Forget Old Boring Martini - This Cocktail With Save Your Friday
Lychee Martini Nutrition Facts
Calories:250
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:15g
Alcohol:20%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Lychee Martini is a fruity and exotic twist on the classic martini, which gained popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy the sweet and fragrant flavors of lychee fruit, and it is often served at upscale bars and lounges. The lychee fruit originates from China and has been cultivated for over 2,000 years, making this cocktail a delightful fusion of East and West.
How Lychee Martini Tastes?
The Lychee Martini has a delicate, sweet, and slightly floral taste with a hint of tartness. The lychee fruit adds a unique and exotic flavor, while the vodka provides a smooth and clean finish.
Interesting facts about Lychee Martini
- The lychee fruit is a symbol of love and romance in Chinese culture, making the Lychee Martini a perfect cocktail for a romantic evening.
- Lychee fruit is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help boost the immune system.
- The Lychee Martini is sometimes referred to as an 'Asian Martini' due to its use of lychee fruit and its popularity in Asian-inspired bars and restaurants.
Ingredients
- Vodka: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lychee liqueur: 1 oz(30ml)
- Lychee juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Fresh lime juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Ice: 1 cup
- Lychee fruit: 1 (for garnish)
A few good options for Lychee Martini are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
Vodka (2 oz)
Vodka is the backbone of many cocktails, providing a neutral spirit base that allows other flavors to shine. Too much and your martini becomes a Russian bear hug, too little and it's a sad, flavorless affair.
Emma Rose
Lychee Liqueur (1 oz)
Lychee Liqueur contributes sweetness and the distinct exotic lychee flavor. If omitted, the cocktail loses its signature taste. An alternative could be a splash of elderflower liqueur for a different, yet still floral note.
Alex Green
Lychee Juice (0.5 oz)
This adds a juicier, more robust lychee taste and a bit of tartness. Use less for a stiffer drink; use more, and it's like biting into the actual fruit - refreshing but less cocktail-like.
Mary Mitkina
Fresh Lime Juice (0.5 oz)
Fresh Lime Juice gives that zesty zing needed to balance the sweetness. It's like the high note in a harmonious chord. Without it, the drink would be flat on the palate. Bottled juice can be used in a pinch, but it's like kissing through a window - not quite the same.
Emma Rose
Ice (1 cup)
Chilling a cocktail is like giving it a crisp suit to wear. It sharpens all the flavors. No ice means a lukewarm, uninviting drink that's not dressed to impress.
Alex Green
Lychee Fruit (for garnish)
A garnish is the cocktail's jewelry - it's not essential for function, but it completes the look! It's the wink across the bar from your martini.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Lychee Martini Drink
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, lychee liqueur, lychee juice, and fresh lime juice.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds, or until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lychee fruit on a cocktail pick.
Pro Tips
- Use high-quality vodka for a smoother taste.
- Chill the martini glass in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before serving to keep the cocktail cold longer.
- If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, you can add a splash of simple syrup.
Perfect Pairings
Seafood
The delicate sweetness of the lychee martini pairs wonderfully with seafood dishes, especially those with a subtle Asian influence, like sushi or a light shrimp salad.
Spicy Cuisine
Because of its sweet profile, this cocktail can also complement spicy dishes, effectively cooling the palate. Think along the lines of Thai or Sichuan cuisine.
Desserts
For those with a sweet tooth, pairing this lychee martini with fruit-based desserts or vanilla-flavored treats can create a harmonious ending to a meal.
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What you could change in Lychee Martini
- Vodka: You can use gin for a more herbal flavor.
- Lychee Liqueur: If unavailable, you can use a combination of simple syrup and extra lychee juice.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Lemon juice can be used as an alternative.
Explore all drinks starting with L here
And of course - twists🍹
Rosé Lychee Martini
Replace vodka with rosé wine for a more floral and fruit-forward cocktail. The blend of rosé with lychee offers a gentler, wine-kissed experience. Perfect for sunny afternoons.
Lychee Coconut Martini
Add 0.5 oz of coconut cream to the mix, offering a tropical twist that will transport your taste buds to the lush beaches of the exotic islands. Shake well to achieve the perfect creamy dream.
Spiced Lychee Martini
Introduce a pinch of ground cardamom or cinnamon to add a warming spice note that dances elegantly with the sweet lychee, creating a cocktail that will keep you cozy on cooler nights.
In case you forgot basics how to make Lychee Martini
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Lychee Martini
What other cocktails can I make with lychee?
Other popular lychee cocktails include Lychee Mojito, Lychee Sangria, and Lychee Margarita among others.
Is it possible to make a non-alcoholic version of the Lychee Martini?
Yes, you can easily make a non-alcoholic version of a Lychee Martini. Just replace the vodka and lychee liqueur with more lychee juice or a non-alcoholic substitute.
Can I use canned lychees for this cocktail?
Certainly. While fresh lychees are ideal for their freshness and robust flavor, canned lychees are a great alternative when lychees are out of season.
Is there a specific type of glass to serve a Lychee Martini?
Typically, the Lychee Martini is served in a martini glass to maintain the tradition of its base drink, the martini. However, it can be served in any glass of your liking.
What dishes or appetizers pair well with a Lychee Martini?
Lychee Martini pairs well with a variety of food, especially Asian cuisine like sushi, dim sum, and Thai dishes. The sweet and tart flavors of the martini can complement the complex spices and ingredients in these dishes quite well.
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