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Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Lychee Martini (荔枝馬丁尼)

Lychee Martini (荔枝馬丁尼)

It’s almost “back to school” time for most of us!  I can’t believe Summer slipped by in the blink of an eye.  That’s just too quick, in my opinion!  I sure will miss spending time with my Kiddos.  On the other hand, I also look forward to the “me” time when the Kids are at school.  So it’s a mixed feeling.  Since my Kids will be going to a new school this year, there are quite a few things that we need to adjust.  Adjustments such as a new school schedule, policies, and a long list of school supplies!  Yeah, I’m totally not used to that since the previous school took care of most of the supplies.  Let’s just say, I’m glad that I tackled the list quite early on and I only have a few more things to get before school starts.  Certainly, going back to school could be a stressful event, but proper planning definitely helps to ease some stress…and a cocktail in between wouldn’t hurt either.  Whether you’re in the middle of “back to school” stress, or about to celebrate having the “me” time back.  I have the perfect cocktail for you.  Ladies and gentlemen, check out this Lychee Martini (荔枝馬丁尼)!

Lychee Martini (荔枝馬丁尼)

This Lychee Martini is a sweet and fragrant cocktail that’s packed with the fresh lychee flavor.  I added a little lemon juice to balance out the sweetness and a splash of vermouth for depth and to round out the flavors.  Lychee ( 荔枝in Chinese) is a tropical fruit native to southern China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. The fresh fruit is delicate with a floral and sweet fragrant. When ripe, the skin turns brownish-red (from green), and the flesh is super juicy and sweet. Since the perfume-like fragrant is lost in the canning process, I certainly prefer fresh Lychee way better than the canned ones.


Lychee

Lychee is one of my favorite fruit to enjoy in the late summer!  I always buy them fresh whenever they’re available in my local Asian markets.  And now, is the prime season!  So, if you visit your local Asian market, see if you can find these gems!  The outside of the fruit is covered by a brown-red, slightly rough textured rind that is inedible but easily removed to expose a layer of sweet, slightly translucent and white flesh.

Love the Snow White flesh from the Lychee

There is a round, smooth and hard seed in the middle that’s also inedible (as shown in the picture below).


Love the Snow White flesh from the Lychee

And before you head over for the recipe below, I have a tip for you today.  I guess my memory is getting worse as I aged became more matured.  So, forgetting to put the martini glasses in the freezer before I make the cocktail is not surprising to anyone, anymore.  Good news is, I have this trick for you.  Simply fill your martini glasses with crushed ice, while you prepare the cocktail, works just as fine.  So, whether you’re as forgetful as I am, or you simply couldn't find any space in the freezer to chill your glasses (unfortunately, I’m also in this category), this tip is for you! 

How to Chill a cocktail Glass

For those of you with kiddos, whether your own kids or grand-kids, going back to school this Fall, I wish you a wonderful school year!  I hope you enjoy today’s recipe and tips.  Stay tuned for some “back to school” friendly recipes in the near future.

Lychee Martini (荔枝馬丁尼)



Please drink responsibly.  Health and General Disclaimers.




Lychee Martini (荔枝馬丁尼): (Printable Recipe)
Serves: 2

1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 cup lychees, plus more for garnish
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
6 oz vodka
A splash of vermouth


Chill your martini glasses in the freezer.  In a small saucepan, heat sugar and water until sugar dissolved. Let syrup cool completely.

In the food processor or blender, purée lychees with sugar syrup and lemon juice until smooth, force through a sieve into a bowl, pressing on the solids to release the juice, discarding the remaining flesh/solid.

Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes, add lychee juice mixture, vodka, and vermouth. Shake 30 seconds and strain into chilled Martini glasses. Garnish with a lychee and enjoy.
 
 
Lychee Martini (荔枝馬丁尼)








112 comments:

  1. CHIN CHIN!!! What an elegant way to ring in the new... school year! :) I love those martini glasses. I'll be making this but swapping out the vodka for something else (suggestion?). I still can't forget accidentally grabbing a glass of it from the adults table thinking it was water... yuk..... #problemsrussianshave :)

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    1. Chin Chin! Oh yeah, I can definitely use a few drink at the end of the day especially around this time of the year. ;)

      hm...substitute of the vodka. You can try tequila if you don't like vodka. OR, use white grape juice or apple cider if you don't drink or want a kids friendly version. I hope that helps.

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    1. Thank you, Jozelyn. I hope you do. This is one of my favorite cocktail.

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  3. Hi Amy, love your lychee Martini, so refreshing and delicious. Thanks for sharing your recipe.

    Have a nice day.

