Siam Sunray Recipe | Cocktails to Drink in Thailand

The Siam Sunray is Thailand’s signature cocktail. It was created in 2009 by award-winning bartender Surasakdi Pantaisong. It consists of some of the same elements that are used to make Tom Yum soup. Keep reading so that you can make “Thailand in a glass” at home with this Siam Sunray recipe.

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What You’ll Need

Vodka
Coconut Liqueur
Lemon Grass
Young/Baby Ginger
Thai Chili Peppers
Kaffir Lime Leaf (optional)
Lime (1 lime is enough for about 3-4 drinks)
Coconut Milk
Soda Water
Paring Knife
Cutting Board
Citrus Squeezer to juice lime
Cocktail Shaker & Strainer
Jigger

Alcohol Recommendations

Vodka

Ketel One
Belvedere

You may have your preference for vodkas and should stick with what you know and like. If you’re not sure I definitely recommend either Ketel One or Belvedere. Ketel One is moderately priced and is a quality vodka. Belvedere is usually about a few dollars more. Both are great for mixed drinks and readily available in most places where you can buy alcohol. However, if you’re looking for something different check out craft vodka at Spirit Hub.

Armont Vodka is a California vodka with a sweet and smooth taste. It got a bronze medal in the American Distilling Institute award in 2017 and got a silver medal in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2019.

And if you’re looking for a gluten-free vodka check out Manifest Potato Vodka which is also non-GMO. It’s won multiple awards and has a neutral, creamy taste that will complement the Siam Sunray recipe perfectly.

Coconut Liqueur 

Drillaud Coconut Liqueur

Drillaud is a French company that makes delicious liqueurs. Their prices are great and the quality is amazing. The coconut liqueur is well-balanced, gives the cocktail the right amount of sweetness, and isn’t over-powering.

Siam Sunray Recipe

1.5 ounces – Vodka
1 ounce – Coconut Liqueur
1/4 ounce – Freshly-Squeezed Lime Juice
1/2 inch piece – Lemongrass (from the bulb part “bottom”)
3-4 – thinly slices pieces of Young/Baby Ginger
1/3 piece – Thai Chili Pepper
A Kaffir Lime Leaf (optional – alternatively you can use a combination of bay leaf, lime zest, and lemon thyme)
1/4 ounce – Freshly-Squeezed Lime Juice
1 tsp – Coconut Milk
A splash – Soda Water (add last after shaking and straining above ingredients)

How to Make a Siam Sunray Cocktail

To make your Siam Sunray cocktail you’ll want to wash your produce then cut them according to the recipe. The lemongrass should be cut from the bulb part which is the “bottom” of the stalk. Cut about a half-inch or about the size of the width of your pinky finger. Then cut the baby ginger. Use 3-4 pieces depending on preference and one Kaffir lime leaf. You can also use a combination of bay leaf, lime zest, and lemon thyme if Kaffir lime leaf isn’t available or skip this ingredient. And last, cut the Thai chili pepper into thirds. Only use 1/3 if you want a subtle hint of chili or half if you want more of a kick.

Muddle all of your ingredients in the shaker. Now add your vodka, coconut liqueur, lime, and coconut milk. Add ice to your shaker and shaker vigorously for 30 seconds. This is going to help bring out all those amazing Thai flavors and dilute your drink slightly for a balanced cocktail.

Then strain the drink into a cocktail glass. Add ice and top with soda water. Last, garnish your cocktail with a lime wheel, Thai chili pepper, and the top part of the lemongrass stalk.

Enjoy! And if you want more “Cocktails Around the World” check out my other recipes. And if the Siam Sunray makes you want to pack your bags and head to Thailand then check out my podcast episode on Bangkok food experiences or my blog posts on Chiang Mai, Pai, Krabi, and Thailand travel in general.

If you tried this Siam Sunray recipe leave a comment below and share a pic on Instagram with the hashtag #lewilddrinks.

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