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Recipe

Authentic Lychee Martini

A tangy, sweet lychee martini with clean vodka, bright citrus, and real lychee flavor. Crisp, floral, and dangerously easy to sip.

Author By Matt Campbell
4.8
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If you have ever ordered a lychee martini and thought, “why does this taste like perfume and sugar water?” this one is for you. A great lychee martini should be bright and clean, with that unmistakable tropical floral note and a little tang that makes you want another sip.

This recipe keeps it simple and true to the fruit: vodka for a crisp base, real lychee syrup from canned lychees (the secret weapon), fresh lime for snap, and just enough orange liqueur to round out the edges. It is the kind of cocktail that feels fancy in a coupe but is totally weeknight doable.

Why It Works

  • Real lychee flavor: Using canned lychee syrup gives you fruit-forward sweetness and aroma without needing specialty purees.
  • Tangy balance: Fresh lime juice keeps the drink snappy and prevents it from turning cloying.
  • Silky, ice cold texture: A hard shake with plenty of ice gives that clean, frosty finish you want in a martini-style cocktail.
  • Easy to adjust: Make it drier, sweeter, or stronger with tiny tweaks that actually work.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Martinis are best fresh, but if you want to get ahead (or you made a little too much shaker math), you have options.

To refrigerate (short term)

  • Strain the cocktail into a clean jar or bottle and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
  • Do not store it with ice. Melted ice turns it watery fast.
  • Quality note: It is safe, but the lime will dull and can taste flatter over time. If you can, make it the same day.

To serve later

  • Chill your glass again.
  • Shake the stored cocktail briefly with fresh ice for 5 to 8 seconds, then strain.

Batching tip

  • If batching for a small get-together, mix everything except ice, refrigerate, then shake each drink to order. You keep the frosty texture and the citrus stays lively.

Common Questions

What makes a lychee martini “authentic”?

“Authentic” gets debated, but here is what I mean in a home-kitchen, real-life way: the lychee flavor is coming from real lychees and their syrup, not neon candy syrup. The result should taste floral and fruity, but still crisp and refreshing.

Can I use gin instead of vodka?

Yes. Gin makes it more aromatic and botanical. If your gin is very juniper-forward, keep the orange liqueur on the lower end so it does not fight the lychee.

Do I have to use orange liqueur?

No, but a small amount adds citrus depth. If you skip it, do one of these depending on your vibe: add 1/4 ounce extra lychee syrup for a sweeter drink, or add a small splash more lime for a brighter, sharper drink.

What if I only have bottled lime juice?

Fresh is best here because citrus is doing a lot of heavy lifting. If bottled is all you have, use a little less at first, taste, then adjust. Some bottled juices are harsher.

Why is my martini cloudy?

A little haze is normal in this one because it includes fresh lime juice. Shaking can also add tiny air bubbles, and lychee syrup sometimes has a bit of pulp. If you want it as clear as possible, double strain through a fine mesh strainer and let it sit for 20 to 30 seconds so the bubbles settle.

Can I make it less sweet?

Absolutely. Start by reducing lychee syrup to 1/2 ounce. If you want more tang, increase the lime juice up to 1 ounce (especially if your canned lychees are packed in heavy syrup).

My canned lychee syrup tastes super sweet. Now what?

Some cans are packed in heavy syrup, some are closer to juice. Give the syrup a quick taste first. If it is intensely sweet, start with 1/2 ounce syrup and work up from there.

The first time I tried to make a lychee martini at home, I went way too hard on the “lychee flavor” and ended up with something that tasted like a candle store in the best possible glassware. The fix was almost annoyingly simple: use the syrup from canned lychees, add real lime, and stop trying to force it. Now it is my go-to when I want a cocktail that feels a little dressed up but still tastes clean, bright, and actually refreshing.