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    1. Thank you, Amelia. Glad you like this cocktail. ;) Have a wonderful rest of the week.

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  4. When I got a lychee martini, a friend of mine ordered it, too, then her boyfriend ordered it, too but had no clue about a lychee! In the end, they loved it and fell in love with it completely! Aren't lychees delicious especialy when fresh, but not canned? So glad you mentioned Taiwan ;) I love lychee martinis, they are so refreshing and fragrant, especially from the sweet lychees. Awww, that sounds lovely to have your "me" time, you deserve a break! I'm sure your kids miss their friends and the usual activities at school! Mmmmm thank you so much for this recipe, I need to make some lychee martini this week with my friend, visiting from Japan. I hope I can find some fresh or canned lychee in Spain.

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    1. :) Glad you love lychee martini too. I truly love the sweet taste and fragrant from the fresh ones. Hope you can find some fresh ones in Spain and try this recipe out. I know you're going to love it.

      Both of my kids are going to a new school this year. Quite a bit to adjust. But good thing is that they have some "old friends" from the previous school attending this new one as well. :)

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  5. I love how your 'back to school' recipe is a cocktail!

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    1. Hehe...thank you! It never hurts to have a cocktail or two at the end of the day. ;) Cheers!

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  6. Hi Amy, fresh Lychee Martini simply refreshing and delicious!!!!:)

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    1. Thank you, Esther. I agree. Can't get enough of them.

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  7. They are picture perfect:)
    My girls were getting all the back to school supplies too for their children..ne is a teacher herself:) It's buys isn't it?
    The summer flew by for those kidlets..It's funny at the end of the yr the moms cannot wait..no more lunches.. homework..etc..but after the summer they are ready for lunches and homework.
    My girls are like you..excellent moms and summer is all about the children doing many many many fun things..
    Bravo:)

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    1. Thank you so much. I know...I really look forward when the kids are off. I don't mind packing lunches and do homework with them...it's more like I miss having fun time with them. :P Guess I'm a big kid myself too! ;)

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  8. I never had fresh lychees, only from a can. This is a great looking and sounding drink! Very sophisticated.

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    1. Thank you, Paula. Hope you'll have a chance to try the fresh one soon. They are really great when fresh. :)

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  9. i am a big fan for lychee...well when served with drink who will say a no for :)

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    1. Thank you, Divya. I agree. I can never say no to lychee...especially in cocktail form. :P

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  10. I love lychees , this martini looks refreshing !

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    1. Thank you, Sapana. Yes, this is a very refreshing drink. I love the sweet and floral flavors from the lychee. :) Glad you're a fan too.

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  11. Wow, what a beautiful and tasty martini...I love fresh lychee.
    Delicious!
    Have a great week Amy :D

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    1. Thank you, Juliana. I agree. The fresh lychee are so good. :) Glad you like them too. :) Cheers.

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  12. My husband LOVES lychee martinis so he would be so happy if I surprised him with this :) Thanks!

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    1. Oh...please do. I'm sure he'll love this recipe. :) Cheers and have a great weekend.

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  13. This looks so light and refreshing! I could use one right now. LOL Good luck with the school process. Sounds like you have it under control. That's good!
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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    1. Thank you, Kim. Yes, love this refreshing cocktail. I can always use one at the end of the day. ;)

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  14. This martini looks so beautiful! I really like lychee, but I haven't had them for a while. I should go to 99 ranch and get some to make this.

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    1. hehe....yup, I got my lychee at 99 Ranch. So good. Hope they have some the fresh ones as I'll go again tomorrow.

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  15. Lychees are an undiscovered fruit in the US and I love them Have a can in the pantry and this would be a good way to use it. Thanks Amy!

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    1. Thank you, Abbe. Glad you love lychee too. Yes, the can ones are not bad. but if you have a chance, get the fresh one because the refreshing floral flavor is even better when fresh. Have a wonderful weekend.

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  16. Oh Amy my husband loves the taste of lychee berries and in a martini as a cocktail - Genius! Great recipes!

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    1. Thank you! Glad to know your husband is a fan. :) Lychee is one of my favorite fruit.

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  17. Hi Amy , what a beautiful martini , will have to get some lychees ... if not fresh will have to try it with canned . Thanks for sharing :).

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    1. Thank you, Nee. Yeah, try to get the fresh ones if possible. :) I'm sure you'll love this cocktail.

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  18. WOoo...I love lychees with martini, they are perfect combinations.
    Lovely!

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    1. Thank you, Ann. Glad you love lychee too. :) This is one of my favorite cocktails to enjoy.

