Lychee Martini

Lychee Martini
Lychee Martini
Enid P. Saldana of San Juan, Puerto Rico, writes: "I would love to get the recipe for the lychee Martini they serve at Kittichai, in New York City." This summer, enjoy a vodka Martini with a real twist — lychee. The exotic sweetness of the fruit brightens the citrus flavors in this truly refreshing drink.
  • Preparing Time: -
  • Total Time: -
  • Served Person: Serves 2
Fruit Juice Liqueur Vodka Alcoholic Blender Martini Summer Lychee Gourmet Drink
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup drained canned lychees (15 to 20, from a 16- to 20-oz can)
  • 6 oz (3/4 cup) vodka (preferably skyy)
  • 1 1/2 oz (3 tablespoons) cointreau or other orange-flavored liqueur
  • a cocktail shaker

Preparation Heat sugar and water in a 1-quart saucepan over high heat, stirring, until sugar is dissolved, then pour into a heatproof bowl set in a large bowl of ice and cold water. Let stand, stirring occasionally, until syrup is cold, about 3 minutes. Purée lychees with sugar syrup and lemon juice in a blender until smooth, then force through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing hard on solids and then discarding them. Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes and add lychee purée, vodka, and Cointreau. Shake 15 seconds and strain into Martini glasses.

Preparation Heat sugar and water in a 1-quart saucepan over high heat, stirring, until sugar is dissolved, then pour into a heatproof bowl set in a large bowl of ice and cold water. Let stand, stirring occasionally, until syrup is cold, about 3 minutes. Purée lychees with sugar syrup and lemon juice in a blender until smooth, then force through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing hard on solids and then discarding them. Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes and add lychee purée, vodka, and Cointreau. Shake 15 seconds and strain into Martini glasses.