I’ve fallen head over heels for lychee cocktails, and these beauties are about to steal the show at every happy hour. The first time I tasted that sweet, tart little fruit, I knew it was destined for greatness in a glass. I’ve gathered 10 ridiculously good recipes that celebrate everything there is to love about lychees.
1. Pink Grapefruit and Lychee Cocktail
I’d whip these up for a baby shower, a birthday dinner, or just a casual hangout with friends. They’re always a brilliant excuse to celebrate.
The sweet floral notes of lychee mingle so perfectly with the tangy punch of pink grapefruit. I reach for vodka here because it stays quiet and lets all that gorgeous fruit flavor take center stage. Rum or bourbon would just muscle in, but a smooth gin would actually make a lovely swap if that’s your thing.
2. Sparkling Watermelon Lychee Cocktail
This one is basically summer in a glass, and I’m not exaggerating. Instead of hard liquor, I use spiked sparkling watermelon water, which keeps the ABV nice and low.
It’s light, it’s bubbly, and it’s perfectly refreshing without ever getting too boozy. Think poolside lounging, sandy toes at the beach, or any lazy afternoon that calls for a little something special.
3. Green Halloween Lychee Gin Cocktail
I’m all about a playful Halloween cocktail, and this one brings all the spooky spirit. It glows a bright neon green, thanks to a tantalizing blend of lychee syrup, elderflower liqueur, and gin.
And the garnish? Oh, it’s the best part: fruit cleverly transformed into creepy little bloodshot eyeballs. So fun.
4. Lychee Martini
Calling all martini lovers, your new favorite sip has arrived! Just three ingredients, give it a good shake instead of a stir, and you’re in business.
This fruit forward beauty brings together vodka, vermouth, and lychee juice for a cocktail that’s sweet and strong, with no refined sugar. Fresh lychees are a summer treat, but if you can’t find them, canned lychee syrup steps in beautifully.
5. Lychee Cranberry Gin Cocktail
Lychees remind me of a mashup between a strawberry and watermelon, so naturally they love hanging out with other fruits. When I’m craving something tart, I grab cranberries.
This cocktail is tart, sweet, and fizzy all at once. A shot of gin and a bubbly top off of sparkling water, and you’ve got a drink that just sings.
6. Lychee Clementine Cocktail
Lychees and clementines are a match made in heaven. Fresh clementine juice and a kick of ginger wake everything up and pair so beautifully with the lychee.
But wait, there’s more: a splash of apple cider, vodka, and a little hint of lemon join the party. These dazzling cocktails are guaranteed to be the talk of your next gathering. They’re bright and citrusy, and ready to slide into any celebration.
7. Lavender Lychee Collins Cocktail
Now this is craft cocktail perfection! Everything here is top notch: quality gin, homemade lavender simple syrup, and fresh lychee.
A squeeze of lemon and a pour of soda water tie it all together, served tall over plenty of ice. Whether you’re celebrating something big or just catching up with a dear friend, this is a recipe worth tucking into your forever collection.
8. Raspberry Lychee Fizz
Last, but absolutely not least, this rejuvenating fizz is here to put a little pep back in your step. Juicy lychees and raspberries flood every sip with bright, fruity flavor, and a whisper of rose water with sparkling water takes it right over the top. Sip it as is for a gorgeous mocktail, or spike it with a splash of gin, white rum, or vodka to turn up the fun.
9. Empress Gin and Lychee Gimlet
This gimlet truly lives up to its royal name. Empress gin, a small batch beauty from British Columbia, brings delicate whispers of citrus, rose, and juniper. Those lovely notes turn a simple fragrant drink into something so polished and refined.
10. Frozen Lychee and Mint Cocktails
If fruity frozen drinks are your love language, this one’s got your name all over it. Think of it as a grown up boozy slushie, none of that cloying sweetness, just pure refreshment.
I blend canned lychee with vodka, fresh lime, and mint, and that mint gives it the happiest little green hue. It’s like a frosty cheer in a glass.