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  19. now this is a fun drink my daughter started kindergarten today

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    1. wish your daughter a fun and great learning year in Kinder! :) This is a great drink to celebrate. Cheers!

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  20. Great to know that lychee is in season now. I'll be looking for them in the Asian markets in Atlanta this weekened. Lychee is grown in Florida too, and they're available in late June/early July.

    Your lychee martini looks so gorgeous! And I'm sure it taste delicious too. Another good cocktail with lychee is the Lychee Mojito. I too prefer fresh lychee to canned.

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    1. Good to know lychee grow in Florida too. I think the hot and humid weather is very similar to the one in Asia. :)

      Hope you can still find the fresh lychee. And lychee Mojito sounds just as awesome.

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  21. For sure, this martini will relax me from the stress. Its stunning and the lychees are so refreshing. But relaxing take place only during the weekend because I am afraid I may have more than a glass of this punch martini and end up not being able to wake up the next morning for work.

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    1. :P Yeah, relaxing over the weekends sounds like a plan. Enjoy and have a good one. Cheers, Navaneetham.

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  22. I LOVE LYCHEE MARTINI. the flavor is just exotic enough but super refreshing. Great ice tip btw.
    LOVE!...just curious what part of asia are from? -M

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    1. Thank you. Glad that you love lychee martini too.

      The lychee is from southern China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. :D And I grew up in Hong Kong.

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  23. Gorgeous recipe! Love your photos. They make me want to reach into the screen and have a sip. What an elegant drink.

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    1. Thank you, Karen. Glad you love this lychee martini too. ;) Cheers and have a great weekend.

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  24. I've never had a lychee but have heard they're so delicious. I'll have to seek them out. Hopefully they're still in season. Your drink sounds so tasty.

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    1. Hope you can still find the fresh ones. :) I'm sure you'll love this drink.

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  25. I've never had a lychee but have heard they're so delicious. I'll have to seek them out. Hopefully they're still in season. Your drink sounds so tasty.

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  26. definitely something I would love to try!

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    1. Thank you. Oh yeah, this is one refreshing cocktail that you don't want to miss. ;)

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  27. Such an unique martini! And your presentation is so awesome!

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    1. Thank you, Angie. This is one of my favorite martini to sip and relax. ;)

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  28. Replies
    1. I hope you'll give them a try if you can find the fresh ones. They are really sweet, juicy and fragrant. One of my favorite summer fruits to enjoy. :)

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  29. I love lychees! I used to eat them by the bagful when I was a kid. This martini is so creative and looks delicious!

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    1. Thank you, Jessie. Same here! I'm crazy for lychee. :) Good to know that you're a fan too. and I'm sure you'll love this refreshing cocktail.

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  30. Lychees and Martinis - sounds sweet! Good for hot summer days (when no driving is required).

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    1. yes...it's a nice drink when you relax at home...or have a destination driver! ;)

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  31. Lytchee martini sounds and looks heavenly. What a gorgeous presentation! I am very grateful for your ice tip; I am one of those people who lack space in the freezer constantly...

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    1. Thank you, Sissi. Glad you like this refreshing martini too. :) I don't know how it happen but my freeze is constantly packed too. :P Glad to know I'm not alone.

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  32. Lychees are such amazing fruits! So similar to rhambuttans which I used to eat by the pound growing up in Sri Lanka
    Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com

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    1. Oh...I love rhambuttans too, Shashi! But I can hardly find the fresh ones here! I love them and yes, eat by the pounds sounds about right. :)

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  33. Las bayas deben ser exquisitas en un cocktail refrescante y aromático como la describes,gracias por tu hermosa receta,abrazos.

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    1. Gracias. Sí, esto Martini Lychee es muy refrescante y fragante. :) Me alegro de que te guste también.

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  34. I can eat/drink anything with lychees. This drink is too perfect especially when the kids are off and we need to take the edge of the depression. All the best to your kids.

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    1. I agree, I love anything with lychee! :) Glad you're a fan too.

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  35. I've never had lychee before...but I think I need about 5 of these right now! :)

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    1. Thank you, Ashley. Hope you'll get a chance to try the fresh lychee soon. They are really good. Cheers my dear.

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  36. I never know what to do with lychee other than eat them! These cocktails are such a fun idea!

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    1. LOL...I agree. I have to stop myself from eating them all before I fix myself the cocktail. ;)

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  37. Lychee is legitimately the best flavour ever :)

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

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    1. I agree, CCU! The best flavor ever. :) I can eat them by the bagful!

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  38. Lychee has great flavor, and I so rarely use it - I gotta. Maybe in a nice cocktail like this? Sounds like a terrific idea!

