Lychee Martini

If you’re looking for a cocktail that’s a little different, this lychee martini is it. And while lychees can feel like a South Florida specialty, if you spot them in season around May or June, they’re definitely worth picking up. I usually enjoy them just as they are, but when they’re abundant, it’s the perfect time to get a little creative in the kitchen. That’s where this lychee martini comes in—light, slightly sweet, and incredibly refreshing, with a feel that’s elevated without being complicated.

What Are Lychees?

Lychees are a tropical fruit with a rough, pinkish-red outer shell and a juicy, translucent interior. Their flavor is often described as a cross between a grape and a pear, with a naturally sweet, refreshing taste. Growing up in South Florida, I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by so many tropical fruits—lychees and longans included which my dad actually grew. So, to say I’ve had a few is an understatement. Lychees tend to be sweeter, while longans have a slightly more subtle, almost nutty flavor. If you ever come across them, they’re definitely worth trying.

Ingredients: Lychee Martini

• 1 ½ oz vodka – The base of the martini. Some will say you can use gin; however, vodka is the way to go!
• 1 ½ oz lychee juice (I used fresh, but you can use canned lychees as they’re more accessible and available year-round) – Adds natural sweetness and signature flavor
• ¾ oz Elderflower Liquor– You can use just ½ ounce if you prefer your drink on the stronger side. Or adjust based on your sweetness preference and use up to ¾ ounce.
• Lychees (for garnish) – Adds a simple, elegant finish

How to Make a Lychee Martini (Stirred Method)

1. Chill Your Glass: Place your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the drink.
2. Prepare the Lychee Puree/Juice (if needed)
   If using fresh lychees, peel and pit them, then blend the flesh until smooth and strain through a fine mesh sieve to extract the juice. If using canned lychees, you can use the syrup as-is or blend and strain the fruit for a fresher, slightly thicker juice.
3. Add Ingredients to a Mixing Glass: In a mixing glass, combine the vodka, lychee puree/juice, and Elderflower liquor.
4. Add Ice & Stir: Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir gently for about 20–30 seconds until well chilled. Stirring helps chill the drink without over-diluting it.
5. Strain and Serve: Discard the ice from your martini glass (if using), then strain the drink into the chilled glass.
6. Garnish: Add a lychee for garnish and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Lychee Martini

• Use chilled ingredients – Keeps the drink crisp and refreshing
• Adjust sweetness – Lychee syrup can vary, so taste and adjust as needed
• Other liquor – Many recipes online use Grand Marnier or Cointreau as an add-in. Additionally, other sites reference a lychee liquor. I can tell you that I scoured many liquor stores in the hopes of finding a lychee liquor and I am here to tell you do not waste your time. I opted for the Elderflower liquor to add sweetness and keep with the tropical fruity vibe since martinis can be quite strong.

Easy Variations

• Use gin instead of vodka for a different flavor profile – although purists will tell you vodka is the only option for a martini!
• Add a splash of sparkling water for a lighter version.
• Make it a mocktail by skipping the alcohol and topping with sparkling water or a flavored sparkling water.

Final Thoughts

This lychee martini is simple, refreshing, and easy to make at home. It’s one of those cocktails that feels just a little more special—without requiring much effort at all. No judgement if you use canned lychees but know that fresh lychees will taste better!

Other Festive Cocktails

• Frozen Pomegranate Mocktails
• Cotton Candy Champagne
• Blood Cherry Cocktail
• French Blonde Cocktail

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