China Martini Cocktail Recipe

The China Martini is an exotic twist on the classic Martini, infusing the traditional gin and vermouth base with the sweet and fragrant notes of lychee and a hint of citrus from the triple sec. It's a relatively modern concoction, likely inspired by the global trend of incorporating Asian flavors into Western-style cocktails. This drink is perfect for those who appreciate a balance of sweet and strong flavors, and it's especially popular among fans of fruit-infused cocktails.

• Origin: Modern creation
• Popularity: Enjoyed by those who like fruit-forward cocktails
• Best Enjoyed: As an aperitif or at a sophisticated cocktail party

The China Martini offers a harmonious blend of botanical gin notes with the lush sweetness of lychee, complemented by a subtle citrus undertone from the triple sec. The dry vermouth provides a sophisticated herbal counterpoint, creating a cocktail that is both aromatic and complex. It's a sweet, yet strong drink with a silky texture and a lingering floral aftertaste.

• The lychee fruit originates from China, which is likely the inspiration for the cocktail's name.
• Lychee liqueurs are often used in cocktails to add a unique, sweet and floral flavor that is hard to replicate with other ingredients.
• The China Martini can be considered a 'New World' cocktail, blending Eastern flavors with Western mixology techniques.

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the London Dry Gin, Kwai Feh lychee liqueur, Triple Sec, and Dry Vermouth.
3. Stir all ingredients with a bar spoon until well chilled.
4. Fine strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Optionally garnish with a lychee fruit on a cocktail skewer.

• Always use fresh ice when stirring to ensure the drink is properly chilled without being overly diluted.
• Chilling the martini glass before serving helps maintain the cocktail's temperature.
• For a more pronounced lychee flavor, you can infuse the gin with fresh lychees for a few hours before making the cocktail.

Appetizers

• Dim Sum: The delicate flavors of steamed or fried dumplings complement the lychee and citrus notes of the China Martini.
• Sushi: Especially with light fish like snapper, the clean flavors pair nicely without overwhelming the palate.

Desserts

• Mango Sticky Rice: The sweetness of the mango and the rich rice balance the sharpness of the gin.
• Lychee Sorbet: Echoes the lychee liqueur in the cocktail for a refreshing pairing.

Cheese

• Goat Cheese: Its tanginess will balance the sweet and citrus elements of the drink.

Others

• Roasted Nuts: Salty and crunchy snacks are always a winning combo with a martini-style drink.

• If Hayman's London Dry Gin is not available, any high-quality London Dry Gin can be used.
• Cointreau can be a suitable substitute for De Kuyper Triple Sec for a slightly more refined citrus flavor.
• In the absence of Kwai Feh, any quality lychee liqueur can be used, though the flavor profile may vary slightly.

Lychee Rose Martini

• Add 0.25 oz of rose water to infuse a floral bouquet. The cocktail will have a more pronounced floral note, enhancing the lychee's sweetness and creating a more romantic profile.

Spicy China Martini

• Muddle a small slice of jalapeño pepper in the mixing glass before adding the other ingredients. The spice will offer a fiery contrast to the sweetness, which daring palates might enjoy.

Eastern Breeze Martini

• Substitute the triple sec with 0.25 oz of sake and add a dash of cucumber juice. It will bring a more subtle citrus flavor with a crisp fresh finish, ideal for those looking for a lighter touch on the palate.