Sweet Lychee Martini (Empress Elderflower Rose Gin Recipe)

by Carolyn Pascual White on September 23, 2025

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Say hello to your new party cocktail, the Sweet Lychee Martini! Made with Empress Elderflower Rose Gin, this refreshing and vibrant drink is easy to make and perfect companion to sunsets on the patio, bachelorette parties or adding some pizazz to your girls night in.

If you love martinis with a twist, you’ll also want to try my Blueberry Espresso Martini or my Caprese Tomatini.

I partnered with Empress Gin to mix up the Sweet Lychee Martini (Empress Elderflower Rose Gin Recipe)! Recipe and ideas are my own.

Sweet lychee martini with fresh lychee, lime, and pink flower garnish in a cocktail glass.

The idea for the Sweet Lychee Martini came from my love of creating twists on classic cocktails and a need to satisfy my sweet tooth. The floral lychees pair beautifully with the delicate but robust Empress Elderflower Rose Gin. The lime juice brings a pop of bright citrus and the pinch of sea salt enhances all the flavors of the drink. Add a touch more sweetness by adding the syrup from lychees into the drink and your sweet tooth is satisfied.

This martini is a crowd pleaser, approachable to a wide range of guests, it’s perfect for bachelorettes, bridal showers and birthdays! And the gorgeous pink color hue from the Empress Gin really makes the cocktail stand out. Whether it’s a part of one or a group of friends, the beautiful and delicious Sweet Lychee Martini will be your ultimate party go-to every time!

Recipe Ingredients

See the recipe card for quantities.

Empress Elderflower Rose Gin: This gorgeously pink gin adds a beautiful color to the martini. You can substitute with another high quality gin but the color won’t stand out and you’ll miss the floral notes from the elderflower and rose.
Lychee: For ease and accessibility, I used canned lychees for this recipe. Save 1 or 2 for garnish if desired. If you have access to fresh lychees you can use those as well.
Lychee syrup: Use the syrup from the can of lychees.
Lime juice: Always use fresh squeezed lime juice for the best results.
Sea salt: Use sea salt over table salt, but don’t stress if you don’t have any sea salt.
Edible flowers: Use for garnish if desired.

Tools & Equipment List

Check out my favorite glasses here!

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1: Rinse and cut a lime in half. Squeeze ½ oz into a cocktail shaker. Add lychees and muddle until broken down.

Step 2: Add Empress Elderflower Rose Gin, lychee syrup, salt and ice and shake until chilled.

Step 3: Strain into a martini or coupe glass. If desired, garnish with edible flowers and lychee.

Watch How to Make this Recipe

@thesocialsipper
i’m calling it now, lychee is going to be the flavor of September. it’s the perfect blend of floral, citrus, and tart to complement all the transitional summer to fall flavors sweet lychee martini ◻️ 2 oz Empress Elderflower Rose Gin ◻️ 2 lychees, plus more for garnish ◻️ 1/2 oz lime juice ◻️ 1 1/2 oz lychee syrup from can ◻️ Pinch sea salt ◻️ Edible flowers, for garnish 1. To a cocktail shaker – add lychees and lime juice muddle until broken down. Add Empress Elderflower Rose Gin, lychee syrup, salt and ice and shake until chilled. 2. Strain into a martini or coupe glass. If desired, garnish with edible flowers and lychee. #martini #martinitime #martinirecipe #lychee
♬ original sound – The Social Sipper

Tips for Making a Sweet Lychee Martini

Adjust the sweetness. Start with only 1 oz of lychee syrup and add the remaining half ounce if you prefer a sweeter cocktail. For this recipe, I used Empress Elderflower Rose Gin. Not only does it have beautiful complex flavors but it turns the drink a pretty pink color.
Double strain. After shaking, pour the drink through a fine-mesh strainer on top of the cocktail shakers strainer. This will eliminate any potential pulp from the muddled lychees if you prefer a smoother finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use gin or vodka for lychee martini?

For a lychee martini you can use either vodka or gin. Vodka is a more neutral spirit that takes a backseat to the lychee while a botanical gin really brings a floral flavor that compliments the lychee.

What does a lychee martini taste like?

A lychee martini is a slightly sweet drink that has a bright floral and citrus flavor. The perfect martini for those who like a stiff martini without it tasting like straight alcohol.

Can I use fresh lychees in my lychee martini?

Yes, absolutely. They may be more difficult to find based on where you live but you can also order them online and have them shipped, so you’ll have to plan ahead. Having to peel and pit them may add some extra time to your prep as well. That’s why I used canned lychees for this recipe.

More Empress Gin Cocktails to Try

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