This Kaffir Lime Syrup will add a bright, zesty, flavorful aroma and sweet flavor to your favorite drinks, teas, and sparkling water.
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What is kaffir lime leaf?
Kaffir lime leaves are slightly rounded, aromatic, glossy green leaves commonly used in Southeast Asian cooking, and especially used in Thai cuisine.
They have a distinctive citrusy, slightly floral flavor that enhances soups, curries (such as beef rendang and Thai curry), and stir-fries.
Often used whole or shredded, these leaves add a bright, fresh note to dishes, similar to lemon or lime zest but with a unique fragrance.
Why you'll love this recipe
This recipe takes the idea of a simple syrup and infuses the unique flavor of lime leaf right into it, in a similar style to other syrups: pandan, lavender and vanilla syrup.
Ingredients you'll need
- granulated sugar: I used cane sugar, which adds a little yellow hue to the syrup
- water
- handful of kaffir lime leaves: you can find fresh or frozen kaffir lime leaf in Southeast Asian grocery stores or Asian supermarkets; if you can find fresh, I highly recommend it as it is much more fragrant!
How to make kaffir lime syrup
In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water.
Bring to a simmer, and add in the kaffir lime leaves.
Remove from heat and let the leaves steep for 30 minutes.
Discard the kaffir lime leaves and pour the syrup into a clean glass jar or container.
Cover and let cool completely before placing into the fridge for up to 1 week.
How to use kaffir lime syrup
Use the kaffir lime leaf syrup to add extra flavor into drinks such as teas (eg. lemongrass tea), alcoholic drinks, or sparkling water/spritzers.
How to store
Store the cooled syrup, covered in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Other Southeast Asian recipes you may like
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Kaffir Lime Syrup
For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.
Ingredients
- ½ C granulated sugar
- ½ C water
- handful of kaffir lime leaves
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water.
- Bring to a simmer, and add in the kaffir lime leaves.
- Remove from heat and let the leaves steep for 30 minutes.
- Discard the kaffir lime leaves and pour the syrup into a clean glass jar or container.
- Cover and let cool completely before placing into the fridge for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.
Neil
I was wondering what to do with the bag of frozen Kaffir lime leaves in the bottom of my freezer. I use them from time to time in my curries but now you've given me a novel way to use them all. Thanks Michelle!
Michelle
Hi Neil, I'm so glad to hear that you'll have a new use for the kaffir lime leaves in your freezer! I always have a bunch of lime leaves frozen as well -- they're so great in curries! 🙂
David @ Spiced
One of our friends just mailed us a package of kaffir lime leaves - she keeps a tree, so she's always got plenty to share. This is perfect timing as I've never thought about making a simple syrup with those leaves!
Michelle
Ah that's amazing, David! Glad you've got a large stash of kaffir lime leaves to play around with! 🙂
Heidi
I love how little hands on time is required to make this syrup. The citrus and slightly floral flavor sounds absolutely wonderful. This would be such a perfect way to flavor my favorite Topo Chico mineral water.
Michelle
Thanks Heidi! It would be an amazing addition to your mineral water 🙂
Ben | Havocinthekitchen
I'm not too familiar with kaffir lime leaves, and I only knew about their use in savoury recipes. Infused syrup? I'm intrigued to try this flavour in soft drinks or cocktails!
Michelle
Yes, they're typically used in curries and savory dishes, but the flavor they impart infused in syrup is amazing! Thanks Ben!
Healthy World Cuisine
Michelle, this is brilliant! We usually have kaffir lime leaves in the freezer for all of our curries and such but never thought about making a deliciously bright simple syrup. I can only imagine how wonderful it would be in a jasmine iced tea.
Michelle
Thanks Bobbi, jasmine kaffir lime tea sounds incredible!
Raymund | angsarap.net
This Kaffir Lime Syrup recipe sounds fantastic! I love the idea of infusing such a unique flavor into drinks, it's sure to elevate everything from teas to cocktails.
Michelle
Love how unique this flavor is -- really makes it special! Thanks Raymund 🙂