Lychee Martini

The Lychee Martini is a cocktail made with lychee, an Asian fruit that is gaining popularity, especially in the world of cocktails. While this unusual fruit is not very common, lychee martinis have become a cocktail menu mainstay. The sweet, somewhat floral taste of lychee pairs beautifully with cocktails and shines in this martini.

History

The Lychee Martini is a cocktail that first appeared in the United States in the 1990s. It is a variation of the classic Martini, usually made with vodka, vermouth, lychee juice, syrup, or liqueur. The cocktail is named after lychee, a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia that has a sweet, floral flavor.

There isn’t much published on the history of the Lychee Martini, but it is believed to have originated in New York City. Many of the early recipes for the cocktail were all over the place, with no two recipes being the same.

In the mid-1990s, the Lychee Martini started to pop up in a few New York-based periodicals. The cocktail gained popularity quickly and became a staple in many bars and restaurants across the country.

How to Make It

Variations

There are numerous ways to make a Lychee Martini, and each variation brings its own unique flavor and twist to this classic cocktail. Here are some popular variations that you can try out:

Lychee-Flavored Vodka

Many brands produce lychee-flavored vodka, which can be used to make a Lychee Martini. Kai Vodka is a famous brand that offers delicious lychee vodka.

Strawberry Lychee Martini

This variation adds a fruity twist to the classic Lychee Martini. To make this cocktail, you will need to muddle a couple of fresh strawberries in a shaker, then add the rest of your ingredients and shake.

Watermelon Lychee Martini

This variation is perfect for summer days. To make this cocktail, add ½ ounce of watermelon juice to the recipe.

Rose Lychee Martini

This variation adds a floral twist to the classic Lychee Martini. To make this cocktail, you will need to add ½ ounce of rose water, and ½ ounce of elderflower liqueur to the recipe.

Grand Lychee Martini

This variation adds a touch of elegance to the classic Lychee Martini. To make this cocktail, you will need to add two ounces of vodka, ½ ounce of lychee syrup, and ½ ounce of Grand Marnier into a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lychee fruit.

Lychee Fruit Salad Martini

This variation adds a fruity twist to the classic Lychee Martini. To make this cocktail, you will need to add two ounces of vodka, ½ ounce of lychee syrup, and ½ ounce of fruit salad syrup into a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a slice of fruit salad.