How to Make Delicious Makrut Lime Cocktails

Makrut limes can add unique, unforgettable flavor to just about anything, even citrus cocktails. If you need some citrus drink ideas, you're in the right place!

Do you love the juicy tang of cocktails made with lime? Well, prepare your tastebuds. Key limes are out and makrut lime is in!

Makrut lime is a citrus fruit native to southern China and Southeast Asia (especially Thailand). It looks like a lime you might find in a supermarket with wrinkles. This fruit offers an intense, somewhat herbal, aroma and flavor.

It's a fantastic ingredient for citrus cocktails because it helps balance the strong flavor of certain spirits. Here are some delicious cocktail recipes with makrut limes.

Makrut Lime Martini

Shaken or stirred? Whatever your preference, this is a Southeast Asian twist on a classic recipe.

To mix one cocktail, you will need:

  • 1½ oz. Vodka of choice
  • 3 oz. Freshly squeezed makrut lime juice
  • Sugar
  • Makrut lime leaves
  • Ice cubes

Cover the rim of a martini glass in lime juice and dip in sugar. Shake the vodka and lime juice with the ice cubes in a cocktail shaker. Strain and pour the drink into the glass and garnish it with makrut lime leaves.

And you're done! This is one of the simplest (yet tastiest) makrut lime drink recipes. For a more exotic flavor, use coconut-infused vodka.

Makrut Lime Gimlet

This is one of the most delicious drinks with makrut lime as gin is such a tasty accompaniment.

To make makrut lime syrup you will need:

  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 1/4 cup of caster sugar
  • 1 handful of makrut lime leaves

Place all the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Leave to cool and infuse for as long as possible then strain and bottle the mixture.

The syrup will keep for up to 10 days refrigerated.

To mix one cocktail, you will need:

  • 2oz. Gin of choice
  • 1oz. Makrut lime juice
  • 1oz. Makrut lime syrup
  • Lime wedges
  • Makrut lime leaves
  • Ice cubes

Shake the gin and syrup with the ice cubes in a cocktail shaker. Strain and pour the drink into a glass and garnish with makrut lime leaves and lime wedges.

Makrut Lime, Ginger, and Lemongrass Mojito

Havana, Cuba is the birthplace of the mojito rum cocktail. But add a little lemongrass and you're instantly transported to a secluded beach in Thailand.

To make makrut lime, ginger, and lemongrass syrup you will need:

  • 2 cups of sugar
  • 2 cups of water
  • 4 small slices of ginger
  • 2 lemongrass stalks
  • Juice and zest of 3 limes
  • 1 handful of makrut lime leaves
  • 1 handful of mint leaves

Add the sugar and water to a saucepan and stir over medium heat. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Leave to cool and infuse for as long as possible then strain and bottle the mixture.

The syrup will keep for up to two weeks. Use raw sugar if you can and opt for two Persian limes and one makrut lime for the juice.

We love the strong flavor of makrut lime cocktails. But when making drinks with makrut limes for family and friends, mix in some classic lime juice as the flavor can be too intense for those new to the fruit.

To mix one cocktail, you will need:

  • 3oz. Makrut lime, ginger, and lemongrass syrup
  • 1½ oz. White rum of choice
  • 1½ oz. Sparkling water
  • Lime wedges
  • Mint leaves
  • Ice cubes

Shake the white rum and syrup with the ice cubes in a cocktail shaker. Strain and pour the drink into a glass and garnish it with mint leaves and lime wedges.

Mix a Delicious Makrut Lime Cocktail Today

Try adding makrut lime juice or leaves to your cocktails. You're bound to create deliciously unique drinks that will wow your friends! Check out our Makrut (Kaffir) lime blog for all things Makrut limes including unique uses, recipes, and benefits!

Makrut lime and makrut lime leaves are difficult to find in most regular supermarkets. And a lot of cities don't have Asian or specialty food shops. 

Luckily, they're so easy to order from our online store. Check out our fresh Makrut (Kaffir) lime leaves and elevate your cooking and cocktails!


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