How do you reimagine a cocktail that has no definitive, historical recipe? In the case of the Lychee Martini, perhaps the question should instead be: Why would you even want to?

We say that with tongue in cheek based on the drink’s reputation for being overly sweet, garishly garnished, and only a “Martini” by virtue of its serving vessel. But this drink is not a lost cause, nor should it be confined to the annals of history — not when it’s in the hands of some of the finest pros in the hospitality industry. Here in New York, we’ve been experiencing something of a Lychee Martini renaissance, with bars and those who tend them offering balanced and complex spins that dial down sweetness, cut out the artificial flavors, and rely on the floral, aromatic qualities of the cocktail’s hero fruit.

One such individual is Bryan Schneider, beverage director at the recently opened Twin Tails and creator of the restaurant’s Salted Lychee Martini. For nearly a year of R&D, Brian made it his mission to try as many of the city’s Lychee Martinis as possible, informing what he ultimately thought worked and what could be improved upon. Get ready for a deep dive on brines, syrups, saline solutions, and — dare we say it — regal shaking. It’s all right here on this episode of the “Cocktail College” podcast. Tune in for more.

Listen Online

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on Spotify

Bryan Schneider’s Salted Lychee Martini Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 ounces vodka
• 2 teaspoon St Germain
• 1 ounce lychee syrup (Chaokoh brand)
• ½ teaspoon olive brine
• 1 gram citric acid
• 1 gram salt
• 1 Makrut lime leaf for shaking
• Garnish: double Makrut leaf

Directions

1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shake with ice.
2. Shake until well chilled and strain into a coupe.
3. Garnish with a fresh, double Makrut lime leaf.

Bryan Schneider’s Classic Lychee Martini Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce lychee syrup (Chaokoh brand)
• ¼ ounce fresh lemon or lime juice
• 1 canned lychee (Chaokoh brand)
• Garnish: 1 canned lychee (Chaokoh brand)

Directions

1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shake with ice.
2. Shake until well chilled and strain into a coupe.
3. Garnish with canned lychee on a pick.

OKA Brand rice-based vodka: read the review here
VinePair’s 50 Best Spirits of 2024

Get in touch: cocktailcollege@vinepair.com

Follow us on Instagram:

VinePair
Tim McKirdy
Bryan Schneider
Twin Tails

*Image retrieved from evastar via stock.adobe.com

The article The Cocktail College Podcast: The Lychee Martini appeared first on VinePair.