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Lychee Martini
A floral, fruit-forward martini defining the early 2000s cocktail boom.
Base spirit
Vodka
Style
Sour
Glassware
Cocktail glass
Technique
Shake
The Lychee Martini pairs vodka with the distinct, perfumed sweetness of lychee liqueur and fruit syrup. It captures the exotic fruit trend of the millennium era, offering a profile that is intensely floral and sweet-tart without being cloying. The vodka serves as a neutral delivery system for the delicate rose-water notes of the lychee. Served up with the fruit as a garnish, it remains a staple of fusion cuisine and modern lounges.
Did you know?
“The Lychee Martini became the signature drink of the New York restaurant Tao in the early 2000s, symbolizing the era's 'Pan-Asian' dining trend.”
Source:New York Magazine archives; PunchDrink
Bartender's Note
Adding a splash of fresh lime juice can help cut the syrup's sweetness if the liqueur is heavy.
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How to make the Lychee Martini
- 1Add vodka, lychee liqueur, and syrup to a shaker with ice
- 2Shake vigorously to chill
- 3Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
- 4Garnish with a whole lychee fruit
