Lychee Martini Recipe

Chill glass

Place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to ensure it is well chilled.

Add ice to a cocktail shaker until it is about two-thirds full (approximately 6 ice cubes).

Pour 2.5 oz vodka into the shaker.

Add 0.75 oz lychee liqueur to the shaker.

If you prefer a slightly sweeter or more lychee-forward martini, add 0.5 oz lychee syrup. If you prefer a brighter note, add 0.25 oz fresh lime juice instead (or both in small amounts to taste).

Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for 12–18 seconds until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty and the mixture is well chilled. Shaking (not stirring) is preferred here to chill and slightly dilute while integrating the lychee liqueur.

Empty the ice or water from the chilled martini glass if used. Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled martini or coupe glass using a cocktail strainer (and a fine mesh strainer if you added syrup) to remove ice shards and any pulp.

Skewer the peeled, pitted lychee on a cocktail pick (or simply drop it into the glass). Place it on the rim or float it in the cocktail.

Serve immediately while cold. Optionally, express a thin strip of lime peel over the drink and discard or rub it on the glass rim for an aromatic brightness.