Kumquat cocktails in glasses with a garnish of fresh kumquats.

Kumquat Lemongrass Rum Cocktail

This easy cocktail recipe uses fresh kumquats, lemongrass, and a splash of rum for a drink with a perfectly balanced zing!

Kumquat cocktails in glasses with a garnish of fresh kumquats.
Kumquat Lemongrass Rum Cocktail

Wondering how to use kumquats? Try sweet-and-sour kumquats in this easy kumquat cocktail. Here they lend the perfect citrus flavor to a simple syrup, along with some lemongrass, for a perfectly balanced zing. All you need is a splash of rum for this cheerful Kumquat Lemongrass Rum Cocktail.

Two Kumquat Cocktails and a pitcher in the background with the words, "Kumquat Lemongrass Rum Cocktail."

This post first appeared on March 20, 2013 and on Wayfair.com. I hope you enjoy this favorite from my kitchen!

Lemons sprinkled with salt. Green apples. Sliced green mangoes. Tamarind. Sour Patch Kids. Warheads.

Love ’em or hate ’em?

I, for one, love it. As a child, I couldn’t get enough of sour treats, and the more tart, the better. There was something inherently fun in eating something so bold in flavor that it would elicit a face scrunching, eye tearing expression. It sounds masochistic, but I know I’m not the only one. I find that people who love kumquats, those little nuggets of sweet and sour, have a similar penchant for tartness.

Whole and sliced kumquats on a white dishtowel.
A pitcher of homemade lemongrass-kumquat syrup.

Mouth puckering delights are still a favorite, but I also like to temper the flavors and balance it with sweetness. If you’ve never tried kumquats before, I have the perfect way for you to ease in to it. Sweet and tangy, I think you’ll really love this Kumquat Lemongrass Rum Cocktail.

The top view of a glass filled with a kumquat cocktail, ice, and a halved kumquat garnish.
Empty glasses and a bottle of rum.

Think of it as lemonade for grownups. If you’re a kumquat doubter, I know you’ll be convinced.

How to Make a Kumquat Cocktail

First, prepare the Kumquat-Lemongrass Syrup. Chop two stalks of lemongrass into 2″ pieces. Use a mortar and pestle to help release the juice. Combine the pieces of lemongrass with water and sugar in a small saucepan. Squeeze halved kumquats into the saucepan and drop in the pressed fruit too.

Bring the syrup to a boil then lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Allow to cool in the refrigerator and then strain.

After the syrup has been strained, it’s ready for cocktail creation. In a mixing glass, combine rum, kumquat-lemongrass syrup, fresh kumquat juice, and ice. Shake and serve over the rocks. Garnish with a kumquat half. That’s it!

A Kumquat Lemongrass Rum Cocktail with ice and a halved kumquat garnish.

More Cocktail Recipes

Peach Sorbet Mojito Float
Kiwi Lime Mojito
Rhubarb Mint Margarita
Ginger Cantaloupe Sangria
Lychee Rose Mimosas

Kumquat Lemongrass Rum Cocktail

Wondering how to use kumquats? Try the sweet and sour kumquats in this easy Kumquat Lemongrass Rum Cocktail. Here the kumquats lend the perfect citrus flavor to a simple syrup, along with some lemongrass, for a perfectly balanced zing. All you need is a splash of rum and you're ready to say so long winter! Cheers to spring!
Course Beverages
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Servings 1 cocktail
Calories 240kcal

Ingredients

For the Kumquat-Lemongrass Syrup:

  • 2 stalks lemongrass
  • 1 cup kumquats halved
  • 2 cups water
  • 3/4 cup sugar

For the Cocktail:

  • 2 1/2 ounces Kumquat-Lemongrass Syrup
  • 1 1/2 ounces rum
  • 1/2 ounce fresh kumquat juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Kumquats halved for garnish

Instructions

To make the Kumquat-Lemongrass Syrup:

  • Trim the ends off the lemongrass and chop into 2 inch pieces. Using a mortar and pestle, or the back of a knife, crush the lemongrass stalks to help release the juice. Combine lemongrass, water and sugar in a small saucepan. Squeeze the halved kumquats into the lemongrass and water, and drop the pressed kumquats into the saucepan. Bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover and simmer for about 30 minutes. Let it cool in the refrigerator. Strain.

To Make the Cocktail:

  • In a mixing glass, combine rum, kumquat-lemongrass syrup, fresh kumquat juice, and ice. Shake and serve over the rocks. Garnish with a kumquat half.

Nutrition

Calories: 240kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 27mg | Potassium: 125mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 53IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see! Tag @kitchconfidante on Instagram and hashtag it #kitchenconfidante

Comments

Recipe Rating




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  1. Jesse

    Looks absolutely delish! Too bad I can’t find the recipe anywhere now…
    :(
    #SadFace

    Reply
  2. Bernadette @ Now Stir It Up

    Love kumquat’s. I have a friend whose neighbor has a tree and I am so jealous. I would eat everything right off the tree. Like you sour candies are my favorite. I would eat sour skittles until the roof of my mouth hurt. Now that is masochistic. This drink sounds amazing! Pinned.

    Reply
    • Liren

      What a lovely, lovely tart. Thank you for sharing that! I do agree, that both would be a great way to try kumquats. Perhaps even better if together :)

      Reply
  3. Cookin' Canuck

    It’s only supposed be 50 degrees here today, but I have to tell you that I am craving one of these. What a fantastic group of bright, fresh flavors!

    Reply
    • Liren

      It’s wet and gloomy here, too, Dara, but this will definitely bring a splash of spring! Stay warm today!

      Reply
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