By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on October 10, 2023 | Last Updated on October 10, 2023
Indulge your taste buds in an exotic culinary adventure with our Li Hing Mui syrup recipe. Li Hing Mui, a popular flavoring in Hawaii, is known for its unique combination of sweet, sour, and salty notes. Originating from dried plums, this flavor has found its way into a wide range of treats, from candies to cocktails.
Our recipe will guide you on how to make a delightfully tangy Li Hing Mui syrup that can add a tropical twist to your beverages, desserts, or even savory dishes. Get ready to embark on a gastronomic journey to the Hawaiian islands right from the comfort of your kitchen!
What is Li Hing Mui Syrup?
Li Hing Mui syrup is a sweet and savory sauce made from the dried plums of the same name. In Hawaiian, “li hing” means “travel far,” which refers to the long journey these plums took from China to Hawaii during the 19th century. In Chinese culture, li hing mui is often used as a seasoning for fruits, snacks, and even meats.
In Hawaii, li hing mui has become a popular flavoring for various treats such as shaved ice, gummy candies, popcorn, and cocktails. The syrup version is a more versatile option that can be used in many different ways in cooking and baking. Its tangy and salty taste adds an intriguing twist to the traditional sweetness of desserts and beverages.
Why You’ll Love This Li Hing Mui Syrup?
Making your own li hing mui syrup is not only easy, but it also allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the sweetness and saltiness according to your taste preference. Plus, it can save you money in the long run compared to buying pre-made syrups or treats with li hing mui flavor.
Moreover, by using this homemade syrup, you can have fun experimenting with different recipes and incorporating the unique flavor of li hing mui into your cooking.
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The Ingredients
- Tequila: As the primary alcoholic component of this recipe, tequila gives the drink its distinctive kick. The quality and flavor of the tequila used can greatly affect the overall taste of the cocktail. It adds depth and a strong, smooth finish to the drink.
- Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice lends a tangy, refreshing element to the mix. It helps balance out the sweetness of the sugar and the saltiness of the Li Hing Mui powder. The acidity also helps to cut through the strong flavor of the tequila.
- Simple sugar: This is crucial for adding sweetness to the cocktail, balancing the sourness of the lime juice and the bitterness of the tequila. Simple sugar also aids in enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Grand Marnier: This ingredient adds another layer of complexity to the drink. Grand Marnier, with its subtle hints of orange, complements the tangy lime juice and enhances the overall flavor profile of the cocktail.
- Club soda: Adding club soda to the cocktail gives it a bubbly, fizzy texture that makes the drink more enjoyable and refreshing. It also dilutes the strong flavors slightly, making the cocktail smoother to drink.
- Sugar or salt for the rim of the glasses: This not only makes the glass look attractive but also adds an extra taste dimension. The first sip will have a hint of either sweetness (from the sugar) or saltiness (from the salt), providing a delightful contrast to the tangy and boozy cocktail.
- Li Hing Mui powder: This unique ingredient is what makes this cocktail stand out. Li Hing Mui is made from dried plums and has a sweet, sour, and slightly salty flavor. It gives the cocktail a unique tropical twist, reminiscent of Hawaiian flavors.
- Lime slices for garnish: Finally, the lime slices serve as a garnish, adding a pop of color and hinting at the citrusy flavor within the drink. It’s also a visual cue that lime is a key ingredient in the cocktail.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Glasses
- Take two small plates, one for water and the other for either sugar or salt. These plates are for rimming the cocktail glasses.
- Dip the rim of each glass into the water, ensuring it’s moistened.
- Immediately dip the moistened rim into the sugar or salt, allowing it to coat the rim evenly. This step adds a delightful touch to your cocktail presentation.
Step 2: Mix the Cocktail
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the following ingredients:
- 1 ounce of tequila
- ½ ounce of lime juice
- ½ ounce of simple sugar
- ½ ounce of Grand Marnier or orange liqueur.
- Add a cup of ice to the shaker. The ice will chill and dilute the cocktail as you shake it.
- Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. This step blends the ingredients thoroughly and chills the mixture to perfection.
Step 3: Strain and Assemble
- Strain the cocktail into the prepared glasses. Be careful not to disturb the sugar or salt rim, ensuring it remains intact.
- Add a splash of club soda to each glass. The club soda gives the cocktail a refreshing effervescence.
