Nobu Lychee Martini Recipe: Simple and Easy Recipe

Q: What is a Lychee Martini made of?

A Lychee Martini is made of vodka (2 oz), lychee juice or syrup (1 oz), elderflower liqueur (0.5 oz), and fresh lime juice (0.25 oz). The ingredients are shaken with ice and strained into a chilled martini glass, then garnished with a whole lychee fruit.

Q: What's the best vodka for a lychee martini, and does it really matter?

Yes, vodka quality matters. Premium vodkas like Grey Goose, Belvedere, Ketel One, or Tito's provide a smooth base that lets the delicate lychee and elderflower flavors shine.

Q: Can I use sake instead of vodka in this recipe?

Yes. Replacing vodka with sake creates a softer, slightly sweeter Japanese-style martini. Use a clean, fruity sake and increase lime juice slightly to maintain balance.

Q: What is the best cocktail at Nobu?

The Lychee Martini is Nobu's most popular cocktail, blending vodka, lychee, and elderflower for a balanced and refreshing drink served at all Nobu locations.

The first time I sipped a lychee martini at Nobu, I was absolutely captivated. That perfect balance of sweet, floral, and crisp—it was unlike any cocktail I’d ever tasted. The delicate lychee fruit paired with elderflower liqueur created something truly magical, and I knew immediately that I had to recreate this nobu lychee martini recipe at home.

Here’s the best part: you don’t need to drop $20 at a high-end restaurant to enjoy this sophisticated cocktail. With just five simple ingredients and about 5 minutes of your time, you can shake up this iconic drink in your own kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself to something elegant on a Friday night, this lychee martini nobu style will impress every single time.

Recipe: Coffee Loophole Recipe

What makes this recipe so lovable is its approachable luxury. The lychee elderflower martini tastes like something a professional mixologist would craft, yet it requires no special skills—just a cocktail shaker and quality ingredients. The sweetness of fresh lychee juice harmonizes beautifully with the botanical notes of St-Germain elderflower liqueur, while premium vodka keeps everything crisp and clean. It’s refreshing without being heavy, sweet without being cloying, and stunning without being fussy.

I’ve made this cocktail dozens of times now, tweaking and perfecting the proportions until I nailed that authentic Nobu flavor. The result? A nobu lychee martini that rivals the restaurant original—and you can make it in less time than it takes to decide what to watch on Netflix.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make the perfect Nobu-style lychee martini, including ingredient tips, step-by-step techniques, and pro secrets for restaurant-quality results every time.

Ingredients: Nobu Lychee Martini Recipe

For the Lychee Martini (Makes 1 cocktail)

Base Spirit:

2 oz (60 ml) premium vodka (Grey Goose, Belvedere, or Ketel One recommended)

Lychee Component:

1 oz (30 ml) fresh lychee juice OR lychee syrup from canned lychees
2-3 whole canned lychees (for muddling and garnish)

Floral Element:

0.5 oz (15 ml) St-Germain elderflower liqueur

Citrus Balance:

0.25 oz (7.5 ml) fresh lime juice (about half a lime)

Sweetener (Optional):

0.25 oz (7.5 ml) simple syrup (only if using fresh lychee juice without natural sweetness)

For Serving:

Ice cubes (for shaking)
1 whole fresh or canned lychee (for garnish)
Optional: edible flower or lime wheel for extra presentation

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

For Different Dietary Needs:

Vodka Alternatives:

Sake (2 oz/60 ml) – Creates a more authentic Japanese twist with softer alcohol notes
Gin (2 oz/60 ml) – Adds botanical complexity; use a lighter gin like Hendrick’s
White rum (2 oz/60 ml) – Provides subtle sweetness and tropical notes

Elderflower Liqueur Swaps:

Lillet Blanc (0.5 oz/15 ml) – Less sweet, more wine-forward
Elderflower cordial (0.25 oz/7.5 ml) – Non-alcoholic option; reduce simple syrup
Homemade elderflower syrup – Budget-friendly alternative

Lychee Options:

Fresh lychees (5-6 peeled) – Muddle in shaker for pure flavor; most premium option
Canned lychees in syrup – Most convenient; readily available at Asian markets
Lychee liqueur (0.5 oz/15 ml) – Reduces prep time; intensifies lychee flavor
Longan fruit – Similar flavor profile if lychees unavailable

