recipe by Lori Ross

This is my favorite drink from D.C. restaurant Asia Nora. The unique aroma and flavor of kaffir lime leaves give this limeade a distinct taste.

Syrup:

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

3/4 cup fresh ginger root slices (unpeeled, smashed and sliced)

8 kaffir lime leaves* or lime peel

In a small saucepan, bring the water, sugar, ginger and lime leaves to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat; set aside to cool. Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to infuse the syrup. Strain the syrup, discarding the solids.

Spritzer:

1 cup fresh lime juice (from about 8 limes)

1/2 cup Kaffir-Ginger Simple Syrup (recipe follows)

24 ounces sparkling water

Kaffir lime leaves  or sliced lime for garnish

In a pitcher, combine the lime juice, simple syrup and sparkling water and stir vigorously. Pour into chilled glasses and garnish with additional lime leaves.

*Kaffir lime leaves may be ordered at: www.importfood.com (About 100 kaffir lime leaves for $6,00 – leaves can be frozen in plastic bag indefinitely).