Lychee Martini is so yummy!
Strange to use the term yummy for a martini. However, once you try this recipe, I know you will mutter — or even exclaim — the exact same words.
I first tried lychee martini during one of our trips to the East Coast. I replicated it at home by following and reading many recipes with the same ingredients.
It is now one of my favorite cocktails, straight, stirred, with fruits or not.
In this Article
What is lychee?
Lychee is a tropical fruit from the southeastern provinces of China. It has a unique appearance and flavor, and is often served as a refreshing end to a meal throughout Asia.
The deliciously sweet fruit is covered by a rough, bright strawberry-red color outer rind.
Once peeled, inside you will find this almost translucent, very juicy, white flesh fruit and the seed. The flesh has the most delightful sweet and floral flavor.
While I always enjoy fresh lychee, you can also buy it canned or dried. Lychees are delicious all on their own or when added to fruit salads.
In this recipe, I used lychee juice in place of simple syrup. If you are fortunate enough to find fresh lychees at your grocery store, you will want to make some simple syrup to give the cocktail some sweetness.
Why Grand Marnier?
I love the smoothness of the Grand Marnier. Added to the Vodka, it balances the lychee syrup’s sweetness and the vodka’s more robust flavor.
When you sip it, you will enjoy the less alcoholic taste of the vodka but a smoother, not sweeter, drink.
Vodka or Gin?
I love both.
As my first choice, I will always gravitate towards vodka. My preferred brand is Grey Goose but you can choose any brand that you prefer.
If I don’t have vodka on hand, my second choice is Bombay Sapphire Gin.
I love how clean and smooth the flavor of each is. Either is a great base for this cocktail.
Use your favorite gin or vodka, making sure that it is not mixed with any other flavors or fruits that will interfere with the light flavor of the lychee.
Why You’ll Love This Lychee Martini
- Balanced – The slight sweetness of the Grand Marnier mellows the vodka and mingles well with the flavor of the lychee.
- Easy – It takes just a few pours and shakes to make this simple cocktail.
- Unique – Less common than standard martinis or other fruity versions, this is a great way to impress guests. You’ll possibly even introduce them to fruit they haven’t tried before.
How to Serve a Martini
I love a martini, and I am very picky about how it is served.
For instance, I’m not particularly eager to let it sit in the ice cubes, not crushed ice, for too long.
The water dilutes the vodka, and all of the flavor is lost.
I am also a traditionalist, and my martini must be served in a classic martini glass that is thin, tall, and with a wide mouth. However, you can serve this in your favorite style glass.
Ingredients needed
- Vodka
- Grand Marnier
- Lychee syrup
- Lychees
How to Make The Perfect Lychee Martini
Although this is a straightforward lychee martini recipe, I have a couple of suggestions for you on how to get the best results:
- I purchased the lychees, peeled and pitted in heavy syrup. The unused portion can be stored in the refrigerator.
- If you want a more spirit-forward cocktail, remove the lychees from their natural juice and store them for a couple of days submerged in vodka or gin. Resist the temptation to overindulge!
- Use ice cubes, not crushed ice, when shaking all the ingredients. When shaken, ice cubes will give it that coldness you want. The crushed ice will dilute your drink.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes with no room for them to move around. If the ice cubes move around too much when you shake them, you will have ice fragments lost in your drinks, which will water down your drink.
- If you have time, place your martini glasses inside the freezer for a few minutes before serving. The cold glass is always welcome but not necessary.
- The lychees fruits are delicious every way you choose to serve them in your cocktail. Either drop two in your glass before filling it. Or use a cocktail pick, pass them thru, and either place them over the rim or inside your drink. Whatever you do, enjoy them.
Tips
Do you not have a martini shaker? Use a jar with a seal-tight top.
Unlike many cocktails, there’s no need to use simple syrup. The syrup from the lychee is quite sweet and gives such a wonderful flavor to the drink.
With all alcoholic beverages, please use them in moderation and do not drink and drive.
Serve this drink at holiday parties, or any time throughout the year.
I do love what I do! Where else can you drink at work and have lots of fun doing it? After all, it is 5 o’clock somewhere.
Substitutions and Variations
- Batch drinks – Make a large batch of these ahead of time and store in a pitcher. For an extra-large format, make and serve it in a punch bowl.
- Carbonation – For an extra-festive presentation, add just a little bit of fizziness with a splash of soda water or a lightly flavored beverage like lemon-lime soda.
- Liqueur – For more lychee flavor, use a little lychee liqueur.
- Tropical – Try using coconut rum for a fun summertime drink.
- Citrus – While lychees have a touch of acidity in their flavor profile, you can also add a little more with a splash of lemon or lime juice.
