The Lychee Martini: A Captivating Cocktail Inspired by Nigella Lawson

Inspired by Nigella Lawson’s Lychee Martini cocktail which was featured in her BBC Christmas Television programme, I have been experimenting and have finally finished my Lychee Martini recipe! This is for a vodka-based Martini. If you wish you, can swap the vodka for a good gin and make this a Gin Martini. Opt for a strong, flavoursome gin like Plymouth Navy Strength Gin.

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 harmonious blend of fruit and spirit to tantalise the senses.

Photo by Isaac N.C. on Unsplash

Lychee Martini Recipe

1 Measure Good Vodka such as Mamont or Belvedere Vodka
1 and 1/2 Measures Edmond Briottet Litchi (Lychee) liqueur
A dash of Lychee juice from some tinned Lychees
1 or 2 Lychees on a cocktail stick to decorate
Shake all of the ingredients together over ice for about 20 seconds

Strain the cocktail into a Martini glass straight from the freezer and decorate with a lychee or two on a cocktail stick. Et voila, as they say somewhere!

I like to use the Briottet Litchi liqueur as it is one of the better, more concentrated lychee liqueurs compared to others I have tried. Indeed, all of Briottet’s excellent fruit liqueurs including his Creme de Cassis, Mure, Framboise and Fraise de Bois are all superb. Belvedere Vodka is one of my two favourite vodkas. The Belvedere Vodka is made from Golden Rye from Poland and is distilled four times. There is a hint of vanilla on the nose, the palate is very creamy and clean but also full and rich.

Whether enjoyed as an aperitif or a post-dinner digestif, the Lychee Martini is a captivating and sophisticated cocktail. Its unique flavour profile and elegant presentation make it a must-try for any cocktail enthusiast.