Lychee Martini - Vodka, Lychee & Lime Cocktail

The Lychee Martini is a modern vodka cocktail built around Lychee Liqueur and Lime Juice. Vodka provides a neutral backbone, lychee contributes floral tropical sweetness, and lime keeps the drink crisp enough for a straight-up serve.

Background

Lychee martinis became especially popular during the flavored-martini boom of the 1990s and early 2000s. There is no single canonical formula, so recipes vary in their use of lychee liqueur, syrup, juice, vodka, gin, and citrus.

What You'll Need

Ingredients

• Vodka - provides the clean base.
• Lychee Liqueur - supplies floral tropical fruit and sweetness.
• Lime Juice - adds fresh acidity.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Fine strainer
• Martini Glass

Floral Fruit With a Clean Finish

Two ounces of vodka keeps the drink spirit-led while three-quarters of an ounce of lychee liqueur gives the fruit a clear role without taking over. Half an ounce of lime tightens the finish.

Substitutions & Variations

• Use lychee syrup in place of the liqueur and reduce sweetness elsewhere.
• Swap vodka for gin for a botanical variation.
• Add a small splash of soda for a lighter serve.
• Use lemon instead of lime for a softer citrus profile.

Helpful Tips

• Chill the Martini Glass before shaking.
• Use fresh Lime Juice.
• Fine-strain if using lychee syrup or juice with pulp.
• Garnish with a drained lychee fruit.