Kaffir lime cocktail

[TAPrice]

A friend gave me a bag full of kaffir limes. Any cocktail ideas? I'm at a loss for what to do with the fruit.

[KatieLoeb]

Todd:

How different does the juice taste from regular lime juice?? Would it be worth subbing into a Margarita? Got any good homemade grenadine in the house? How about a Jack Rose variant? How about muddling them into a Caipirinha? I'd look for drinks where the lime/lime juice is a crucial flavor component and see how different it would be with Kaffir limes instead...

Edited October 7, 2009 by KatieLoeb (log)

[Kent Wang]

I just got a tree. How about using the leaves? You could gently muddle them like with mint.

[Reignking]

They infuse very well with vodka; I added some lemongrass, as well. It was a very quick infusion (3 days?).

[HungryC]

Pressed KL juice doesn't taste much diff from persian lime juice, to me. And the bumpy little things aren't especially juicy. The really aromatic stuff is in the peel & leaves; trying using the peels for an infusion, or maybe candying the peels to use as a garnish. KLs have a decidedly assertive, lemony aroma--too much, and it brings to mind Lysol lemon floor cleaner.

[deensiebat]

I agree -- there are definitely piney notes. But I like them! I once found a recipe for an "Indian" cocktail called The Agra which we made with Kaffir limes. It featured limes, fresh pomegranate, gin, mint, sugar, and ginger ale. Very delicious. I think it also makes a good mocktail, for non-drinkers (not that any of them are reading this thread) -- it's got a very interesting flavor combo.

[JAZ]

I've read that kaffir lime (both leaves and rind -- not sure about the juice) have the same components as citronella. I think it's that rather than pine or lemon that comes into play with kaffir . Whatever it is, though, it can definitely be overpowering in large doses.