Lychee Martini Recipe

Lychee Martini recipe — The exotic overachiever who studied abroad in Asia and won't let you forget it. Made with vodka. Originally from United States.

I'm that sophisticated friend who always orders the most interesting thing on the menu and somehow makes it work. I speak three languages, have strong opinions about authentic dim sum, and yes, I did spend that gap year backpacking through Southeast Asia. I'm sweet but not basic, complex but approachable, and I pair perfectly with your most pretentious dinner party stories.

Lychees were so prized in ancient China that the Tang Dynasty emperor had them rushed 1,000 miles by horseback relay from southern China to the capital, just to satisfy his concubine Yang Guifei's cravings. This imperial fruit delivery service was more efficient than most modern shipping.

Created in trendy Manhattan cocktail bars in the early 2000s during the Asian fusion craze. Bartenders were experimenting with exotic fruits and premium vodkas to create Instagram-worthy drinks before Instagram even existed.

Ingredients

• 2 oz premium vodka
• 1 oz lychee juice (from can or fresh)
• 0.5 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 0.25 oz simple syrup
• 2-3 whole canned lychees (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Add vodka, lychee juice, lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled.
3. Double strain into chilled martini glass.
4. Garnish with 2-3 lychees on a cocktail pick.

Category: cocktail | Difficulty: medium | Base spirit: vodka | ABV: 18.0-22.0%

Origin: United States