Chilled Coconut and Kaffir Lime Cocktail

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing tropical drink combining creamy coconut milk with aromatic kaffir lime and a splash of rum, perfect for imbibing on a warm day. This Caribbean-inspired recipe, ready in about 5 minutes, brings together white rum, coconut milk, fresh lime juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Serves 1 Caribbean cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Gently bruise 2 fresh kaffir lime leaves with the back of a spoon to release their aroma and place them in a cocktail shaker.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 oz white rum, 3 oz coconut milk, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup to the shaker.
  3. Step 3: Fill the shaker with 1 cup ice cubes, then cover and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the mixture is cold and slightly frothy.
  4. Step 4: Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass filled with fresh ice, ensuring no kaffir lime leaves pass through.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 1 lime wheel on the rim and serve immediately for a creamy, aromatic tropical imbibe.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chilled Coconut and Kaffir Lime Cocktail take to make?

Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Chilled Coconut and Kaffir Lime Cocktail?

Refrigerate any leftover chilled coconut and kaffir lime cocktail in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chilled Coconut and Kaffir Lime Cocktail?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chilled Coconut and Kaffir Lime Cocktail for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chilled Coconut and Kaffir Lime Cocktail?

Caribbean cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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