If you're on the hunt for a bright, floral, and slightly exotic twist on a classic cocktail, look no further than the lychee lemon drop martini. This vibrant drink combines the tart punch of lemon juice with the delicate, fragrant sweetness of lychee to create a truly refreshing sip. It's the perfect drink to impress at happy hour, your next dinner party, or any warm-weather gathering.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission when you click on the links and make a purchase. I will never recommend a product that I don’t support 100%.
You'll love this lychee lemon drop martini
It's easy to make. It’s a delicious cocktail that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make. The best part? You only need a few ingredients and a cocktail shaker to get started.
It's delicious. This lychee lemon drop martini is a delightful fusion of citrus and tropical fruits. If you enjoy drinks like the classic lemon drop martini or a floral-forward French martini, this lychee-forward version will quickly become one of your favorite summer martini recipes.
Ingredients
Vodka. Use a smooth, plain-flavored vodka. I recommend a brand like Tito's or Grey Goose.
Triple Sec. This orange liqueur adds a citrusy depth that complements the lemon and lychee.
Lychee Puree. You can use fresh lychee, canned lychees, or lychee juice. If using whole lychees, blend them into a puree. That's what I always do! My local store always has canned lychees, and then I just blend them, pour them through a fine mesh strainer and make lychee puree.
Lemon Juice. Freshly squeezed is best, though bottled can work in a pinch. You could substitute with lime juice for a slightly different flavor.
Optional: Add ½ oz simple syrup if you like a sweeter cocktail, depending on the sweetness of your lychee juice.
How to make a lychee lemon drop martini
- Add vodka, triple sec, lychee puree (or juice), and lemon juice into a cocktail shaker.
- Add ice and shake well until the cocktail shaker is frosty, about 15-20 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled classic martini glass.
- Garnish with a whole lychee on a cocktail pick or a lemon twist.
Substitutions and variations
- Vodka: You can substitute regular vodka with a citrus vodka or even elderflower liqueur for added floral notes.
- Triple sec: Try using orange liqueur alternatives like Cointreau or Grand Marnier.
- Lychee puree: If you can’t find fresh lychee or canned lychees, lychee syrup or lychee liqueur works well. Just adjust the sweetness with less simple syrup.
- Lemon juice: Lime juice will give this martini a tangier finish.
- Sugar rim: For an elevated presentation, rim the martini glass with sugar syrup and dip in granulated sugar before pouring the drink.
How to make a batch lychee lemon drop
This cocktail can easily be scaled for a party. Here's the best way to make a batch lychee lemon drop martini:
- 2 cups vodka
- 1 cup triple sec
- 1 cup lychee juice or puree
- 1 cup lemon juice
- Optional: ½ cup simple syrup
Directions: Mix all ingredients in a large pitcher. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Shake with ice in a cocktail shaker before pouring each drink into a classic martini glass to maintain the chilled texture.
Garnish ideas
- Whole lychees (fresh or from a can of lychees) on a cocktail pick
- Lemon twist or wedge
- Edible flowers for a colorful, summery touch
- Thin slice of fresh ginger for a spicy contrast
FAQs
What alcohol goes well with lychee?
Vodka is the most common choice, as it allows the floral flavor of lychee to shine. However, lychee also pairs well with gin, rum, and even sparkling wine. For this lychee lemon drop martini, vodka and triple sec create a balanced and versatile base.
Can I make a lychee lemon drop martini without a cocktail shaker?
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, use a jar with a lid or a tightly sealed water bottle. Shake vigorously with ice to chill and combine the ingredients.
What does lychee taste like?
Lychee has a floral, sweet taste with notes of grape, pear, and rose. Its delicate flavor makes it an ideal addition to fruity and floral cocktails.
don't miss a thing!
subscribe to get all the latest recipes delivered right to your inbox!
Pin it for later!
Want more summer martini recipes?
Lychee Lemon Drop Martini
If you're on the hunt for a bright, floral, and slightly exotic twist on a classic cocktail, look no further than the lychee lemon drop martini. This vibrant drink combines the tart punch of lemon juice with the delicate, fragrant sweetness of lychee to create a truly refreshing sip. It's the perfect drink to impress at happy hour, your next dinner party, or any warm-weather gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 oz citrus vodka
- ½ oz triple sec
- ¾ oz lemon juice
- 1 ½ oz lychee juice
Instructions
- Add vodka, triple sec, lychee puree (or juice), and lemon juice into a cocktail shaker.
- Add ice and shake well until the cocktail shaker is frosty, about 15-20 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled classic martini glass.
- Garnish with a whole lychee on a cocktail pick or a lemon twist.
Notes
Substitutions and variations
- Vodka: You can substitute regular vodka with a citrus vodka or even elderflower liqueur for added floral notes.
- Triple sec: Try using orange liqueur alternatives like Cointreau or Grand Marnier.
- Lychee puree: If you can’t find fresh lychee or canned lychees, lychee syrup or lychee liqueur works well. Just adjust the sweetness with less simple syrup.
- Lemon juice: Lime juice will give this martini a tangier finish.
- Sugar rim: For an elevated presentation, rim the martini glass with sugar syrup and dip in granulated sugar before pouring the drink.
How to make a batch lychee lemon drop
This cocktail can easily be scaled for a party. Here's the best way to make a batch lychee lemon drop martini:
- 2 cups vodka
- 1 cup triple sec
- 1 cup lychee juice or puree
- 1 cup lemon juice
- Optional: ½ cup simple syrup
Directions: Mix all ingredients in a large pitcher. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Shake with ice in a cocktail shaker before pouring each drink into a classic martini glass to maintain the chilled texture.
Garnish ideas
- Whole lychees (fresh or from a can of lychees) on a cocktail pick
- Lemon twist or wedge
- Edible flowers for a colorful, summery touch
- Thin slice of fresh ginger for a spicy contrast
FAQs
What alcohol goes well with lychee?
Vodka is the most common choice, as it allows the floral flavor of lychee to shine. However, lychee also pairs well with gin, rum, and even sparkling wine. For this lychee lemon drop martini, vodka and triple sec create a balanced and versatile base.
Can I make a lychee lemon drop martini without a cocktail shaker?
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, use a jar with a lid or a tightly sealed water bottle. Shake vigorously with ice to chill and combine the ingredients.
What does lychee taste like?
Lychee has a floral, sweet taste with notes of grape, pear, and rose. Its delicate flavor makes it an ideal addition to fruity and floral cocktails.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Leave a Reply