfully aromatic ingredient. The recipe calls for just 5 kaffir lime leaves, but they’re sold in packs of 20 or so leaves. So unless you’re fortunate enough to have a kaffir lime tree in your backyard (you luck duck)… you probably bought the pack too. Which means you have a lot of leftover leaves too!
The weather is getting warmer, and this blog was in desperate need of a cool and refreshing drink. A Kaffir Cooler only seemed natural.
The drink is simply made – muddle some leaves, add a little simple syrup, a splash of lime juice, perhaps a little rum, add lots of ice, and top off with sparkling water. I love a boozy drink, but the alcohol-free version is definitely rockin’ it too! Even omitting the simple syrup for a sugar-free option made for a wonderful thirst-quenching refresher.
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- 1 - 2 tablespoons simple syrup*
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 ounces white rum (optional)
- lots of ice
- sparkling water
- Add the kaffir lime leaves to a tall glass. Muddle/bruise the leaves by using the end of a long wooden spoon - this will release the leaves aroma and oils.
- Add the simple syrup, lime juice, and rum (if using). Stir together.
- Fill the glass with ice and then fill the glass all the way up with sparkling water. Serve and enjoy!
Wow! So refreshing and tasty! My hubby makes a mean mojito – it’s always been a favorite of mine…this will be added to the list! YUM!
If Dom makes a mean mojito, I’m coming to your house 😉
Kaffir lime leaves always intrigued me so much. But believe it or not, I have never tried them. And this kaffir lime cooler is inspiring me to try them now! Beautiful share, Kathleen. Can’t wait to try this recipe.
Omg! You have to find some kaffir leaves and give them a try! I KNOW you will love them!
Ooh this looks so refreshing, and I love that you used such a unique ingredient. This is the kind of drink that probably has that something-something that everyone will ask you about and be loving 😀
You’re so right! Kaffir lime leaves definitely have that flavor that people love but may not necessarily know what it is.
Woah! I love this!!! I always buy a big bag of kaffir lime leaves then freeze them so it’s so cool to have something else to make with them other than just curries!! Would never have thought to muddle them 🙂
Oh they’re so refreshing! I can picture you and Dozer sitting out on your back deck enjoying a few. (Dozer sans alcohol, of course) 😉
This is such a great idea, I love the flavour that kaffir leaves add to curries, I would have never thought to add it to a drink, but it’s a fabulous idea! I can’t wait to try it!
I hope you enjoy! It’s my new favorite warm weather drink 🙂
I adore kaffir lime leaves. We make many Thai inspired dishes with them but it is brilliant to muddle them in a cocktail. This toast is for you.
i love drinks like this, perfect for summer days and booze it up for the evenings.
I have only used Kaffir lime leaves once – still have some in my kitchen drawer. This recipe is great to use them up. I should use them more often as I love the fresh lemony/limey taste of them.
This is such a smart idea!!!
I thought you might like this one 🙂
Oh my, this looks quite refreshing! I have not had the joy of cooking with kaffir lime leaves, but they sound deliciously interesting! This is perfect for the warm weather we are having here in Georgia. Thanks for sharing another great recipe, cant wait to try this. 🙂
Aww… I miss Atlanta 🙂 Though I may not be saying that in the dead of summer – though this would be good drink for that 😛 If you live in/near the ATL, Buford Farmers Market or H Mart will definitely have them!
Kaffir lime leaves are fabulous, but I’m not sure if I can find them around here… Obviously I need to get on this expedition to find some because this drink looks beautiful and refreshing (I’m totally going to add booze)! Plus I really want to make your chicken. So kaffir lime leaves are a must! Wish me luck. 😉 Cheers, girlfriend!
Yeah… I know they’re not carried everywhere. But they should be! Don’t you think? There’s always bounty of the Internet 😉 Good luck girl!
So refreshing!! <3
Thanks so much!
I need to get my hands on some kaffir lime leaves! This drink looks like it’s to die for!
Yes, posthaste 😉
you solved one of problems! I love them aroma of keffir lime leaves but always end up throwing them after using some in curry. Please give idea for those Thai basil too, they come in gigantic bunch. Also do something about Miang kam, do you find those leaves?
Ooo… I’d make a Thai basil pesto with some pan seared shrimp over pasta – Hmm, future post perhaps? For the miang kam, you could use all types of great fillings – but a type of lettuce wrap first comes to mind.
Great idea for my hubby as I don’t eat meat, but will make it time we have thai basil. I am still looking for that authentic leaves for miang kam. All the toppings are easily available.
This drink couldn’t look more perfect! Can only imagine how it tastes! Pinning! Still need to find these leaves to try both recipes!
Yes, find them! I know you’ll love them!
I’m pulling up a bar stool and you can serve me up one of these delicious coolers! I’ll take mine with booze please! 🙂 Seriously, I need to find me a package of those kaffir lime leaves and get to muddling!
My friend, I would happily serve you a boozy cocktail 🙂
Mojitos are one of my top three favorite drinks (martinis and sangria are the other two) so I’m all over your recipe. Interesting use of the kaffir limes leaves. Going to the grocery store on Wednesday so will pick up some leaves and make a batch of these over the weekend 🙂
Wow… we would be dangerous out on the town together. Martinis are my all-time favorite drink – I always order one… except during a warm day when I must order a mojito or sangria. See… dangerous together 😉