Inspired by Nigella Lawson’s iconic Lychee Martini, featured on her BBC Christmas Special, I have been experimenting in the mixing glass to perfect the ultimate Lychee Martini recipe.
The lychee is a delicate, aromatic fruit native to Southeast Asia. In recent years, it has become a staple in modern mixology, and this vodka-based Lychee Martini is a prime example of its versatility. To achieve maximum flavour depth, this recipe cleverly combines all three lychee elements: fresh fruit, juice, and premium fruit liqueur. The result is a refreshing, alluring drink that balances sweet, floral fruit notes with a silky-smooth spirit base to tantalise the senses.
Prefer a Gin Base? You can easily swap the vodka for a high-proof, flavourful gin. We recommend opting for a navy-strength gin like Plymouth Navy Strength for a vibrant Gin Lychee Martini.
The lychee is a delicate and aromatic fruit native to Southeast Asia. In recent years, it has found its way into the world of sophisticated cocktails, and the Lychee Martini is a prime example of its versatility, whether this is using lychee fruit, lychee juice or lychee liqueur (in fact, this cocktail uses all three). This refreshing and alluring drink combines the sweet and floral notes of lychee with a good vodka, creating a delicious blend of fruit and spirit to tantalise the senses.
Photo by Isaac N.C. on Unsplash
Whether served as a chic aperitif or an elegant post-dinner digestif, this sophisticated cocktail is guaranteed to impress your guests.
Fresh ice cubes
1 Measure Premium Vodka (we recommend Belvedere Vodka or Mamont Vodka)
1 ½ Measures Maison Briottet Litchi Liqueur
1 Dash Lychee juice (reserved from tinned lychees)
1 or 2 Whole tinned lychees (for garnish)
The Secret to the Best Lychee Martini: Quality Ingredients
When crafting fruit-forward cocktails, the quality of your base spirits makes all the difference.
We specifically choose Maison Briottet Litchi Liqueur (18% ABV, 70cl) because it offers a far more concentrated, natural fruit character than other lychee liqueurs on the market. Produced in Dijon, France, the entire Briottet range is exceptional—if you enjoy fruit liqueurs, their Crème de Cassis, Crème de Mûre, Crème de Framboise, and Crème de Fraise des Bois are equally outstanding choices for home bartending.
A great Martini requires a pristine vodka. Belvedere Vodka is crafted from 100% Polska Dankowskie Golden Rye and quadruple-distilled for maximum purity. On the nose, it offers subtle vanilla notes, leading into a rich, creamy, and velvety palate that balances the sweetness of the lychee perfectly.
Ready to mix your own Lychee Martinis at home? You can buy all the spirits and liqueurs featured in this recipe online for nationwide UK delivery at Fareham Wine Cellar, or pop into our physical shop on Fareham High Street to pick up your bottles and chat with our team!
Shop Online: Explore our full range of premium vodkas and French fruit liqueurs.
Visit Us: Fareham Wine Cellar, 55 High Street, Fareham, Hampshire
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