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    1. Thank you. Oh, if you love the lychee flavor, you're gonna love this cocktail for sure. Hope you'll give it a try soon.

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  39. Your splendid (豪華) cocktail is tempting this non-drinker to trade in her cup of tea for a cocktail!

    P.s. Very smart of you to tackle the school supplies early so you can relax and enjoy summer!

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    1. hehe...you can definitely turn this cocktail into a non-alcohol version by replacing the liquor with white grape juice or club soda. :)

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  40. Amy,
    This lychee martini cooktail is simply irresistible!
    I love lychee too.
    mui

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    1. Thank you, Mui Mui. glad you like this lychee cocktail too. Cheers and wish you a wonderful Mid-Autumn celebration.

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  41. Amy...I've never had lychee before, but I LOVE martinis...my favorite cocktail. And this one is so elegant! A perfect way to celebrate 'me' time! : )

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    1. Thank you, Anne. Oh...hope you can find some lychee and give them a try. They are one of my favorite summer fruit to enjoy...in any form.

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  42. Lychees or Lichees as they are called here in India, are a fruit we gorge on during summers here. But I need to try this boozy version.

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    1. Oh...I know, I use to eat them by the bagful all summer long when I lived in Asia. I can only get them once in a while here during summer. Gotta treasure them while they last.

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  43. Amy, I love how pretty this drink is! And lychee looks like such a wonderful cute little fruit.

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    1. Thanks, Julia. Oh...the lychees are truly wonderful. Can't get enough of them.

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  44. I saw lychees at the grocery store two weeks ago. Should have got some, I think they're gone now. This martini sounds great!

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    1. aw....I know they come and go so quickly! I don't see them in the market anymore as well. Guess we'll have to wait till next summer!

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  45. Just love lychee!! They grow pretty well in Miami, but are hard to find..

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    1. oh...maybe I should just move to Miami for these. :P I adore lychee.

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  46. I love lychee and love the idea of making it into a martini. Such a clever idea Amy. I'm thirsty just looking at it! :)

    Anne ~ Uni Homemaker

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    1. Thank you, Anne. Glad you like my little creation with the lychee. I got thirsty looking at it now too. Too bad I didn't see them in the market any more.

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  47. Lychee! My wedding in Taiwan was in May and I remember my husband's family gave my family and me a big bag of lychees so that we can eat at the hotel. It was really amazing - since then I never had that big juicy lychee. I wasn't even a fan till then. This martini must be so delicious!

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    1. Thank you, Nami. Oh...that's some thoughtful treats from your hubby's family. As good as the lychee I got here in L.A., I still miss those big ones that I had back home in Hong Kong, too. :)

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  48. Lychee martini's are the BEST. I love when they pop a fresh lychee right in there, so delicious. I wish lychee's were more available here in Canada!

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    1. I agree, I don't get lychee often here in the States either. :)

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  49. I wish I could find fresh lychee fruit around here! Your martini looks beautiful :)

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    1. Thank you, Ann. I know, they are not always available here in L.A. either. :) Hope you can give them a try soon in the future. Have a great weekend.

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  50. Gorgeous! Love your styling and photography for this special cocktail,

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    1. Thank you so much. Glad you like it. Have a great weekend.

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  51. I thought this summer was short too! I have mixed feelings about schools which open here in September. This is one fine cocktail!

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    1. Thank you, Katerina. Glad I'm not the only one who feels that way. Cheers to you, my friend! :) Have a wonderful weekend.

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  52. STUNNING.
    I have never seen that fruit before.
    Great presentation, Amy. X

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    1. Thank you. Oh...hope you can find the lychee and give them a try. They are really tasty.

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  53. refreshing drink..neat presentation

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    1. Thank you dear! Wish you a beautiful weekend ahead.

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  54. This looks scrumptious, Amy--perfect for a late summer/early fall evening drink. Absolutely lovin' your idea about filling the glass with ice to chill it. I (I'm guessing like many of us) often forget to put the glassware in the freezer. Hugs & joy! T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you, Tina. :) Glad you love this drink and my little tips in chilling the glassware. ;) Have a beautiful weekend.

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  55. Omg! One of my favorite tropical fruits ever!! Love this martini. Beautifully styled too :)

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    1. Thank you, Kiran. I know...I adore lychee too. :) Glad you're also a fan. Have a wonderful weekend ahead.

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  56. So, are your kids back in school yet?
    I love lychee martinis and am always amazed when people around me ask, "What's a lychee?"

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    1. :) They are both back to school already. But their first day of school was a week apart. So, I got some "alone" time with my Baby girl before she starts. It was lovely.

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