Step 4: Garnish and Enjoy
- Sprinkle a pinch of Li Hing Mui powder on top of the cocktail in each glass. This adds a unique, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the cocktail.
- Garnish each glass with a slice of lime, providing a citrusy aroma and an attractive appearance.
- Now, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your homemade Li Hing Mui tequila cocktail, complete with its flavorful rim and delightful garnishes.
Notes
- If you prefer a milder Li Hing Mui flavor, start with a smaller amount of powder and gradually add more to taste.
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the tequila and Grand Marnier. You can also substitute with a non-alcoholic orange flavored syrup for added depth.
- To make this cocktail in large batches for a party or get-together, simply adjust the ingredients accordingly and mix in a pitcher instead of a shaker.
- Don’t have li hing mui powder? You can make your own by grinding up dried plums or purchasing them at your local Asian market.
- This syrup can also be used as a marinade for meats or to add a unique twist to savory dishes like stir-fries or sauces.
Nutrition Information
How to store Li Hing Mui Syrup?
- To store your homemade li hing mui syrup, transfer it into a clean and dry glass jar or bottle. Keep it refrigerated for up to two weeks.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the syrup in an ice cube tray and store the cubes in a sealed bag or container in the freezer for up to three months. This way, you can easily defrost and use the syrup as needed.
Variations
- For a different twist, try using Mezcal instead of tequila for a smokier flavor.
- Want to make it extra tropical? Add some pineapple juice or coconut water to the mix.
- Don’t have lime juice on hand? You can substitute it with lemon juice for a similar tangy taste.
- Experiment with different types of liquor such as vodka or rum to create your unique version of the li hing mui cocktail.
- You can also adjust the amount of simple sugar in the recipe according to your taste preference.
Li Hing Mui Syrup Recipe
Equipment
- tequila glasses
Ingredients
- 4 tsp of Li Hing Mui powder
- 8 ounces of freshly squeezed lime juice
- Lime slices for garnish
- 8 ounces of tequila
- 1 cup club soda
- 6 tsp Grand Marnier
- 8 ounces of simple sugar
- Sugar or dalt for the rim of the glasses
Instructions
- Fill one small plate with water and another with sugar or salt. Dip the glass rims in water, then coat them with sugar or salt.
- In a shaker, combine 1 oz tequila, ½ oz lime juice, ½ oz simple sugar, ½ oz Grand Marnier, or orange liqueur. Add ice and shake for 30 seconds.
- Strain into the prepared glasses. Add a splash of club soda. Sprinkle Li Hing Mui powder. Garnish with a lime slice.
Notes
- If you prefer a milder Li Hing Mui flavor, start with a smaller amount of powder and gradually add more to taste.
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the tequila and Grand Marnier. You can also substitute with a non-alcoholic orange flavored syrup for added depth.
- To make this cocktail in large batches for a party or get-together, simply adjust the ingredients accordingly and mix in a pitcher instead of a shaker.
- Don’t have li hing mui powder? You can make your own by grinding up dried plums or purchasing them at your local Asian market.
- This syrup can also be used as a marinade for meats or to add a unique twist to savory dishes like stir-fries or sauces.
FAQs
1. What does club soda contribute to the cocktail?
Club soda gives the cocktail a bubbly, fizzy texture that adds to the refreshing quality of the drink. It also slightly dilutes the strong flavors, ensuring the cocktail is smooth and enjoyable to drink.
2. Can I use a different orange liqueur instead of Grand Marnier?
Yes, you can use a different orange liqueur such as Cointreau or Triple Sec. However, each liqueur has its specific flavor profile, so the taste of your cocktail will vary slightly depending on your choice.
How does the quality of tequila affect the cocktail?
The quality of tequila plays a significant role in the overall taste of the cocktail. Higher-quality tequilas tend to have a smoother and more complex flavor profile that can elevate the cocktail, while lower-quality ones might make the cocktail taste harsh or overly alcoholic.
Wrapping Up
Whether you’re looking for a refreshing and unique cocktail to enjoy at home or want to add a special twist to your cooking, li hing mui syrup is a must-try ingredient. With its sweet, sour, and salty flavors, it adds depth and complexity to any dish or drink.
Now just go and grab your ingredients and start making your homemade li hing mui tequila cocktail today! Cheers to tropical flavors and delicious homemade creations. Impress your friends and family with this unique Hawaiian-inspired drink. Aloha!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
