The Best Refreshing Lychee Cocktail Recipe
When it comes to cocktails that scream summer in a glass, lychee is an absolute MVP. With its tropical flavour, light floral aroma, and natural sweetness, lychee makes the perfect base for a warm-weather refresher. And while there are endless ways to shake up a lychee cocktail, with vodka, rum, or sparkling wine, we’re putting the spotlight on something a little more botanical.
Say hello to the gin-based lychee cocktail. It’s zesty, elegant, and ridiculously easy to make. Not only does it taste as good as it looks, but it also offers that just-right balance of sweet, tart, and fragrant. Let’s dive in.
What Is a Lychee Cocktail?
A lychee cocktail is exactly what it sounds like, a drink built around the unique and refreshing flavour of lychee. These tropical fruits bring a soft floral note and a touch of sweetness that plays beautifully with citrus and spirits.
Lychee cocktails are popular in mojito riffs, bubbly spritzes, and even martinis. But when paired with a crisp gin, they level up into something seriously sippable. A gin & lychee cocktail typically includes:
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Gin (citrus-forward or floral)
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Lychee juice or syrup
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Fresh lime or lemon juice
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Optional sugar syrup
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Ice and garnish (think mint, lime, or lychee fruit itself)
When picking your gin, go for one with citrus botanicals or floral undertones, like the ones from our Good George gin range. It’s all about complementing, not competing with, the lychee.
Why You’ll Love the Gin & Lychee Cocktail
This cocktail is:
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Incredibly refreshing
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Easy to make with just a few ingredients
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The perfect pick for summer days, garden parties, or whenever you need a little tropical escape
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Visually striking with a blush-pink hue and light, frothy finish
It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels fancy but takes no time at all to whip up.
Lychee Cocktail Variations to Try
Not a gin fan? Or just want to explore a few flavour combos? Here are some ideas to keep things interesting:
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Lychee Mojito – Add fresh mint, white rum, and a splash of soda for a tropical twist on the Cuban classic.
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Lychee Fizz – Top your gin and lychee combo with prosecco or soda water for something bubbly and bright.
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Lychee Martini – Make it strong and silky with vodka, lychee liqueur, and a hint of vermouth.
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Lychee & Coconut – Sub gin for coconut rum for a creamy island vibe.
Love floral notes? A dash of rosewater adds elegance. Prefer spice? A slice of fresh ginger or chilli will kick it up a notch.
Lychee Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
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45ml Good George Gin
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30ml lychee juice or lychee syrup
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20ml fresh lime juice
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5–10ml (1–2 tsp) sugar syrup (optional, depending on the sweetness of the lychee)
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Ice
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Garnish: fresh lychee, mint sprig, or lime wheel
Instructions
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Add gin, lychee juice, lime juice, and sugar syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
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Shake well for about 15 seconds until nicely chilled.
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Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass over fresh ice.
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Garnish with your choice of lychee, lime, or mint.
Serving Suggestions & Recipe Notes
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Serve cold in a coupe or tumbler with plenty of ice.
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Garnish boldly with lychee fruit, a sprig of mint, or even a rose petal add a gorgeous finishing touch.
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Perfect for: summer BBQs, brunches, or sunset drinks.
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Food pairings: sushi, fresh prawns, spicy dumplings, or light Thai dishes.
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Mocktail version: Skip the gin and add sparkling water for a zero-proof tropical treat.
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Adjust sweetness to taste, use more or less sugar syrup depending on your lychee juice.
Enjoy Your Refreshing Lychee Cocktail
Ready to shake up something fresh and floral? This gin & lychee cocktail is everything a good summer drink should be cool, classy, and crafted with care.
Just remember: a cocktail is only as good as what you put into it. Grab a bottle of premium Good George Gin, pick up a tin of lychees (or fresh ones if you’re feeling flash), and get mixing.
And once you’ve nailed the original? Start playing with the variations—you might just find your new signature serve.