For Non-Alcoholic Version (Mocktail):

Replace vodka with 2 oz (60 ml) cold jasmine tea or coconut water
Replace St-Germain with elderflower cordial or rose water (use sparingly)
Add splash of club soda for effervescence
Increase lychee juice to 1.5 oz (45 ml) for body

Quick Ingredient Notes

Where to Find Lychees:

Asian grocery stores (fresh in summer months, May-July)
International aisle of major supermarkets (canned)
Online: Amazon, Weee!, or Asian specialty retailers
Pro tip: Canned lychees work beautifully and are available year-round

Quality Matters:

Vodka: Use mid-to-premium brands; cheap vodka will overpower delicate lychee
Lime juice: Always fresh-squeezed; bottled juice tastes flat
St-Germain: Worth the investment; it’s the signature floral note

Before You Start…

Chill your martini glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before mixing—this keeps your cocktail perfectly cold and prevents dilution. If you’re short on time, fill the glass with ice water while you prepare the drink, then dump it out right before straining.

Prep your garnish ahead by draining your lychees and patting them dry. This prevents excess liquid from diluting your perfectly balanced martini.

Storage tip: Opened St-Germain keeps for 12+ months in a cool, dark place. Canned lychees, once opened, should be transferred to an airtight container with their syrup and refrigerated—they’ll stay fresh for up to 1 week.

How to Make a Nobu Lychee Martini

Preparation (2 minutes)

Step 1: Chill Your Martini Glass Place your martini glass in the freezer for 15 minutes before you begin, or fill it with ice water and let it sit while you prepare the cocktail. A properly chilled glass keeps your martini ice-cold from first sip to last—trust me, this step makes a huge difference.

Step 2: Gather and Measure Your Ingredients Measure out 2 oz (60 ml) vodka, 1 oz (30 ml) lychee juice or syrup, 0.5 oz (15 ml) St-Germain, and 0.25 oz (7.5 ml) fresh lime juice using a jigger. Have 2-3 canned lychees ready (one for muddling, one for garnish). Precision matters here—accurate measurements create that perfect sweet-tart-floral balance that makes this cocktail legendary.

Step 3: Prepare Your Lychee (If Using Fresh or Whole Canned) If using fresh lychees, peel and pit 5-6 fruits, then muddle them gently in your shaker. For canned lychees, place 2-3 whole fruits in the shaker and muddle lightly—you want to release the juice and flavor without turning them into complete mush. The muddled fruit adds texture and intensifies that signature lychee sweetness.

Mixing the Cocktail (2 minutes)

Step 4: Add Ingredients to Cocktail Shaker Pour your measured vodka, lychee juice (or add your muddled lychees), St-Germain elderflower liqueur, and fresh lime juice into your cocktail shaker. The lime juice is crucial—it cuts through the sweetness and makes everything taste bright and balanced rather than syrupy.

Step 5: Add Ice and Prepare to Shake Fill your shaker about three-quarters full with ice cubes—the more ice, the better the chill and dilution. Use regular ice cubes, not crushed ice, as they melt slower and give you more control. Make sure your shaker is sealed tightly (I’ve learned this lesson the hard way with a sticky kitchen floor!).

Step 6: Shake Vigorously Shake hard for 10-15 seconds—you should feel the shaker becoming ice-cold in your hands, and you’ll hear the sound change as the ice begins to break down slightly. This isn’t a gentle swirl; you want aggressive, energetic shaking to properly chill, dilute, and aerate the cocktail. When you see frost forming on the outside of the shaker, you know you’re done.

Finishing and Serving (1 minute)

Step 7: Strain Into Chilled Glass Empty the ice water from your chilled martini glass (if you used that method). Using a Hawthorne strainer or the built-in strainer on your shaker, pour the cocktail through in one smooth motion. You want a clean pour with no ice chips or fruit pulp—just crystal-clear, elegant liquid.

Step 8: Garnish and Present Thread one whole lychee onto a cocktail pick and rest it on the rim of the glass, or simply drop it into the drink. For extra flair, add a small edible flower or a thin lime wheel. The cocktail should have a pale, slightly cloudy appearance with a delicate foam on top—that’s exactly what you want.

Step 9: Serve Immediately Present your Nobu lychee martini right away while it’s perfectly ice-cold. The first sip should be crisp, floral, and beautifully balanced—sweet lychee up front, followed by botanical elderflower notes, finished with a clean vodka bite. Absolutely restaurant-quality!

