If you’re in the mood for something fruity, flirty, and a little bit fancy, a Lychee Martini recipe is just what you need. This cocktail is a perfect blend of sweet lychee flavor with a crisp vodka kick—refreshing, light, and super easy to make at home. Whether you’re hosting friends, planning a cozy night in, or just feeling a little extra, this drink is a total crowd-pleaser. Trust me, one sip and you’ll be hooked!
Table of Contents
How to Make Lychee Martini
Making a Lychee Martini at home is surprisingly simple, and it tastes just like the ones you’d get at a trendy cocktail bar—maybe even better! This elegant drink blends vodka with sweet lychee juice and a touch of citrus, creating a perfectly balanced sip that’s both exotic and refreshing. It’s typically served in a chilled martini glass and garnished with a whole lychee for that extra touch of sophistication. Whether you’re using canned lychees or fresh ones (if you’re lucky enough to find them!), the result is always a light, tropical cocktail that feels special without requiring a ton of ingredients or effort. It’s a go-to for summer evenings, date nights, or whenever you feel like treating yourself to something a bit fancy.
Ingredients for Lychee Martini
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz lychee juice (from canned lychees or store-bought)
- 1 oz lychee liqueur (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ oz fresh lime juice (or lemon juice)
- Ice cubes (for shaking)
- Whole lychees (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Chill your glass
Place your martini glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to chill while you mix the drink.
-
Add ingredients to the shaker
In a cocktail shaker, pour in the vodka, lychee juice, lychee liqueur (if using), and fresh lime juice.
-
Shake it up
Add a handful of ice, seal the shaker, and shake well for about 15–20 seconds until it’s nicely chilled.
-
Strain and serve
Discard the ice from your glass (if you used any), then strain the cocktail into the chilled martini glass.
-
Garnish and enjoy
Drop in a whole lychee for garnish, sip, and enjoy your refreshing tropical martini!
Tips for Making the Best Lychee Martini
- Use good quality vodka – Since this cocktail is vodka-based, a smooth, clean vodka makes a big difference in flavor.
- Chill everything – A cold glass and cold ingredients make for a crisp, refreshing drink. Don’t skip chilling!
- Don’t overdo the lychee liqueur – It’s sweet and fragrant, so a little goes a long way. If using it, reduce the lychee juice slightly.
- Fresh vs. canned lychees – Fresh lychees are amazing if you can find them, but canned lychees work just as well and are easy to keep on hand.
- Shake, don’t stir – Shaking helps mix the citrus and chill the drink properly, giving you that light frothy finish.
What to Serve With Lychee Martini
- Sushi or sashimi – The light, fruity flavors of lychee martini pair beautifully with fresh seafood and clean flavors.
- Spicy appetizers – Think chili garlic shrimp, spicy tuna bites, or Asian-style chicken wings—the sweetness of the cocktail balances the heat.
- Cheese board with tropical fruits – Add lychee, mango, or pineapple alongside soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese.
- Dim sum or spring rolls – Bite-sized and flavorful, these make a perfect match for this elegant cocktail.
- Light desserts – Pair with coconut panna cotta, fruit sorbet, or macarons for a sweet, refreshing finish.
Ingredient Substitutes
- Vodka substitute: Try white rum or gin if you prefer a slightly different flavor base. Gin adds herbal notes, while rum leans sweeter.
- Lychee juice substitute: Use the syrup from canned lychees or blend fresh lychees with a bit of water and strain. You can also mix white grape juice with a splash of rose water in a pinch.
- Lychee liqueur substitute: If you don’t have lychee liqueur, just use extra lychee juice or a splash of elderflower liqueur for a floral touch.
- Lime juice substitute: Lemon juice works just as well and still adds the fresh citrus brightness the drink needs.
- Whole lychee garnish substitute: Use a twist of lime, a mint sprig, or even an edible flower if you can’t find lychees for garnish.
Lychee Martini Variations
- Lychee Rose Martini- Add a splash of rose water or rose syrup for a romantic floral twist. It pairs beautifully with the delicate lychee flavor.
- Spicy Lychee Martini- Muddle a small slice of fresh chili or add a few drops of chili-infused vodka for a bold, spicy kick.
- Coconut Lychee Martini- Replace half of the lychee juice with coconut water or a touch of coconut cream for a creamy, tropical feel.
- Lychee Mojito Martini- Shake in a few fresh mint leaves and a touch of simple syrup—like a mojito met a martini with lychee as the star.
- Sparkling Lychee Martini- After shaking and straining, top with a splash of prosecco or soda water for a bubbly twist that’s great for celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make a Lychee Martini without lychee liqueur?
Absolutely! You can skip the lychee liqueur and just use lychee juice. It’ll still be delicious and refreshing, just slightly less intense in lychee flavor.
-
Where can I find lychee juice or lychees?
You can usually find canned lychees and lychee juice in the international or Asian foods aisle at most supermarkets. Asian grocery stores almost always have them.
-
Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Yes! Mix lychee juice with lime juice and a splash of soda water or tonic. It’s a great mocktail alternative that’s still light and refreshing.
-
How strong is a Lychee Martini?
It’s similar in strength to a classic martini—so it’s definitely a cocktail that’s on the stronger side. You can always dilute it slightly with extra lychee juice or soda water.
-
Can I batch this for a party?
Definitely! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want and mix everything (except ice) in a pitcher. Shake individual servings with ice before serving for the best taste.
Final Thoughts
The Lychee Martini is one of those cocktails that feels effortlessly fancy but takes just minutes to make. It’s sweet, slightly tangy, and refreshingly smooth—perfect for everything from date nights to girls’ nights or even a quiet evening treat. Whether you’re a cocktail pro or just getting started, this drink is easy to love and even easier to impress with. So go ahead, give it a shake, sip slowly, and enjoy a little tropical magic in a glass!
Ingredients
Ingredients for Lychee Martini
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz lychee juice (from canned lychees or store-bought)
- 1 oz lychee liqueur (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ oz fresh lime juice (or lemon juice)
- Ice cubes (for shaking)
- Whole lychees (for garnish)
Instructions
Instructions
- Chill your glass
Place your martini glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to chill while you mix the drink. - Add ingredients to the shaker
In a cocktail shaker, pour in the vodka, lychee juice, lychee liqueur (if using), and fresh lime juice. - Shake it up
Add a handful of ice, seal the shaker, and shake well for about 15–20 seconds until it's nicely chilled. - Strain and serve
Discard the ice from your glass (if you used any), then strain the cocktail into the chilled martini glass. - Garnish and enjoy
Drop in a whole lychee for garnish, sip, and enjoy your refreshing tropical martini!
