Lychee Luscious: Cocktails You Can Make With This Fruit
Image Credit: Lychee Luscious

Lychee is a monotypic taxon and the only member of the Litchi genus in the Sapindaceae soapberry family. It is a tropical tree native to Southeast and Southwest China's Guangdong, Fujian, and Yunnan provinces, where cultivation dates back to the 11th century. China is the world's leading lychee producer, followed by India, various Southeast Asian countries, the Indian Subcontinent, Madagascar, and South Africa. Lychee fruit flavour can be described in a variety of ways. Because of the fruit's sweet, powerful aroma, some say it tastes like a cross between a strawberry and a watermelon, while others say it tastes like a blend of citrus and rose water or other flowery note.

Here are some cocktails you can make with Lychee

Pink Grapefruit and Lychee Cocktail

The tartness of pink grapefruit pairs beautifully with lychee. Vodka is the finest choice for not distracting from the fruit. Because it's a fairly neutral cocktail, it won't dominate the fruit's characteristics as rum or bourbon might. However, I believe gin will suffice as a substitute. If you don't want to risk watering down the tastes, serve it on the rocks or strain it in a shaker.

Lychee Martini

This lychee martini is the perfect way to conclude a hot summer day! Pour in some vodka, and vermouth for a sweet aroma and flavour, and ice if you want it chilled. What could be more ideal than garnishing your glass with exquisite slices of fresh lychees? Simply mix the lychee syrup, vodka, and vermouth in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake them up! For the finest drink experience, you may add some chopped lychee. Pour yourself a glass or strain through a sieve over fresh ice. 

Ginger Lychee Buzz

On a hot day, this mixed cocktail is perfect. The aroma of lychee and ginger fills the air with flavour. It's perfect for summer barbeques or lazy days in bed binge-watching Netflix! Combine the liquor, ginger syrup, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and sparkling wine (for best results, use dry). Shake vigorously for 15 seconds, or until the mixture is very cold. Pour into a glass over lychees that have been peeled. On the rim of the glass, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Lychee Coconut Colada

The lychee colada is a refreshing and energetic summer cocktail. You'll go coco-nuts for it because of its addicting and fruity-floral flavour! Combine coconut milk and coconut water in a blender. Put lychees and syrup from a can. Blend it for 20-30 seconds to achieve the correct consistency.  Gradually add rum and ice cubes. Blend it until all of the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. To serve, garnish with lime wedges

Vanilla Lychee Cocktail

This lychee drink is a sweet, slightly tangy summertime pick-me-up. This simple recipe, made with only five ingredients found in most grocery stores, can keep you feeling good and looking great all season long! All you need is Lychee syrup, vodka, vanilla essence, lime juice and some sugar. Shake the ingredients well with ice cubes. This simple cocktail is just what your body needs after a lazy Sunday afternoon spent watching movies on the couch or reading a book.