Recipe

• 2oz gin (Bombay Sapphire East)
• 4oz tonic water (Fevertree Naturally Light)
• Lime slices, makrut lime leaf, and dried juniper berries

Add the gin and tonic in a glass filled with ice, and top with your garnishes (make sure to give the lime leaf a good firm slap to release the oils).

About

Makrut/Kaffir lime leaves are so deeply aromatic and truly one of the most amazing herbs in the world. The two names are synonymous, but due to “kaffir” being an offensive racial slur in South Africa (tho the name origin is unrelated), “makrut” is alternatively used.

Here’s a simple G&T built around the lime leaf…I chose Bombay Sapphire East gin (which adds Asian-inspired lemongrass and black pepper to the standard Sapphire), and Fevertree Naturally Light, my favorite tonic water which really allows the gin to shine while adding that perfect effervescence and bit of earthy complexity from the quinine.

And, I just found out they sell fresh lime leaves on Amazon (in the US)…so for those who have trouble finding it locally, apparently it’s only an Amazon order away. Also to note, they should freeze quite well so no need to use em all at once. Whatcha waitin for? Go get yourself some lime leaves and experience the beauty of this magical herb. And check out My Thai for another delicious lime leaves recipe inspired by Thai cooking!