Lychee Martini

The Lychee Martini is a sophisticated and aromatic cocktail that rose to prominence in the 1990s. It combines vodka with lychee liqueur or puree and often a splash of vermouth or citrus to create a balanced, fragrant drink. Served chilled in a martini glass, it's known for its perfumed sweetness and delicate, exotic fruit flavor. This elegant cocktail offers a refreshing and stylish alternative to more traditional martinis.
Lychee Martini

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Lychee Martini is a contemporary cocktail, often classified as a modern classic or a fruit-forward martini variation. It belongs to the family of vodka-based drinks served "up" in a martini glass. This style of cocktail was particularly popular during the cocktail renaissance of the late 20th century.

Serving

The Lychee Martini is a cold, moderately strong cocktail served "up" (without ice) in a pre-chilled Martini or Coupe glass. It's a relatively small drink by volume, packing a sweet and fragrant punch.
Serving size
Approximately 100-120 ml / 3.5-4 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 15-20% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Martini or Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Lychee Martini emerged in the 1990s, likely in New York City or London, during the "tini" craze when many classic cocktails were being reinvented with fruit flavors. A bartender named "Lee" at a London bar called The Claypot is often credited with its creation, allegedly making it for a guest who wanted a drink reflecting their Asian heritage. It quickly became a symbol of chic, modern mixology and a staple on cocktail menus worldwide.
Origin
New York City or London, USA/UK, 1990s.

Lychee Martini

The drink is commonly known as the Lychee Martini, though the playful portmanteau "Lycheetini" is also frequently used. Both names clearly indicate the cocktail's key flavor and its service style, which mimics a classic Martini. This makes it easily recognizable on menus worldwide.
Original name
Lychee Martini
Alternative name
Lycheetini

Characteristics overview

This cocktail delights the senses with a highly aromatic and floral lychee fragrance, leading to a sweet, fruity flavor with a smooth texture. The finish is clean with a lingering tropical sweetness, making it a refreshing choice for any season.
Flavor
sweet, fruity, floral, tropical, perfumed, clean
Aroma
aromatic, lychee, floral, fruity
Taste balance
sweet, slightly tart
Aftertaste
clean, sweet, lingering fruitiness
Fizziness
still, none
Color appearance
pale, translucent, slightly cloudy, whitish-pink
Texture
smooth, silky, light-bodied
Seasonality
refreshing, summery, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is dominated by intense fruitiness and sweetness from the lychee, with a moderate alcohol backbone. It lacks bitterness, saltiness, or spice, resulting in a smooth and fragrant profile.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The primary ingredients are vodka and a source of lychee flavor, typically a combination of lychee liqueur and syrup or juice. An optional dash of dry vermouth can be added to provide balance and complexity.
  • Vodka60 ml / 2 ounces
    A clean, neutral vodka works best to let the lychee flavor shine.
  • Lychee Liqueur30 ml / 1 ounce
    Brands like Soho or Giffard Lichi-Li are popular choices.
  • Lychee Syrup or Juice15 ml / 0.5 ounce
    The syrup from a can of lychees is perfectly suitable.
  • Dry Vermouth7.5 ml / 0.25 ounce(optional)
    Adds a touch of dryness and complexity, mimicking a classic Martini structure.

Ice type

  • Cubed ice

Mixing equipments

You will need a cocktail shaker to mix and chill the ingredients, a jigger for measuring, and a strainer to pour the drink smoothly into the glass. A fine mesh strainer is recommended to remove any small ice chips for a silky texture.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring cup for accurate pouring.
  • Strainer (Hawthorne and fine mesh) for a smooth pour.

Instructions

The method is straightforward: chill a glass, shake all liquid ingredients with ice until very cold, and double-strain into the prepared glass. Finish by adding the signature lychee garnish.
1. Chill your Martini or Coupe glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
2. Add vodka, lychee liqueur, lychee syrup/juice, and optional dry vermouth to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well-frosted.
5. Discard the ice from your chilled glass.
6. Double-strain the contents of the shaker into the chilled glass to ensure a smooth, ice-free texture.
7. Garnish with one or two peeled lychee fruits on a cocktail pick.

Garnishing

The classic garnish is one or two whole, peeled lychee fruits on a cocktail pick, which elegantly enhances the drink's theme. This garnish is both visually appealing and edible.
  • Skewered lychee fruit, place one or two peeled lychees on a cocktail pick and rest it across the rim of the glass.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. For a completely gluten-free version, ensure a gluten-free certified vodka is used, as most distilled spirits are considered gluten-free.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail is moderately caloric, with most of its calories coming from the alcohol and sugar. Its carbohydrate and sugar content are relatively high due to the lychee liqueur and syrup.
Calories
Averagely 180-220 kcal / 750-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15-20 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 14-18 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfect for sophisticated cocktail parties, elegant pre-dinner drinks, or a stylish girls' night out. Its refreshing and exotic profile also makes it an excellent choice for a warm summer evening gathering.
  • Cocktail Party
  • Summer Evening
  • Pre-dinner Drink
  • Girls' Night Out

Pairing suggestions

The sweet and fragrant nature of the Lychee Martini pairs beautifully with the heat and spice of Southeast Asian dishes, such as Thai green curry or spicy Vietnamese spring rolls. Its refreshing character also complements fresh seafood, sushi, and light, fruity desserts, as it can cut through richness without overpowering delicate flavors.
  • Spicy Asian cuisine (e.g., Thai, Vietnamese)
  • Seafood and sushi
  • Light appetizers
  • Fruit platters

The Lychee Martini: An Exotic and Elegant Modern Classic

The Lychee Martini is a modern classic that encapsulates the cocktail renaissance of the 1990s with its focus on fresh, exotic fruit flavors. It's a vodka-based "tini" that is both elegant and approachable, balancing the clean spirit with the sweet, floral notes of lychee liqueur and juice. Served ice-cold and garnished with a signature lychee fruit, it offers a refreshing, aromatic, and visually appealing experience. Its distinctively sweet and tropical profile has secured its place as a beloved cocktail worldwide.