Hull and quarter fresh strawberries. Drain canned lychees into a small bowl, reserving 2 tablespoons of the syrup for garnish. Pat lychees lightly with paper towel if very wet.

Blend base

Place the strawberries, drained lychees, 2 tablespoons cold water, fresh lime juice, and granulated sugar in a blender. Pulse briefly to break down fruit, then blend on medium speed until smooth (about 20–30 seconds). If the mixture is too thick, add up to 1–2 tablespoons more cold water to reach a pourable consistency.

Strain (optional)

For a smoother drink, pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl or measuring cup, pressing with the back of a spoon to extract liquid and leave behind seeds and pulp. If you prefer a pulpy, textured beverage, skip this step.

Taste the base and adjust sweetness or acidity: add up to 1 teaspoon more sugar if it’s too tart, or another teaspoon lime juice if it needs brightness. Chill the base in the refrigerator for 5–10 minutes if desired.

Assembly & Finish

Prepare serving glasses

Fill two tall glasses evenly with ice cubes (about 1/2 cup ice per glass) and place 3 fresh mint leaves into each glass, gently slapping the leaves between your hands first to release aroma.

Divide base

Pour the chilled strawberry-lychee base evenly between the two glasses, filling each about halfway (approximately 120 ml base total: about 60 ml per glass). If you strained the base, stir briefly to recombine before dividing.

Top with sparkling water

Carefully top each glass with sparkling water (about 90 ml per glass), pouring slowly over the back of a spoon or down the side of the glass to keep a layered effect if desired. Gently stir once with a bar spoon to integrate.

Garnish and finish

Drizzle 1 teaspoon of the reserved lychee syrup over each glass (total 2 tsp). Garnish each drink with a lychee half and a strawberry slice on the rim, and tuck remaining mint leaves into the glass. Serve immediately with a straw or long spoon.

Optional boozy variation: add 30 ml (1 oz) chilled vodka or white rum to each glass before topping with sparkling water. Stir gently to combine.