- Floral – Add more floral flavor by using a small amount of rose water or elderflower liqueur.
- Color-changing – Give your guests a show by using a color-changing gin-like Empress that will be transformed when different ingredients are added. Tip: If you choose this method, it may be better executed by stirring rather than shaking for the “wow” factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lychee martini made of?
Recipes for lychee martini can vary greatly. However, most start with lychees and a liquor base like vodka or gin.
Then, you can add a liqueur like Grand Marnier or lychee liqueur. Or you can use a fortified wine like dry vermouth.
What does a lychee martini taste like?
Lychee martinis are simultaneously sweet and slightly tart. Served cold, these are refreshing cocktails.
Is lychee martini strong?
Since the base is usually vodka or gin, it can be a somewhat strong cocktail. You can adjust the strength by reducing or increasing the amount of liquor or liqueur.
Storage
Make-Ahead: You can make these martinis ahead of time and store them in a pitcher or sealed jars in the refrigerator. Just stir or shake them up before serving to make sure the ingredients are evenly dispersed.
Refrigerator: Store leftover lychee martinis in the refrigerator for a day or two.
More delicious recipes to try
Champagne Cocktail _ The Perfect Everyday Cocktail
I do love what I do! Where else can you drink at work and have lots of fun doing it? After all, it is 5 o’clock somewhere.
Equipment and ingredients used to prepare this recipe.
Lychee Martini
Instructions
- Place your martini glasses in the freezer a couple of minutes before serving, optional.
- In a martini shaker add the vodka, Grand Marnier, lychee syrup, and fill with ice cubes. Shake vigorously for a couple of seconds.
- Pour into 2 martini glasses and garnish with two lychees per glass.
Nutrition
Giangi’s Kitchen provides nutritional information, but these figures should be considered estimates, as a registered dietician does not calculate them.
- Course: Drinks
- Cuisine: American
- Occasion: Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, New Year
- Type: Under 45 minutes, Videos
Did you make this?
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Originally published on December 16, 2021. Edited and updated on September 16, 2023.
Samantha Ferraro
This cocktail hit the spot!! Love lychee anything!!
Giangi Townsend
I am so happy you liked it.
Kalin Williams
I’ve never had lychee before! I will have to look for it in my local grocery store – this sounds delicious!
Giangi Townsend
You will get hooked once you have your first one 🙂
Enjoy!
Rosanna
I loved the Grand Marnier in this, it worked perfectly with the Lychee! The perfect cocktail to end the day/start the night
Giangi Townsend
Absolutely! Cheers!
Sue
Yummy martini! Thank you for this delicious recipe!
Giangi Townsend
My pleasure, Enjoy it!
Jeannie
Perfect to serve this coming Holiday season!
Giangi Townsend
THank you!
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/
Yum! Added to my Christmas list (for my partner to make, LOL!) I love fresh lychees; I expect they would go well too.
Giangi Townsend
Make sure you make some simple syrup if you use fresh lychee, you need the sweetness of the syrup to make it a bit sweeter.
Enjoy and Cheers!
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady
We absolutely love lychee and this cocktail was so delicious. Loved how it wasn’t overly sweet!
Giangi Townsend
Thank you, Cindy! That was one of my concerns when I was creating it, I did not want it to be too sweet. It took a while and I am happy with the result and I am happy you enjoyed it as well.
Happy Holidays!
Azlin Bloor
This looks absolutely wonderful! I thoroughly enjoyed the live show yesterday, and am planning to make this on New Year’s eve.
Giangi Townsend
I enjoyed our show as well and I am happy you will make it on New Year’s Eve.
Cheers!
Lucy
I’ve just bought some lychee so this is the perfect recipe to make with it. Such a unique drink!
Giangi Townsend
Unique and quite delicious too.
Enjoy and Cheers!
Gina Abernathy
I’ve never heard of or seen lychee before. This would make a great drink to unwind in the evening.
Giangi Townsend
Absolutely! Not too sweet with the perfect hind of vodka.
Enjoy!
Kayla DiMaggio
Yum! I have never tried lychee before but this was great! I loved all the flavors of the martini and it was such a fun drink to make!
Giangi Townsend
THank you! I am so happy you enjoyed it.
Julie
Lychees are my fav this drink was amazing!!!!
Giangi Townsend
Thank you so much, Julie. I am glad you enjoyed it
nancy
everyone loved this cocktail at the party!
Giangi Townsend
I am so happy everyone enjoyed it.
Shelby
This martini is delicious but also refreshing! A great way to unwind on a Friday night.
Giangi Townsend
Absolutely!
Enjoy!
Rosanna Stevens
Absolutely loved this cocktail! I remember eating lychees when I was a child and haven’t had them since. This martini was definitely the grown-up way to enjoy them.
