The Lychee Martini – Bethenny Frankel’s Signature Sip

I’ll never forget my first sip of a lychee martini. It was a sweltering summer evening in New York City, rooftop bar buzzing with energy, and that first taste of exotic sweetness cut through the humidity like a refreshing breeze. The floral aroma, the smooth vodka, the juicy lychee fruit – it was instant cocktail perfection, and it forever changed my perception of what a great martini could be. That memory is intrinsically linked to that carefree, vivacious energy of New York, something Bethenny Frankel embodies so perfectly, making her version of this cocktail even more special.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 1

Ingredients

• 1 cup ice cubes
• 2 ounces premium vodka (approximately a 2-count pour)
• 1 ounce lychee juice (from a 20 oz can of lychees in syrup) (approximately a 1-count pour)
• 1 ounce club soda
• 2 lychees, for garnish
• Optional: Fresh ginger and colored sugar for rimming the glass

Equipment Needed

• Cocktail shaker
• Martini glass
• Jigger or measuring spoons
• Optional: Small plate for sugar, grater for ginger

Instructions

1. Begin by chilling your martini glass. You can place it in the freezer for about 15 minutes, or simply fill it with ice while you prepare the drink. Discard the ice before straining the cocktail.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add 2 ounces of premium vodka to the shaker. It’s important to use good quality vodka for the best flavor.
4. Pour in 1 ounce of lychee juice. You can find cans of lychees in their own syrup at most grocery stores, often in the Asian foods section. Using the juice from the can will give you that perfect sweet and floral flavor.
5. Add 1 ounce of club soda. This is Bethenny’s secret for a lighter, more refreshing martini. The club soda adds a bit of effervescence without being too overpowering.
6. Secure the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake well until the shaker is very cold to the touch, about 15-20 seconds. This ensures that all of the ingredients are properly mixed and chilled.
7. Strain the mixture into the chilled martini glass.
8. Garnish with 2 lychees. You can either spear them on a cocktail pick or simply place them in the glass.
9. (Optional) If you want to add a bit of flair, rim the glass with fresh ginger and colored sugar before making the drink. To do this, grate a small amount of fresh ginger. Run the sliced edge of a lychee around the rim of the glass. Then, dip the rim in the grated ginger, followed by colored sugar.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Vodka Choice Matters: Don’t skimp on the vodka. A high-quality brand will result in a smoother, more refined cocktail. Grey Goose, Belvedere, or Ketel One are excellent choices.
• Chill Everything: Make sure your vodka and lychee juice are chilled before you begin. The colder the ingredients, the less the ice will melt when shaking, resulting in a stronger, less diluted martini.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet martini, you can reduce the amount of lychee juice or add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to balance the flavors.
• Shake Vigorously: Don’t be afraid to shake that cocktail shaker hard! The goal is to thoroughly chill and mix the ingredients.
• Presentation is Key: A chilled glass and a beautiful garnish elevate the drinking experience.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your Lychee Martini immediately after preparing it. This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh and cold. It’s not recommended to store a pre-made martini as the ice will melt and dilute the flavors. If you are preparing martinis for a group, you can pre-chill the vodka, lychee juice, and martini glasses ahead of time. Keep the ingredients in the refrigerator until ready to use. Any leftover canned lychees should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will last for several days.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	151.4 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	N/A
Total Fat	0.1 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	9.6 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	3.2 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0.2 g	1%
Sugars	2.9 g	11%
Protein	0.2 g	0%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Lychee Liqueur: For a more intense lychee flavor, try adding a splash of lychee liqueur, such as Soho.
• Citrus Twist: Add a few drops of fresh lime or lemon juice for a brighter, more zesty flavor.
• Spice it Up: Infuse your vodka with ginger or chili for a spicy kick.
• Sparkling Lychee Martini: Top the martini with a splash of Prosecco or Champagne for a celebratory twist.
• Lychee Mocktail: Replace the vodka with sparkling water or tonic water for a refreshing non-alcoholic version.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use fresh lychees instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Fresh lychees will provide an even more vibrant flavor. Simply peel and pit the lychees and use a blender or muddler to extract the juice. You may need to add a touch of simple syrup to adjust the sweetness.

Q: What is the best way to chill my martini glass quickly?
A: If you don’t have time to freeze the glass, fill it with ice and a splash of water while you prepare the cocktail. Discard the ice water just before straining in the martini.

Q: Can I make this martini ahead of time?
A: It’s best to make the martini just before serving, as the ice will melt and dilute the flavors. However, you can pre-chill the ingredients and have everything ready to go for quick assembly.

Q: I don’t have club soda. Can I use something else?
A: Yes, you can substitute with sparkling water or even a splash of tonic water, although tonic will add a slightly sweeter flavor.

Q: Where can I find lychees?
A: Canned lychees are typically available in the Asian foods section of most grocery stores. Fresh lychees are seasonal and can be found at specialty markets or Asian supermarkets.

Final Thoughts

The Lychee Martini, as interpreted by Bethenny Frankel, is more than just a cocktail; it’s an experience. It’s a taste of the exotic, a touch of sophistication, and a whole lot of fun. So, grab your shaker, gather your ingredients, and channel your inner Real Housewife. Whether you’re hosting a glamorous gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day, this martini is sure to impress. And don’t be afraid to experiment with variations to find your perfect Lychee Martini moment. Cheers!