📝 About This Recipe
Transport your senses to a tropical paradise with this elegant fusion of East meets West. This Lychee Martini balances the delicate, floral sweetness of exotic lychees with a crisp, clean vodka base and a hint of bright citrus. It is a silky-smooth cocktail that serves as the perfect sophisticated aperitif for summer soirées or intimate dinners.
🥗 Ingredients
The Spirits
- 4 ounces Premium Vodka (chilled, look for a clean-tasting grain vodka)
- 1.5 ounces Soho Lychee Liqueur (provides the essential floral depth)
- 0.5 ounce Dry Vermouth (adds a subtle botanical complexity)
The Fruit & Sweetener
- 2 ounces Lychee Juice/Syrup (reserved from the canned lychee tin)
- 0.5 ounce Fresh Lime Juice (freshly squeezed to balance the sugar)
- 0.25 ounce Simple Syrup (optional, only if you prefer a sweeter profile)
For the Garnish
- 4 pieces Whole Lychees (canned or fresh, pitted)
- 2 pieces Fresh Raspberries (placed inside the lychee for a 'stuffed' look)
- 2 pieces Rose Petals (organic and food-grade for an elegant finish)
- 2 cups Ice Cubes (large, solid cubes for optimal chilling without dilution)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Place two martini glasses or coupes in the freezer for at least 10 minutes prior to preparation to ensure they are frostily cold.
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2
Prepare the garnish by gently stuffing a fresh raspberry into the cavity of each pitted lychee; set these aside on a cocktail pick.
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3
Fill a professional stainless steel cocktail shaker three-quarters full with large, fresh ice cubes.
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4
Measure and pour 4 ounces of premium vodka over the ice.
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5
Add 1.5 ounces of lychee liqueur to the shaker, followed by the 0.5 ounce of dry vermouth.
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6
Pour in 2 ounces of the lychee syrup from the tin; this contains the concentrated essence of the fruit.
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7
Squeeze in the fresh lime juice to provide a necessary acidic backbone that cuts through the sweetness.
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8
Secure the lid of the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for a full 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker is painfully cold and frosted.
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9
Double strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh sieve into the chilled glasses to remove any ice shards.
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10
Gently drop the prepared lychee and raspberry skewer into the glass.
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11
Finish by floating a single organic rose petal on the surface of the foam for a stunning visual impact.
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12
Serve immediately while the drink is at its peak temperature and the aromas are most vibrant.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use high-quality vodka as it makes up the bulk of the drink; a poor spirit will result in a harsh aftertaste. If using fresh lychees, muddle one fruit in the bottom of the shaker before adding liquids for a more authentic flavor. Double straining is the secret to a professional texture; it ensures the drink is crystal clear and smooth. Don't over-shake or the ice will melt too much, diluting the delicate floral notes of the lychee. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less of the canned syrup depending on the brand's sugar content.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with spicy tuna tartare or sashimi to complement the floral notes. Serve alongside Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls for a classic Asian-fusion appetizer pairing. Excellent with a side of lightly salted edamame to balance the sweetness of the fruit. Try it with a spicy Thai Green Curry to cool the palate between bites. For a dessert pairing, serve with a light coconut panna cotta.