The lychee martini is a fun, fruity twist on the classic martini cocktail. This recipe is inspired by the popular lychee martini served at Nobu restaurants. Lychees add a sweet, floral flavor that pairs perfectly with vodka or gin. This light, refreshing cocktail is ideal for warm weather and makes a lovely aperitif before an Asian-inspired meal.
The lychee juice can be easily made at home by blending fresh lychees with a splash of water. For a touch of elegance, the martini is often served in a martini glass rimmed with lychee powder. Sip this gorgeous concoction poolside or gather friends together to mix up a round. However you choose to imbibe, this lychee martini is sure to transport your tastebuds to the tropics.
Recipe Benefits
The lychee martini is a delicious and antioxidant-rich cocktail. Lychees contain flavonoids and polyphenols that act as antioxidants in the body to fight free radicals. The vitamin C content also boosts immunity. This cocktail skips sugary mixers in favor of the natural sweetness of fruit, making it a lighter option than many mixed drinks.
The lychee martini is sure to satisfy your craving for a tasty cocktail, while also providing a serving of beneficial antioxidants.
Required Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Martini glass
- Mixing glass
- Muddler or wooden spoon
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Lychee powder (optional, for rimming glass)
Lychees
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The lychee is a tropical tree fruit native to Asia. Lychees have a soft, creamy white flesh and a sweet, perfumed flavor. They add natural fruity sweetness to cocktails.
Vodka
Vodka is a clear distilled alcoholic spirit. It has a smooth, clean taste that blends well with fruit flavors. Vodka is traditionally used in a martini cocktail.
Vermouth
Vermouth is an aromatized fortified wine flavored with botanicals. Dry vermouth has a bitter, herbal taste that complements the lychee and vodka nicely.
Additional Tips
- Use a high-quality vodka for the smoothest flavor
- Make single servings to ensure fresh lychee juice
- Shake for at least 10-15 seconds so the cocktail is icy cold
- Skewer fresh lychees on a cocktail pick for easy garnishing
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside Asian appetizers at a dinner party
- Bring to a pool party or beach picnic in a cooler
- Enjoy as an aperitif before an Asian-inspired meal
Storage
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Lychee martinis are best served freshly made. The lychee juice will oxidize and lose flavor over time. For best results, make individual cocktails as needed.
Common Questions
What can I use instead of fresh lychees?
Canned lychee juice or puree works well as a substitute. Reduce any other sweeteners in the recipe to account for the added sugar in canned products.
Can I make it with gin instead?
Yes, gin may be substituted for vodka in a 1:1 ratio. The herbal flavors of gin pair nicely with the sweet lychees.
What glass should I use?
A V-shaped martini glass is traditional, but a coupe or champagne glass also works well. Make sure to chill the glass before serving.
What garnish works best?
Fresh lychees or lychee powder nicely complement the flavors. Citrus twists like lemon can also accent the cocktail.
Conclusion
With its sweet lychee flavor and smooth spirit base, the lychee martini is a sophisticated and refreshing twist on a classic cocktail. Muddling fresh lychees releases bright, tropical flavor to balance the vodka or gin. Take a mini vacation with this easy lychee martini recipe. It’s sure to transport your tastebuds.
Nigel Gildon editor:Nigel Gildon is the editor of Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou: Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years and has a passion for helping new authors get their work into the hands of readers. 63 Liberty Street * Springfield, MA 01003
