Add a kick to cocktail hour: Lee Kum Kee launches chilli sauce-infused drinks with a fiery twist

To celebrate the arrival of their WOW Chilli Sauce range, Lee Kum Kee has shaken things up (quite literally) by unveiling a series of cocktails and mocktails that highlight the fiery versatility of their newest creations: Makrut Lime Leaf Chilli Sauce, Sesame Chilli Sauce, and Yuzu Chilli Sauce.

Yes, you read that right. Chilli sauce — in your cocktail glass. These inventive drinks go beyond your average spicy margarita, offering a sophisticated (and tongue-tingling) twist on classic tipples. The line-up includes:

• Tangy Yuzu-Tini: A vibrant mix of spiced rum and lime juice with a splash of Yuzu Chilli Sauce, delivering a sweet citrus punch with just the right kick.
• Smoked Sesame Sizzle: A sultry, warming blend of Scotch whisky and Sesame Chilli Sauce, ideal for sipping slowly.
• Fiery Makrut-Rita: A bold reimagining of the classic margarita, this one packs a punch thanks to the fragrant heat of Makrut Lime Leaf Chilli Sauce.
• Nutty Cocoa-Chilli: For those steering clear of alcohol, this rich and refreshing mocktail uses the Sesame Chilli Sauce to add depth and heat — a surprising but satisfying partner to chocolatey desserts.

It’s an unexpected move, but one that works. The sauces’ vibrant flavours — from the floral tang of makrut lime to the rich nuttiness of sesame and the zesty brightness of yuzu — bring something genuinely new to the bar cart.

Already a staple in Asian kitchens, Lee Kum Kee’s sauces are about to take centre stage in home cooking and cocktail hour alike. The new WOW Chilli Sauce range offers a modern spin on the classic sweet chilli condiment — but with more depth, more complexity, and a whole lot more fun.

Each flavour has been developed with versatility in mind. The Makrut Lime Leaf variety is ideal for drizzling over grilled meats or jazzing up a sandwich, while the Sesame Chilli Sauce is a dream for noodle bowls and salads. The Yuzu Chilli Sauce, meanwhile, is just the thing to cut through the richness of fried favourites like southern chicken or prawn tempura.

Maria Chong, Managing Director at Lee Kum Kee (Europe), said “We’re excited to introduce the WOW Chilli Sauce range, which brings bold, innovative flavours to the table. With this launch, we’re encouraging people to experiment — not just in the kitchen, but with cocktails and beyond.”

Where to Find Them?

Whether you’re keen to try your hand at mixing a Smoked Sesame Sizzle or simply want to give your lunch a spicy facelift, the WOW Chilli Sauces are available now at Sainsbury’s, most Asian supermarkets, and online via Amazon, Ocado, and the Lee Kum Kee website, with prices starting at £1.90 per bottle.

One thing’s for certain: chilli sauce has officially left the kitchen. And your happy hour will never be the same again.

Ready to shake things up at home? Here are the full recipes for Lee Kum Kee’s sizzling new chilli sauce-infused drinks — from tangy tipples to a chocolatey chilli mocktail.

The CHOCOLATE One: Nutty Cocoa-Chilli

Featuring Lee Kum Kee Sesame Chilli Sauce

Ingredients:

• 100ml Oat Milk
• 20ml Chocolate Sauce
• 25ml Vanilla Syrup
• 10ml Lee Kum Kee Sesame Chilli Sauce
• 1 pinch of Salt
• 6–8 Mint Leaves
• Cubed Ice

Method:

1. Fill a latte glass with cubed ice.
2. In a shaker, add mint leaves, oat milk, chilli sauce, chocolate sauce, vanilla syrup, and a pinch of salt.
3. Stir gently, then add cubed ice and shake hard for 10 seconds.
4. Strain into the glass.
5. Garnish with fresh mint and cocoa powder.

Tangy Yuzu-Tini

Featuring Lee Kum Kee Yuzu Flavour Chilli Sauce

Ingredients:

• 50ml Spiced Rum
• 10ml Lee Kum Kee Yuzu Flavour Chilli Sauce
• 15ml Fresh Lime Juice
• 25ml Mango Puree
• 25ml Pineapple Juice
• 15ml Coconut Puree
• Cubed Ice

Method:

1. In a shaker, combine all ingredients and stir.
2. Add ice, shake hard for 10 seconds.
3. Double strain into a martini glass.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel, coconut flakes, and drops of chilli oil.

Fiery Makrut-Rita

Featuring Lee Kum Kee Makrut Lime Leaf Flavoured Chilli Sauce

Ingredients:

• 50ml Reposado Tequila
• 10ml Lee Kum Kee Makrut Lime Leaf Chilli Sauce
• 25ml Fresh Lime Juice
• 15ml Sugar Syrup
• 50ml Pineapple Juice
• 4 Drops Oak Smoke Bitters (optional)
• Cubed Ice

Method:

1. Fill an old fashioned glass with ice.
2. In a shaker, combine all ingredients, stir, then shake hard.
3. Strain into the prepared glass.
4. Garnish with a pineapple slice and fresh chilli.

Smoked Sesame Sizzle

Featuring Lee Kum Kee Sesame Chilli Sauce

Ingredients:

• 50ml Scotch Whisky
• 10ml Lee Kum Kee Sesame Chilli Sauce
• 25ml Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1 Barspoon Ginger-Infused Honey
• 15ml Honey
• 35ml Cloudy Apple Juice
• Cubed Ice

Method:

1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
2. Combine all ingredients in a shaker, stir to blend.
3. Shake hard and strain into the glass.
4. Garnish with an apple slice, black sesame seeds, and sliced chilli.