Giangi Townsend
Thank you!
Sue
This really does sound incredibly yummy! Cheers!
Giangi Townsend
Cheers! Enjoy it!
Natalie
My friends always compete who is gonna make the best coctail at our gatherings, lol. Your lychee martini took all the glory at our party, so thank you!
Giangi Townsend
The pleasure is all mine, I am glad you enjoyed it.
Holly
I love a lychee martini and this recipe is spot on! Cheers!
Giangi Townsend
Cheers to you and enjoy it
Nancy
Wow what a fancy drink. I love lychee anything
Giangi Townsend
Thank you!
Katie
Oh I love lychees!! This martini was incredible! I made it when I had some friends in town, and everyone loved it!
Giangi Townsend
Thank you for your feedback, I am so happy everyone enjoyed it.
Fede
This drink was sensational. Definitely we will make it again for our next party!
Giangi Townsend
Thank you! I am so happy you enjoyed it.
Bianca
We had some guests over yesterday and made this Martini. It was an absolut hit
Giangi Townsend
Thank you for your feedback. I am happy everyone enjoyed it
Susan
The sweet lychee made a perfect match for vodka – delish!
Giangi Townsend
Thank you!
Angela
Great cocktail recipe!
Giangi Townsend
Absolutely!
Lindsay Howerton-Hastings
These were amazing, thanks for sharing!
Bernice Hill
How handy to use the syrup already in the can. This is a great special occasion martini.
Giangi Townsend
Our friends and family love it and ask for it.
Enjoy!
Mary
Nice New Year’s Eve Cocktail! Makes a beautiful presentation.
Giangi Townsend
Thank you and enjoy!
Stine Mari
Absolutely gorgeous, I love the subtle sweetness from the lychee.
Giangi Townsend
Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed it.
Andréa Janssen
What a delicious Recipe! Thank you for sharing it!
Giangi Townsend
The pleasure is all mine, enjoy!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome
I love the use of the grand marnier. Delicious cocktail.
Giangi Townsend
Thank you!
nancy
i love lychee flavour cocktails
Giangi Townsend
Enjoy!
swathi iyer
Lychee martini sounds yum, need to try this, great holiday cocktail.
Giangi Townsend
Enjoy it!
Andréa Janssen
Sounds like a delicious recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Liz
I’ve found my new favorite martini!! So smooth and sippable!!!
Giangi Townsend
Enjoy!
Stephanie
Yum! These are my fav martinis. The lychee makes these extra special.
Giangi Townsend
Enjoy!
Nancy
Tasty and easy to make
Giangi Townsend
Enjoy!
Amy Liu Dong
Wow! This is such a delicious drink to make. I am sure my sister will love this!
Giangi Townsend
Keep me posted and meanwhile, enjoy!
Elizabeth
Great combination of flavors! Loved the lychee – thanks for the recipe!
Giangi Townsend
My pleasure, enjoy!
Madison
My mother in law loves a good cocktail and this was a perfect treat for her. You are right that it was yummy! The lychee was such a surprising twist.
Giangi Townsend
Thank you for your feed back and so happy your mother-in-law liked it.
Addison
This martini was so refreshing and flavorful! I served it to my guests and they enjoyed it too!
Giangi Townsend
How wonderful, and thank you for making it. I am glad everyone liked it.
Shruthi
This turned so well – really loved the flavor combo!
Giangi Townsend
I am glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for your feedback.
Ely
I am obsessed with this cocktail recipe! It is easy to make and so delicious. On weeknights I make this into a mocktail with my NA vodka and a squeeze of orange juice. YUMMY!
Giangi Townsend
I am so happy you enjoy it, and what an excellent idea and suggestion to make a mocktail. Perfect for summer!
Enjoy!
Rose
I really enjoyed the different combinations in flavors in this martini.
Giangi Townsend
I am so happy you do.
Amparo
Hello. I love lychee martini I have had at restaurants, that’s why I been looking for recipes. I have read many versions. Ones with vodka, dry vermouth , lychee juice or sirup and lime. Other with vodka and lychee liquor and lime in some cases. And this with grand manier but not lime. 1. Would you add lime or better not to.
2 . It’s better the syrup from canned lychees or the flavor lychee sirup you buy for cocktails .
Thank you
Giangi Townsend
Hi Amparo! I did not add the lime juice with it as I like the sweetness of the Lychee to come thru. I would not recommend buying the flavor lychee sirup as it will change the flavor of your drink. The syrup that comes with the lychee contains less sugar and absorbed the flavor from the fruits itself.
I hope this helps you a bit. Enjoy!
