Elderflower Lychee Martini

The Elderflower Lychee Martini is a refined and aromatic cocktail that offers a romantic fusion of floral elderflower liqueur, delicate lychee juice, and crisp vodka. Light, fragrant, and beautifully balanced, this elegant drink is ideal for spring soirées, garden parties, or an intimate evening in. With its soft fruitiness and ethereal aroma, it’s a martini that feels both indulgent and refreshingly light.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A floral, fruity twist on the classic martini
• Perfect for springtime occasions, date nights, or brunch gatherings
• Features elderflower liqueur for an elegant and aromatic note
• Quick and simple to make with only a few ingredients
• Refreshing and delicately sweet without being overpowering
• Beautifully garnished with lychee or edible flowers
• A unique cocktail that’s sure to impress guests
• Ideal for both cocktail enthusiasts and casual drinkers
• Easily adjustable to suit your sweetness or tartness preference
• Sophisticated yet approachable flavor profile

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

vodka (preferably chilled)
elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain)
lychee juice (from canned lychees or freshly pressed)
fresh lime juice
ice, for shaking

For garnish:
whole lychee
edible flower (optional)

directions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, elderflower liqueur, lychee juice, and fresh lime juice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a whole lychee on a cocktail pick or float an edible flower on top.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Servings and timing

Servings: 1 martini
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
Calories: Approximately 160 kcal per serving

Variations

• Sweeter Touch: Add a splash of simple syrup or lychee syrup for a sweeter finish.
• Herbal Infusion: Muddle fresh mint or basil before shaking for a garden-inspired twist.
• Citrus Brightness: Substitute lime juice with lemon for a slightly different citrus note.
• Sparkling Variation: Top with sparkling wine or soda water for a lighter spritz version.
• Gin Swap: Replace vodka with gin for added botanical depth.
• Frozen Version: Blend all ingredients with ice for a slushy-style cocktail.
• Rose Accent: Add a drop of rosewater for an additional floral layer.
• Low-Alcohol Option: Reduce vodka and increase lychee juice for a softer sip.
• Tropical Fusion: Add a small amount of pineapple or passion fruit juice.
• Color Twist: Stir in a splash of cranberry or pomegranate juice for a pink hue.

storage/reheating

This cocktail is intended to be served fresh and does not require storage or reheating. However, you can prepare the mixed ingredients (without ice) in advance and keep them chilled in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake with ice just before serving to restore its chilled, diluted balance.

FAQs

What does an Elderflower Lychee Martini taste like?

It is light, floral, slightly fruity, and refreshingly tart with a smooth vodka base. The elderflower adds a fragrant aroma, while lychee brings subtle sweetness.

Can I use canned lychees?

Yes, canned lychees are perfect for this recipe. Use the juice from the can, and garnish with the whole fruit for presentation.

Is elderflower liqueur sweet?

Yes, elderflower liqueur like St-Germain has a naturally sweet, floral taste that complements fruit juices and spirits beautifully.

What vodka works best?

A clean, high-quality vodka works best to let the floral and fruity notes shine. Choose a neutral vodka or one with citrus undertones.

Can I make a pitcher of this cocktail?

Yes, you can batch the ingredients in larger quantities and chill. Shake individual servings with ice before serving to maintain consistency.

Is this cocktail strong?

Yes, it is moderately strong, similar to a traditional martini, but the sweetness and florals make it feel more delicate.

What can I use instead of elderflower liqueur?

You can try a floral cordial or flavored syrup like rose or lavender, though the result may be sweeter and less alcoholic.

Can I make it without alcohol?

Yes, substitute vodka with sparkling water and elderflower liqueur with elderflower syrup for a non-alcoholic mocktail version.

What kind of glass should I use?

A classic martini glass or coupe glass works best for presentation and elegance.

How do I make the garnish more decorative?

Try freezing edible flowers in ice cubes, skewering lychee on a cocktail pick, or using a sugared rim for a polished look.

Conclusion

The Elderflower Lychee Martini is a masterclass in understated elegance. With its light floral essence, crisp vodka base, and the gentle sweetness of lychee, this cocktail makes a perfect signature drink for spring gatherings or intimate celebrations. Simple to prepare yet sophisticated in flavor and appearance, it’s an ideal choice for those looking to serve something a little different and undeniably refined.

Elderflower Lychee Martini

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Elevate your cocktail game with this Elderflower Lychee Martini—a beautifully balanced, floral-forward drink that combines crisp vodka, fragrant elderflower liqueur, and sweet lychee juice. Finished with a splash of lime for brightness, it’s a refreshing and romantic cocktail ideal for spring soirées, elegant dinner parties, or a luxe girls’ night in.

• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 martini
• Category: Cocktail / Drinks
• Method: Shaken
• Cuisine: Modern / Fusion
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka (preferably chilled)

• 1 oz elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain)

• 1 oz lychee juice (from canned lychees or fresh-pressed)

• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice

• Ice, for shaking

Garnish:

• Whole lychee fruit or edible flower

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Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

2. Add vodka, elderflower liqueur, lychee juice, and lime juice.

3. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well-chilled.

4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

5. Garnish with a whole lychee on a cocktail pick or an edible flower for an elegant touch.

6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• For a sweeter variation, add a dash of simple syrup or lychee syrup.

• Use quality vodka and freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.

• Make it a mocktail by replacing vodka and elderflower liqueur with sparkling lychee soda and a splash of elderflower cordial.