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Home » Drinks

Lychee Martini

Published: Jul 11, 2019 · Modified: May 20, 2024 by Char · This post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. View my disclosure policy for details · 4 Comments

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lychee martini pin
lychee martini pin

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

Lychee Martini with fresh lychee

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

pouring lychee syrup into cocktail shaker for lychee martini

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. 

pouring vermouth in cocktail shaker

Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds, then pour into martini glasses.

pouring lychee martini into glass

Garnish your Lychee Martini with fresh or canned lychee fruit.

Serve immediately.

garnishing lychee martini with fresh lychee

Cheers!

Lychee martini with fresh lychee

For other beverage recipes, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't have a cocktail shaker?

If you don't have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar, or any bottle with a lid. 

Should I used fresh lychee juice or canned lychee syrup?

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. 

Where can I find canned lychees?

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. 

Where can I find fresh lychee?

​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.

How long will lychee martini last in the frdge? Can I make it ahead of time?

Lychee martini will keep in the fridge for about 2 days. Keep it in a sealed jar or bottle.

Can I substitute the vermouth with another spirit?

​Sake is an amazing substitue in this recipe!

Lychee Martini is a sweet, tropical twist on the traditional martini. Make this simple cocktail anytime year round and as you sip, close your eyes and let your imagination take you to tropical paradise.

Lychee Martini

Char Ferrara
Lychee Martini is a sweet, tropical twist on the traditional martini. Make this simple cocktail anytime year round and as you sip, close your eyes and let your imagination take you to a tropical paradise.
4.37 from 69 votes
Print Recipe Pin for later
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Cuisine Asian
Servings 2 glasses

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]
US Customary - Metric

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

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. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 323kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSodium: 29mgFiber: 1gSugar: 35g
Tried this recipe?Tag @wokandskillet on Instagram or Facebook!
Lychee Martini is a sweet, tropical twist on the traditional martini. Make this simple cocktail anytime year round and as you sip, close your eyes and let your imagination take you to warm sandy beaches with crystal clear waters.

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    Teh Tarik (Malaysian Pulled Tea)
  • Smooth, refreshing and delicious Orange and Mango Lassi. A smoothie you can enjoy during any season, and pairs exceptionally well with spicy dishes.
    Mango and Orange Lassi
  • Thai Iced Tea is the perfect refreshing drink for a hot summer day (or anytime)! Sweet, creamy and full of flavor. Pairs exceptionally well with spicy Thai food.
    How to Make Thai Iced Tea

Comments

  1. MimiL says

    September 03, 2021 at 7:58 pm

    Love this recipe! Very simple and taste just like the restaurant, specifically Kata Robata in Houston!

    Reply
    • Char says

      September 05, 2021 at 8:18 am

      Thanks so much, Mimi! I'm so glad you like this recipe! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Betty says

    October 21, 2021 at 4:50 pm

    Is it both lychee syrup and juice or just one or the other ?

    Reply
    • Char says

      October 23, 2021 at 8:49 am

      Hi Betty! It's either lychee syrup or juice. Enjoy!

      Reply
4.37 from 69 votes (69 ratings without comment)

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charmaine ferrara

HI! I’M CHAR

I take the mystery out of Asian cooking so that you can make your favorite takeout dishes at home!

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