(PS: sorry you had to post twice. I appreciate your patience)
Amparo
Thank you !!!
Giangi Townsend
My pleasure
Amparo
One more question please. Can I mix the vodka , grand manieri and syrup and leve it in the fridge a couple of hours, then when I want to serve it , take it out and shake with ice in the martini shaker ?
Giangi Townsend
Yes you can. Enjoy!
Stephanie
I like lychee anything – but love lychee in these martinis! Really awesome drink.
Giangi Townsend
Thank you and so happy you enjoyed it.
Angela
I am always on the lookout for a new cocktail. I love lychee. I made it last night for some friends. It was a hit.
Emily
Adding the lychee is a delicious twist to the martini! It’s perfect for spring; thanks for sharing the recipe!
Liz
So exotic and tasty! Going to make this for my book club next month!!
Audrey
This is just like one you’d have a restaurant. YUM
Giangi Townsend
Thank you!
Ramona Sebastian
This was unbelievable. The combination works so well. Will make this again. Thanks so much for sharing
Giangi Townsend
My pleasure.
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome
Really refreshing vodka martini!
Nancy
This lychee cocktail was so delicious. I loved how easy it was to make.
Audrey
This drink went well with my Asian themed dinner! Thanks!
Giangi Townsend
You are most welcome.
Elizabeth
We love fudgy brownies and these were a hit with the whole family!! Thanks for the easy, delicious recipe!
Giangi Townsend
You are most welcome.
Ve
Looks great! I’d like to try this lychee martini for a party coming up.
Giangi Townsend
Enjoy!
Nicole NK
Love this martini recipe. Made it with ciroc and loved it!
Giangi Townsend
Wonderful! Thank you.
Karen
I am always looking for unique martini recipes, this one was a hit! The entire crown loved this easy cocktail and I will definitely make again. Thanks.
Giangi Townsend
You are most welcome, the pleasure was all mine.
Thank you for your feedback.
Jessica
This was the perfect way to end my work day yesterday. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Giangi Townsend
The pleasure is all mine, I am happy you enjoyed it.
Lindsay Howerton-Hastings
This was absolutely lovely!
Giangi Townsend
Thank you.
Lisa
Cheers!
Giangi Townsend
Enjoy!
Audrey
Super refreshing!!
Giangi Townsend
Thank you!
Coley
These were so fun to make! I dialed back the lychee syrup slightly and it came out perfect. Can’t wait to make them for guests!
Giangi Townsend
Wonderful! Enjoy!
Jane
This lychee martini recipe with vodka is delicious! My friend and I had a blast making it, too. We can’t wait to try this again!
Giangi Townsend
Thank you and enjoy!
Mary
Reminds me of my days in Southeast Asia. We have lychee everything.
Giangi Townsend
I love traveling Asia and having fresh lychee with every meal.
Enjoy!
Janice
I found my new favorite martini! My husband and I tried this yesterday, and we enjoyed it! I really love the lychee flavors in it! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Giangi Townsend
The pleasure is all mine. Enjoy!
Nicole NK
This was so good and refreshing! We really enjoyed it!
Giangi Townsend
Thank you!
Andréa Janssen
Looks like a delicious recipe
Giangi Townsend
I hope you will give it a try!
Amy Liu Dong
Oh my, this martini drink looks amazingly delicious and very tasty! Plus it looks really great and is also very enticing!
Giangi Townsend
Thank you and enjoy!
Lisa
My father in law would like this.
Giangi Townsend
Enjoy!
Sharina
Lychee martini is a total game changer! It is so refreshing and super delicious. My guests were so satisfied and even want to know the recipe, so I gladly sent them!
Giangi Townsend
Thank you for making it and sharing the recipe.
Jenn
This Martini recipe was so good! I can’t wait to make it and impress my friends at our next get-together.
Giangi Townsend
Wonderful! I am so happy you enjoyed it.
Swathi
This Lychee martini looks delicious my favorite drink.
Giangi Townsend
Thank you!
Andrea
this cocktail is so special! it was perfect for our dinner party and everyone enjoyed it!
Giangi Townsend
So happy to hear, Enjoy!
Irena
This martini is sooo good! I have made a lychee martini before but never with grand marnier and it’s a game changer. Elevates this drink to the next level.
Giangi Townsend
Thank you! I am glad you liked it.
Carole
I love lychees, one of my favorite fruits. This looks so refreshing!
Giangi Townsend
It really is, and the lychees are amazing.
Enjoy!
Kat
This was perfect! Classic!
Giangi Townsend
Thank you and so happy you enjoyed it.
Rosanna
I LOVED this lychee martini, it tasted amazing and I’ll definitely make it again!
Giangi Townsend
Thank you and enjoy!