Lychee Martini & Nobu Lychee Martini Recipes

Lychee Martini

If you’re into trying new cocktails, you’ve got to give the lychee martini a shot. It’s light, tropical, and packed with a flavor that’s both unique and refreshing. Whether you’re hosting a summer get-together or just relaxing at home, this drink is a great way to add a little something special to your day.

What is Lychee?

Lychee is a small, sweet fruit that originally comes from Asia but also grows in warm places like Hawaii and Florida. If you’ve never tasted one, think of something sweet like grapes, with a slightly floral and juicy flavor. It’s delicious on its own, but it really shines in desserts and cocktails.

My first encounter with lychee was in Hawaii, where it seemed to be everywhere—in margaritas, desserts, and even fresh-picked straight from the tree. Since moving to South Florida, I’ve made it a point to grab some every summer. But even if you’re not in a warm region, don’t worry! You can easily find canned lychee and lychee juice at most grocery stores. These work perfectly for making lychee martinis.

Why You’ll Love a Lychee Martini

This cocktail stands out because it’s:

〰 Tropical and refreshing: Perfect for hot days or when you need a mental vacation.

〰 Simple to make: With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a drink that looks and tastes like it’s from a fancy bar.

〰 Versatile: You can enjoy it year-round thanks to canned lychee.

Lychee Martini Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of ice

• 2 ounces of vodka

• ½ ounce of dry vermouth

• 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of juice from canned lychees

• 1 tablespoon of lime juice

• 2 canned lychees for garnish

Directions:

〰 Combine the vodka, vermouth, lychee juice, and lime juice with ice in a mixing glass.

〰 Stir until the mixture is well chilled.

〰 Strain the drink into a chilled martini glass.

〰 Thread the canned lychees onto a toothpick and use it as a garnish.

Nobu Lychee Martini

If you’ve ever been to a Nobu restaurant, you’ve likely heard of their famous Nobu Lychee Martini. This version adds an extra touch of sophistication while keeping the lychee flavor front and center.

Nobu Lychee Martini Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces of vodka

• 1 ounce of lychee liqueur

• ½ ounce of fresh lime juice

• ½ ounce of simple syrup

• 3-4 fresh lychees for garnish

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

• Cocktail shaker

• Martini or coupe glasses

• Jigger or measuring cup

• Cocktail pick for garnish

Directions:

〰 Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

〰 Add vodka, lychee liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup.

〰 Shake for 15-20 seconds until chilled.

〰 Strain into a chilled martini glass.

〰 Garnish with fresh lychees threaded on cocktail pick.

Recipe Variations

You can personalize your lychee martini to match your mood or occasion. Here are a few ideas:

〰 Coconut Lychee Martini: Add a splash of coconut milk for a tropical touch.

〰 Flower Lychee Martini: To add a delightful touch, garnish with edible flowers like lavender.

〰 Spicy Lychee Martini: For a spicy twist, add a dash of ginger.

〰 Berry Lychee Martini: Add fresh strawberries or raspberries for a flavorful touch.

〰 Minty Lychee Martini: To make a cold and delicious drink, add fresh mint leaves.

Nutritional Information

Here’s what you can expect from a typical serving:

• Calories: ~177 (classic lychee martini), ~220 (Nobu version)

• Carbs: ~9-18g

• Sugars: ~7-12g

• Fat: 0g

• Protein: 0g

FAQs

Can I make a lychee martini without alcohol?

Yes, just skip the vodka and vermouth. You can replace them with more lychee juice or even coconut water.

Can I use fresh lychees instead of canned?

Yes, fresh lychees work wonderfully, but you’ll need to extract the juice separately.

What if I don’t have a cocktail shaker?

No problem. You can use a jar with a tight lid to shake your ingredients.

Can I replace lychees with another fruit?

Sure! Pineapple or mango can be great substitutes for a similar tropical flavor.

Is a lychee martini gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your vodka is gluten-free, this drink is naturally gluten-free.