Coconut Jewel Recipe

Prepare lemongrass

Trim the lemongrass: remove any dry outer layers, slice off the root end and the tough top 1-2 inches. Smash the lower bulb with the back of a knife to bruise and release oils, then thinly slice or bruise with a muddler.

Prepare ginger

Peel and thinly slice or grate the fresh ginger (about 1 tablespoon).

Steep

Place the prepared lemongrass and ginger into a heatproof container. Pour 4 oz (120 ml) hot water over them and steep for 8–10 minutes to extract aromatics.

Strain and sweeten

Strain the infusion into a small container. If you prefer a slightly sweet aromatic cordial, stir in 1/2 tablespoon honey while still warm until dissolved. Let the cordial cool to room temperature (about 10 minutes). You should have roughly 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) of concentrated cordial; use 0.5 oz (15 ml) in the cocktail and reserve any leftover for another drink.

Chill glass

If desired, chill a coupe or rocks glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the drink.

Combine ingredients

In a cocktail shaker add: 2 oz Sudachi shu, 1 oz coconut rum, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, 0.5 oz simple syrup, 0.75 oz coconut cream, and 0.5 oz of the cooled lemongrass-ginger cordial. Add a large handful of ice (or enough to fill the shaker about two-thirds).

Shake

Vigorously shake for 12–18 seconds until the shaker is cold and frothy (the coconut cream should emulsify and create a silky texture).

Strain and serve

Discard the chilling ice/water from the glass if used. Fine-strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe or over fresh crushed ice in a rocks glass, depending on preference.

Garnish the drink with a sudachi or lime wheel on the rim and a piece of candied ginger or a thin fresh ginger slice floated on top. If you reserved the lemongrass stalk, lightly slap it between your palms to release aroma and use it as a stirrer.

Optional: Express a small strip of lime peel over the drink to add extra citrus oils before dropping it in.

Serve immediately. Sip and enjoy the interplay of bright sudachi citrus, creamy coconut, and the fragrant lemongrass-ginger cordial.