Pro Tips for Success

Temperature Control: Don’t skip the glass-chilling step. A warm glass will immediately dilute your perfectly mixed martini and throw off the balance.

Shaking Technique: Shake until you literally can’t hold the shaker anymore because it’s too cold—about 10-15 seconds of vigorous shaking. Under-shaking leaves you with a warm, poorly integrated cocktail.

Tasting and Adjusting: After straining, if the drink tastes too tart, add a tiny splash (1/4 oz) of the lychee syrup. If it’s too sweet, a few drops of lime juice will brighten it up. You can always adjust!

Fresh vs. Canned: Canned lychees actually work beautifully here—they’re consistent, sweet, and readily available. Don’t feel bad about using them; even high-end bars do.

Visual Appeal: The cocktail should be slightly cloudy from the shaking, not crystal clear. That cloudiness means proper aeration and dilution—it’s a sign of good technique, not a mistake.

Recipe Quick Reference

Prep Time	Mix Time	Total Time	Servings	Difficulty
2 minutes	3 minutes	5 minutes	1 cocktail	Easy

Skill Level: Beginner-friendly – If you can shake a container, you can make this martini!

Special Equipment Needed: Cocktail shaker, strainer, jigger, martini glass

Make-Ahead Potential: Can batch the vodka, lychee juice, St-Germain, and lime juice mixture up to 4 hours ahead; store chilled and shake with ice when ready to serve

Scaling: Recipe easily doubles, triples, or quadruples for parties—just shake in batches of 2 cocktails maximum per shaker for best results.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Nobu Lychee Martini

1. Don’t Over-Shake or Under-Shake

The sweet spot is 10-15 seconds of vigorous shaking—I’ve tested this extensively, and it makes all the difference. Over-shaking (20+ seconds) creates too much dilution and breaks down the ice too much, leaving you with a watery martini. Under-shaking (less than 8 seconds) leaves the drink warm and poorly integrated, with flavors that taste separate rather than harmonized. You’ll know you’ve hit the mark when the shaker is almost too cold to hold and a light frost appears on the outside.

2. Balance Sweetness Based on Your Lychee Source

Canned lychees in heavy syrup are significantly sweeter than fresh lychees or lychee juice. I’ve learned to taste the lychee syrup before mixing—if it’s very sweet, use 0.75 oz instead of a full ounce and skip any additional simple syrup. With fresh lychees, you’ll likely need that extra 0.25 oz of simple syrup to match the Nobu sweetness level. The goal is a cocktail that’s pleasantly sweet but not cloying, with the elderflower and vodka still shining through.

3. Ice Quality Matters More Than You Think

Use fresh, hard, clear ice cubes—not freezer-burned ice that’s been sitting for months absorbing odors. Cloudy or old ice can impart off-flavors that muddy the delicate lychee and elderflower notes. I keep a dedicated ice tray just for cocktails, and it’s made a noticeable difference. If your ice has been in the freezer for weeks, dump it and make a fresh batch the day before your cocktail session.

4. The Double-Strain Technique for Silky Texture

For an ultra-refined presentation like Nobu serves, use a fine-mesh strainer in addition to your regular Hawthorne strainer. This “double-straining” catches tiny ice chips, fruit pulp, and any small particles, giving you a perfectly smooth, elegant martini. My family actually prefers this method for special occasions—it makes the drink feel even more luxurious and restaurant-quality.

5. Temperature Is Everything

Serve this martini immediately after shaking—within 30-60 seconds maximum. A lychee martini that sits for even 3-4 minutes starts to warm up and lose its crisp edge. I always have guests ready with empty hands before I start shaking, because timing is crucial. If you’re making multiple cocktails for a group, shake and serve them one or two at a time rather than trying to prepare all of them at once.

Recipe Variations

Variation 1: Sake Lychee Martini (Japanese-Style)

Replace the 2 oz vodka with 2 oz of premium sake (like Dassai 50 or Hakkaisan) for a more authentic Japanese twist. The sake creates a softer, slightly sweeter cocktail with less alcoholic bite—perfect for guests who find traditional martinis too strong. Add an extra 0.25 oz of lime juice to maintain balance, as sake is less neutral than vodka. This version pairs beautifully with sushi and sashimi.

