Shake Up Your Cocktail Routine With The Best Lychee Martini Recipe

The Ultimate Guide to Best Lychee Martini Recipe: History, Recipe, and Tips for the Perfect Cocktail

I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades. I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavour combinations, and learned a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.

Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide. In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets.

I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests. So, grab your shaker, dust off your favourite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!

Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.

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Introduction: The Elegance of the Lychee Martini

Exotic, floral, and refreshing — the Lychee Martini (sometimes called a Lychee-tini) is a modern classic that pairs the sweetness of lychee fruit with the sophistication of a martini. Born during the cocktail renaissance of the 1990s and early 2000s, this drink quickly became a favourite for those who wanted something unique, elegant, and a little tropical.

The History of the Lychee Martini

Lychee has been celebrated in Southeast Asia for centuries, loved for its juicy sweetness and floral aroma. But it wasn’t until bartenders of the 1990s cocktail boom began experimenting with exotic flavours that the Lychee Martini was born.

By combining vodka (or gin) with lychee juice or liqueur, and balancing it with citrus and orange liqueur, mixologists created a cocktail that was both modern and timeless.

Why the Lychee Martini Stands Out

Lychee flavour: Sweet, slightly tart, floral, and unlike any other fruit.
Vodka or gin base: Vodka keeps it clean and crisp; gin adds herbal depth.
Versatile balance: Sweetness, acidity, and strength can be adjusted to taste.

It’s a cocktail that works equally well for casual dinner parties, elegant events, or intimate date nights.

Ingredients for the Best Lychee Martini

Lychee juice or lychee liqueur (fresh juice if available, otherwise canned juice or Soho Lychee Liqueur).
Vodka or gin (premium brands for clean flavour or botanicals).
Triple sec or Cointreau (adds a citrus lift).
Fresh lime juice (always squeezed fresh).
Simple syrup (to balance sweetness).
Garnish: fresh lychee fruit, lime wedge, or mint sprig.

Lychee Martini Recipe (US & AU Measurements)

US Measurements

2 oz vodka (or gin)
1 oz lychee juice or liqueur
0.5 oz triple sec or Cointreau
0.5 oz fresh lime juice
0.25 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
Garnish: fresh lychee or lime wedge

AU Measurements

60 ml vodka (or gin)
30 ml lychee juice or liqueur
15 ml triple sec or Cointreau
15 ml fresh lime juice
7 ml simple syrup (adjust to taste)
Garnish: fresh lychee or lime wedge

Method

Chill a martini glass in the freezer.
Add vodka, lychee juice, triple sec, lime juice, and simple syrup to a shaker.
Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds.
Strain into the chilled martini glass.
Garnish with fresh lychee or a lime wedge.

Tips for the Perfect Lychee Martini

Fresh is best: Use fresh lychee and lime when possible.
Balance sweetness: Adjust with simple syrup or lime juice to taste.
Chill everything: Glassware and shaking time make the texture smooth.
Experiment with garnishes: Try mint sprigs or even an edible flower.

Variations on the Lychee Martini

Lychee & Raspberry Martini: Add muddled raspberries before shaking.
Spicy Lychee Martini: A slice of fresh chilli or chilli vodka for heat.
Coconut Lychee Martini: Swap syrup for coconut cream or syrup.
Lychee Ginger Martini: Add fresh ginger slices or ginger liqueur.

Food Pairings for the Lychee Martini

Sushi & sashimi: Clean flavours match lychee’s delicacy.
Spicy Asian dishes: Sweetness balances chilli heat.
Light appetisers: Spring rolls, bruschetta, or shrimp cocktail.
Cheese platters: Brie, camembert, and tropical fruit accompaniments.

The Final Sip

The Lychee Martini is more than just a cocktail — it’s an experience. With its floral sweetness, citrus balance, and elegant presentation, it’s the kind of drink that elevates any occasion.

So gather your ingredients, chill your glass, and shake up your own Lychee Martini at home. Whether you stick with the classic or explore one of its many variations, this drink is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The bartending community…

The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.
What are you shaking up these days?
What topics would you like to see covered in future posts?

Let’s connect and continue the conversation!

Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: Liquor & Gaming NSW