Lychee Martini is a sweet, tropical twist on the classic cocktail. Enjoy this simple drink anytime year-round and as you sip, let yourself be whisked away to a tropical paradise
This Lychee Martini features the classic martini cocktail flavors with the amazing floral notes of the lychee fruit.
Whether you are hosting a summer pool party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this delicious cocktail is sure to impress.
It will taste just like it was crafted by a professional bartender, right in your own home - and all for a fraction of the price!
What is a Lychee?
The lychee (pronounced "lai-chee" or "lee-chee") is a tropical fruit that originated in South China, spread to Southeast Asia, and eventually made its way to several countries around the world with tropical climates, including Florida and Hawaii.
It is characterized by its rough, red skin, which must be peeled off before eating. Once peeled, the fruit reveals a white, slightly translucent flesh. At the center of the fruit is a seed, which is not edible.
Lychees have a flavor similar to grapes but with a floral hint.
What kind of lychees will I need for this martini?
In this recipe, you may use the syrup from canned lychee fruit, store-bought lychee juice, or homemade lychee juice if you have access to fresh lychee. Fresh lychees can be found in most Asian supermarkets. If you are not able to find canned lychees in your local grocery store, you will definitely be able to find them at your local Asian supermarket.
In the photographs and video for this blog post, I used the syrup from canned lychees. Using this syrup will give you a clear drink, whereas using lychee juice will result in a more cloudy appearance.
Personally, I prefer using canned lychee for this simple lychee martini recipe. The lychees are typically canned in a sweet syrup which is perfect for this fruity cocktail. Plus, you can use the canned lychee fruit as a garnish.
If you are using lychee juice, the martini will be less sweet so you may wish to add some simple syrup to taste.
To make your own homemade lychee juice, add about 20 fresh pitted lychees into a blender with ½ a cup of water. Blend until smooth, then strain the lychee puree through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the pulp. Finally, add three tablespoons of simple syrup to the juice, then stir to combine.
Grace from Nyonya Cooking has a great resource on Lychee Soda. If you would like a little bubbly in your martini, I encourage you to give her recipe a try and incorporate it into this lychee cocktail.
Lychee Martini Ingredients
- 6 oz lychee syrup (from canned lychee fruit) (You may also use lychee juice (store-bought or homemade), or if you like your cocktail really strong...lychee liqueur)
- 4 oz vodka
- ½ oz vermouth
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Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice, then add the lychee syrup, vodka and vermouth
Tip: Fill your martini glass with ice as you prepare your Lychee Martini, then pour out all of the ice just before filling your glass. This helps to ensure that your glass and drink stays super cold as you serve it.
Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds, then pour into martini glasses.
Garnish your Lychee Martini with fresh or canned lychee fruit.
Serve immediately.
Cheers!
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you don't have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar, or any bottle with a lid.
If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, I recommend using the canned lychee syrup. You could use lychee juice as well, but you will likely need to add simple syrup to taste.
Personally, I prefer using canned lychee for this recipe because I can use the syrup for the cocktail (I have a sweet tooth!), and I can use the lychee fruit as a garnish.
If your'e not able to find canned lychee at your local supermarket, you will likely be able to find it at an Asian supermarket in the canned goods section.
In the United States and most Western countries, you should be able to find fresh lychee at your local Asian supermarket or at specialty grocery stores.
Lychee martini will keep in the fridge for about 2 days. Keep it in a sealed jar or bottle.
Sake is an amazing substitue in this recipe!
Lychee Martini
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups ice
- 6 oz lychee syrup from canned lychee lychee juice, or lychee liqueur
- 4 oz vodka
- ½ oz vermouth
- [Canned or fresh lychee fruit for garnish]
Instructions
- Fill cocktail shaker half-way with ice.
- Add lychee syrup/juice/liqueur, vodka and vermouth.
- Shake for about 20 seconds.
- Pour into martini glasses.
- Garnish with fresh or canned lychee fruit.
- Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
MimiL says
Love this recipe! Very simple and taste just like the restaurant, specifically Kata Robata in Houston!
Char says
Thanks so much, Mimi! I'm so glad you like this recipe! 🙂
Betty says
Is it both lychee syrup and juice or just one or the other ?
Char says
Hi Betty! It's either lychee syrup or juice. Enjoy!