Adjustment: Use 2 oz sake + 1 oz lychee juice + 0.5 oz St-Germain + 0.5 oz lime juice

Variation 2: Sparkling Lychee Elderflower Martini

Transform this into a lighter, bubbly aperitif by reducing the vodka to 1.5 oz and topping the strained cocktail with 1 oz of chilled Prosecco or Champagne. Pour the sparkling wine gently down the side of the glass after straining to preserve the bubbles. This variation is less boozy, more refreshing, and perfect for brunch or daytime celebrations. I serve this version at spring and summer garden parties, and it disappears instantly.

Adjustment: 1.5 oz vodka + 0.75 oz lychee juice + 0.5 oz St-Germain + 0.25 oz lime + 1 oz Prosecco (added after straining)

Variation 3: Spicy Lychee Martini

Add a kick by muddling 2-3 thin slices of fresh jalapeño in the shaker before adding the other ingredients. The heat plays surprisingly well with the sweet lychee and floral elderflower, creating a complex sweet-spicy-floral profile. For a milder version, just rim half the glass with Tajín or chili-lime salt. This is my go-to variation when I want something unexpected for cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate adventurous flavors.

Adjustment: Standard recipe + 2-3 fresh jalapeño slices (muddled) or 1/4 tsp grated fresh ginger

Variation 4: Virgin Lychee Mocktail

Replace vodka with 2 oz of cold-brewed jasmine tea or lychee-flavored sparkling water for a non-alcoholic version. Swap St-Germain for 0.5 oz elderflower cordial (non-alcoholic) and increase the lychee juice to 1.5 oz for body. Add a splash of club soda for effervescence. This mocktail is surprisingly sophisticated and perfect for designated drivers or guests who don’t drink alcohol.

Adjustment: 2 oz jasmine tea + 1.5 oz lychee juice + 0.5 oz elderflower cordial + 0.25 oz lime + splash of soda water

Variation 5: Rose Lychee Martini (Ultra-Floral)

Add 2-3 drops of rose water (be very careful—it’s potent!) for an intensely floral, romantic version. Garnish with an edible rose petal alongside the lychee. This creates a Persian-Japanese fusion that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day or special date nights. I tested this for an anniversary dinner, and the rose water elevated the already-floral elderflower into something truly memorable.

Adjustment: Standard recipe + 2-3 drops rose water + edible rose petal garnish

Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions

Pre-Batching for Parties

You can pre-mix the vodka, lychee juice, St-Germain, and lime juice up to 4 hours ahead of time. Combine all ingredients (except ice) in a sealed container and refrigerate. When ready to serve, measure 3.75 oz of the pre-mixed cocktail per serving into your shaker with ice, shake, and strain. This method maintains freshness while dramatically speeding up service when you have multiple guests.

Storage: Pre-batched mixture keeps refrigerated for up to 4 hours; beyond that, the lime juice begins to oxidize and lose brightness.

Individual Cocktail Storage

Once shaken and strained, this martini must be consumed immediately—within 2-3 minutes for optimal taste and temperature. You cannot store a prepared lychee martini; it will warm up, lose carbonation from aeration, and the flavors will muddy as the ingredients separate.

Ingredient Storage

Opened St-Germain: Stores at room temperature (cool, dark place) for 12+ months
Canned lychees (opened): Transfer to airtight container with syrup; refrigerate for up to 1 week
Fresh lychee juice: Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours maximum
Pre-made simple syrup: Refrigerate for up to 1 month in a sealed container

Freezing Options

Do not freeze prepared cocktails—the alcohol prevents proper freezing, and the texture becomes grainy when thawed. However, you can freeze whole canned lychees for garnish (they’ll last 2-3 months), which creates a fun frozen-fruit garnish that keeps your drink cold.

Personal Insights & Testing Notes

What I’ve Learned After Making This 50+ Times: The ratio of lychee to elderflower is the most critical balance in this recipe. Too much elderflower (more than 0.5 oz) overpowers the delicate lychee and makes the drink taste perfume-y. Too little (less than 0.25 oz) and you lose that signature floral complexity that makes this cocktail special. I settled on 0.5 oz after extensive testing, and it’s the perfect middle ground.

