Easy Lychee Martini Recipe | Nobu-Inspired Cocktail Guide 2025
If you are looking for a Lychee Martini Recipe that is simple to make yet elegant enough to serve at a dinner party, you’re in the right place. This cocktail has become a favorite in modern kitchens because it combines the sharpness of vodka with the floral sweetness of lychee fruit. The beauty of this cocktail lies in its adaptability—sweet or dry, shaken or stirred, vodka or gin, you control how it turns out.
By the end of this article, you’ll know not just how to prepare a great drink, but also the history, variations, pairings, and pro tips to make your martini taste like it came from a high-end bar.
History of the Lychee Martini
This may feel modern, but it already has a respected place in cocktail history. This drink first appeared in New York City in the early 1990s. The credit often goes to Sake Bar Decibel, a Japanese bar in the East Village. At a time when most martinis were variations on gin or vodka with vermouth, this sweet and floral version stood out immediately.
The cocktail’s popularity exploded when it was introduced at Nobu, the world-famous Japanese restaurant founded by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. The Nobu lychee martini recipe quickly became a signature order, attracting celebrities, foodies, and cocktail enthusiasts.
Why You’ll Love Lychee Martini Recipe
It’s quick to make, versatile, and impressive enough to serve on any occasion.
- Quick to prepare – Most lychee martini recipes take under 5 minutes.
- Flexible flavor – Adjust sweetness, strength, or make a non-alcoholic version.
- Elegant presentation – Simple garnish turns it into a showstopper.
- Crowd-friendly – Works for dinner parties, date nights, or casual sipping.
Classic Ingredients (US/Metric)
To make the Lychee Martini, you only need a handful of ingredients, most of which are easy to find at U.S. grocery stores. Many poeple use canned lychees because they’re available year-round, but if you can find fresh lychees, they’ll give the cocktail an extra layer of brightness.
| Ingredient | Amount (US) | Amount (Metric) |
|---|---|---|
| Vodka (or gin) | 2 oz | 60 ml |
| Lychee liqueur / syrup | 1 oz | 30 ml |
| Dry vermouth | 0.5 oz | 15 ml |
| Fresh lemon juice | 0.5 oz | 15 ml |
| Lychees (fresh/canned) | 2–3 pieces | 2–3 pieces |
| Ice | As needed | As needed |
Equipment Needed
With just a few basic tools, you can recreate the same cocktail experience you’d get at a high-end lounge.
| Tool | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Cocktail shaker | Mason jar with a tight lid |
| Strainer | Fine mesh kitchen sieve |
| Martini glass | Any chilled glass |
| Jigger | Tablespoon or shot glass |
| Toothpicks/skewers | Cocktail sticks or bamboo skewer |
How to Make a Lychee Martini (Step-by-Step)
The Lychee Martini Recipe is quick, elegant, and easy to master. Follow these steps to create a cocktail that tastes like it came from a high-end lounge.
Step 1: Chill the Glass
Place your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water. A chilled glass ensures your drink stays crisp and refreshing.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Shaker
Measure and pour vodka (or gin), lychee syrup, dry vermouth, lemon juice, and ice into your cocktail shaker. This is the foundation of most lychee martini recipes.
Step 3: Shake or Stir
Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds if you want a frothy texture. Stir gently if you prefer a smoother, silkier drink.
Step 4: Strain into the Glass
Use a strainer to pour the mixture into your chilled martini glass. This keeps the cocktail clean without unwanted ice shards.
Step 5: Garnish with Lychees
Skewer two or three lychees on a toothpick or cocktail stick, then place them in or across the rim of the glass. It’s the signature finishing touch.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
The drink is best enjoyed immediately while it’s cold and aromatic. Sip slowly and let the floral sweetness shine through.
Pro Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
The Lychee Martini Recipe is simple, but a few small details can make your drink perfect. These quick tips will help you avoid common mistakes:
- Taste the lychee syrup first – Syrups vary in sweetness, so adjust the amount before mixing.
