Lychee Martini

The Lychee Martini hits different. One sip and you’ll understand why this exotic beauty has claimed a permanent spot on cocktail menus from Tokyo to Manhattan. We’ve cracked the code on the perfect balance – exotic sweetness meets vodka’s crisp bite without any cloying aftertaste. You’re about to master a cocktail that sounds intimidating but comes together in under five minutes.

Watch 🎥: How to Make this Lychee Cocktail

What Is a Lychee Martini Cocktail?

The Lychee Martini is a modern twist on the classic martini that combines vodka with the delicate, floral sweetness of lychee fruit and bright lime juice.

While the exact origins are unclear, this cocktail emerged as part of the broader trend of incorporating Asian flavors into Western cocktail culture. The result is an elegant drink that maintains the sophisticated structure of a traditional martini while offering the exotic appeal of lychee.

Two lychee martini cocktails garnished with lychee fruit and pink flowers sit on a brass tray against a backdrop of yellow curtains, plants, and a bowl of lychees.

What you’ll love about this recipe:

SUBTLE – The delicate floral sweetness of lychee creates a sophisticated sweetness that never overwhelms the palate – perfect for those who find traditional martinis too austere but dislike overly sweet cocktails.
SMOOTH – This cocktail strikes an elegant balance between the clean profile of premium vodka and exotic fruit, making it equally suitable for casual happy hours or more formal entertaining.

What You Need to Make a Lychee Martini Cocktail

Vodka: A premium, smooth vodka creates the foundation – we recommend avoiding heavily flavored options that might compete with the lychee.
Lychee Juice: From canned lychees or available bottled, this provides the signature floral sweetness.
Lychee Syrup: The reserved syrup from canned lychees adds depth and intensity to the fruit flavor profile.
Fresh Lime Juice: Essential for balancing the sweetness with bright acidity – never substitute with bottled lime juice.
Canned Lychees: Not just for garnish, they provide a delightful edible treat after you finish your cocktail.

How to Make a Lychee Martini

Fill your cocktail shaker with ice, then add the vodka, lychee juice, lychee syrup, and fresh lime juice.
Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the exterior of the shaker becomes frosty.
Strain into a well-chilled martini glass to ensure the cocktail stays cold longer.
Garnish with 2-3 lychees threaded onto a cocktail pick, resting across the rim of the glass.

Bartender’s Tips

Tip 1: For an elevated experience, infuse your vodka with lychee by storing a few fresh or canned lychees in the bottle for 3-5 days before making this cocktail.
Tip 2: The ratio of lychee juice to lime can be adjusted based on your preference – increase lime for a more tart profile or add more lychee juice for additional sweetness.
Tip 3: Chill your martini glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before serving to maintain the cocktail’s optimal temperature.

Two lychee martinis garnished with lychees and pink flowers sit on a brass tray, with a plate of lychees and a lemon in the background.

How to serve this cocktail

Serve in a classic martini glass to showcase the cocktail’s elegant pale appearance.

If entertaining, prepare a tray of garnished glasses in advance and keep them chilled in the refrigerator, then pour the shaken cocktail just before serving. This makes an impressive statement during cocktail hour and pairs beautifully with light Asian-inspired appetizers.

More Cocktail Recipes

SEE MORE COCKTAILS

Love the exotic twist in this Lychee Martini? Check out our other vodka-based cocktails for more sophisticated sips. Better yet, join our weekly newsletter – we deliver a new premium cocktail recipe to your inbox every Friday, perfectly timed for your weekend happy hour.

A clear vodka martini with olives rests on a gold tray beside a brown vase of dried flowers.

The Perfect Vodka Martini

A French Martini cocktail garnished with three skewered raspberries sits on a tiled surface with shadows.

Elengant French Martini

Pink Vodka Lemonade

Espresso Martini: The Ultimate Coffee Cocktail

Prep Time:5

Total Time:5

Ingredients

2 oz vodka
1 oz lychee juice from canned lychees or bottled
½ oz lychee syrup from canned lychees or substitute simple syrup
½ oz fresh lime juice
2 –3 canned lychees for garnish

Instructions

Add vodka, lychee juice, syrup, and lime juice to a shaker with ice.
Shake until well chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with lychees on a cocktail pick.

Video

Notes

Test the lychee juice before mixing to see if the addition of simple syrup is necessary. If it’s sweet enough, skip the syrup, and add a splash more of the juice.

Servings: 1 cocktail

Author: Kita

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh lychees instead of canned?

If you’ve gotten your hands on fresh lychees, go for it. However, you’ll need to make simple syrup separately since you won’t have the canned syrup.

What’s a good vodka substitution for this cocktail?

White rum makes an excellent alternative, bringing subtle sweetness that complements the lychee. For a more complex profile, try a botanical gin which adds aromatic depth

How far in advance can I prepare this cocktail for a party?

You can mix all ingredients except ice up to 8 hours ahead and refrigerate. Shake with ice just before serving to maintain the proper dilution and temperature.

What’s the origin of the Lychee Martini?

While its exact origins are debated, most cocktail historians credit innovative Asian fusion restaurants in the 1990s, particularly those in New York City, with popularizing this elegant variation on the classic martini.

Ready to elevate your cocktail game? Join our community of discerning drinkers – sign up for our newsletter for weekly happy hour inspiration, and don’t forget to join our private Facebook group for exclusive tips and discussions.