Craving: Lychee Martini

Image courtesy of Jamie Oliver.com

I'm sure most people would have heard of the martini- traditionally a cocktail made of gin and vermouth, garnished with an olive. "Shaken, not stirred", as the notable fictional spy James Bond would like it. I think of it as one of those cocktails that can be so versatile if one chooses to explore the different flavour profiles that can be paired with this traditional concoction.

Don't get me wrong, many modern cocktails are inspired by the martini and can be called "appletinis", "peach martinis" etc. but only because they share the same cocktail glass the martini is served in, and not the ingredients.

This however, is a recipe I've found of a lychee martini. Holding true to the vodka and vermouth recipe, lychee fruit, syrup and juice are added to the mix for a refreshing new take on this cocktail classic. And it's simple enough to make at home.

ingredients

• 4 lychees in syrup, from a can• plenty of ice• 150ml good vodka• a splash of white vermouth

method

"If you’re a martini person, try this out. The lychee gives it a really beautiful perfume. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, make it in a jug of ice, stir with a long spoon and strain into glasses.

Put 1 lychee into each of 2 cocktail glasses, then place them carefully in the freezer for 20 minutes to get really cold.

Put the remaining lychees into a cocktail shaker, along with a good handful of ice, a splash of the lychee syrup from the can, the vodka and a splash of vermouth. Secure the top on the shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain into the iced cocktail glasses and serve with swizzle sticks, if you like."

Adapted from Jamie Oliver.com