- Chill all ingredients – Cold vodka, vermouth, and syrup keep the drink sharp and refreshing.
- Shake briefly (10–15 seconds) – Over-shaking dulls flavors and makes the drink cloudy.
- Use fresh lemon juice – It adds brightness that bottled juice simply can’t match.
Substitutions and Variations
Whether you prefer a stronger drink, a lighter sip, or even a non-alcoholic option, there’s a version that fits your taste.
| Variation | Ingredients | Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Gin Base | Swap vodka for gin | Herbal, botanical |
| Non-Alcoholic | NA vodka + lychee juice | Light, fruity |
| Batch Recipe | Mix in pitcher (no ice) | Party-friendly |
| Frozen Martini | Blend with crushed ice | Slushy, refreshing |
| Extra Citrus | Add more lemon juice | Bright, zesty |
| Spiced Twist | Add ginger liqueur or chili | Warm, exotic |
Hosting a party? Pair your lychee martini with a Mai Tai for the perfect mix of tropical flavors.
How Strong Are Lychee Martinis?
On average, this cocktail lands in the 20–25% ABV range. The sweetness from the lychee syrup makes the alcohol less noticeable, which is why it can feel lighter than it actually is.
You can adjust the alcohol content by reducing the vodka or replacing part of it with lychee juice. For a stronger version, simply increase the spirit ratio slightly or use overproof vodka.
| Drink Type | Strength |
|---|---|
| Standard Martini | 20–25% ABV |
| Strong Version | 25–30% ABV |
| Light Version | 10–15% ABV |
| Non-Alcoholic | 0% ABV |
What to Pair with a Lychee Martini
Many chefs recommend pairing this cocktail with Asian-inspired dishes, seafood, or light desserts. For parties, you can serve it alongside tropical finger foods, while a simple fruit plate for an elegant dessert match.
Here are some pairing ideas to try:
- Savory: Sushi, coconut shrimp, spring rolls.
- Spicy: Thai curry, chili prawns.
- Light Bites: Edamame, olives, cheese board.
- Sweet: Fruit salad, white chocolate.
Nutritional Info
The Lychee Martini is a lighter cocktail compared to creamy or sugary mixed drinks. While it does contain natural sugar from lychee syrup or juice, it’s not overly heavy, making it a refreshing choice for parties or dinners.
Here’s a breakdown of the average nutrition per serving (one martini):
- Calories: ~150
- Carbohydrates: 15 g (mostly from lychee syrup)
- Sugar: Around 12–14 g
- Vitamin C: A small boost from lychee fruit garnish
- Fat: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
Where to Enjoy an Authentic Mai Tai in the USA
Taste a pro-made Lychee Martini at top spots across the USA.
| Bar | Location | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Nobu | NYC, LA, Miami, Vegas | Original Nobu lychee martini recipe |
| Zuma | Miami & NYC | Upscale Asian cocktails |
| The Aviary | Chicago | Creative mixology |
| Sushi Roku | Los Angeles | Sushi + lychee martini pairing |
FAQs
Conclusion
The lychee martini recipe has grown from its 1990s New York City debut to becoming a signature cocktail in lounges and restaurants around the world. Its blend of vodka, lychee, and citrus delivers a drink that’s both floral and refreshing, with a touch of tropical elegance in every sip.
Whether you’re mixing the classic version, recreating the Nobu lychee martini, or serving up a non-alcoholic twist, this cocktail works for any mood or occasion. With just a few ingredients and a shaker, you can enjoy the smooth, exotic flavor of the this cocktail right at home.
Learn more about other Recipes at USAmenuhub.
Sandra J. Depriest is a passionate food culture writer at USAMenuhub.com, where she explores the flavors, stories, and traditions behind America’s diverse dining scene. From local favorites to national chains, Sandra brings menus to life with detailed insights, historical context, and a love for authentic food experiences. Her writing bridges culinary curiosity with practical guidance, helping readers discover what to order and why it matters.