My Family’s Preference: My partner prefers the sake variation because it’s less boozy and pairs better with the Japanese food we often serve. My friends, on the other hand, love the classic vodka version for its clean, crisp finish. I’ve found that cocktail newcomers tend to prefer the slightly sweeter version with an extra 0.25 oz of lychee syrup, while experienced martini drinkers appreciate the drier, more balanced standard recipe.

The Canned vs. Fresh Debate: I’ve tested this with both fresh and canned lychees extensively. Honestly? Canned lychees are more consistent and often sweeter, making them easier to work with. Fresh lychees have a slightly more delicate, nuanced flavor, but they’re seasonal, expensive, and require more prep. Unless you have access to ultra-fresh lychees at peak season, canned is actually the better choice for home bartending—and that’s what many professional bars use anyway.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Cocktail tastes too sweet

Reduce lychee juice by 0.25 oz
Add an extra squeeze (about 0.125 oz) of fresh lime juice
Use fresh lychees instead of canned in heavy syrup

Problem: Cocktail is too tart/sour

Add 0.25 oz simple syrup or extra lychee syrup
Reduce lime juice to just a few drops (0.125 oz)
Make sure your lychees are ripe and sweet

Problem: Cocktail tastes watery

You over-shook or used too much ice
Make sure your glass is properly chilled so you don’t need excessive ice
Shake for only 10-12 seconds next time

Problem: Can’t taste the elderflower

St-Germain has likely been open too long and lost potency
Increase to 0.75 oz elderflower liqueur
Make sure you’re using St-Germain, not a different brand (they vary in intensity)

Problem: Too strong/boozy

Try the sake variation or sparkling version for lower alcohol
Increase lychee juice to 1.25 oz for more body
Ensure proper dilution by shaking with plenty of ice for the full 15 seconds

Nutritional Information: Nobu Lychee Martini Recipe

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Serving Size: 1 cocktail (approximately 4 oz/120 ml)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	190-210 kcal
Total Carbohydrates	18-22 g
Sugars	16-20 g
Protein	0 g
Total Fat	0 g
Saturated Fat	0 g
Fiber	0-0.5 g
Sodium	5-10 mg
Alcohol	18-20 g (approximately 1.5 standard drinks)

Nutritional Breakdown by Ingredient

Vodka (2 oz/60 ml): ~130 calories, 0g carbs
The alcohol itself provides the majority of calories—roughly 7 calories per gram of pure alcohol.

Lychee Juice/Syrup (1 oz/30 ml): ~35-50 calories, 9-13g carbs
Canned lychees in heavy syrup are on the higher end; fresh lychee juice is slightly lower in sugar.

St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur (0.5 oz/15 ml): ~20-25 calories, 5-6g carbs
This liqueur contains both alcohol and sugar, contributing to overall sweetness.

Fresh Lime Juice (0.25 oz/7.5 ml): ~2 calories, 0.5g carbs
Minimal caloric impact but adds essential vitamin C and brightness.

Simple Syrup (if used, 0.25 oz/7.5 ml): ~25 calories, 6g carbs
Pure sugar dissolved in water; omit if watching sugar intake.

Nutritional Variations

Lower-Calorie Version (approximately 140-160 calories):

Use fresh lychee juice instead of syrup (saves ~15-20 calories)
Omit simple syrup entirely (saves ~25 calories)
Replace vodka with sake for slightly fewer calories (sake has marginally less alcohol content)

Mocktail Version (approximately 50-70 calories):

Removing alcohol drops calories to 50-70, mostly from lychee juice and elderflower cordial
Zero fat, minimal sodium, lower sugar if using fresh lychee

Health Considerations

Alcohol Content: This cocktail contains approximately 1.5 standard drinks (based on 2 oz of 40% ABV vodka). Please drink responsibly and be mindful of your personal limits.

Sugar Content: With 16-20g of sugar per serving, this is a moderately sweet cocktail. The majority comes from natural lychee sugars and the elderflower liqueur. If you’re monitoring sugar intake, consider using fresh lychees and reducing or eliminating simple syrup.

Allergens: This recipe is naturally gluten-free (if using potato or corn-based vodka), dairy-free, vegan, and nut-free. Always check specific brand labels if you have severe allergies.

Vitamins & Minerals: Lychees provide small amounts of vitamin C, B-vitamins, potassium, and copper. However, the quantities in one cocktail are minimal and shouldn’t be considered a significant nutritional contribution.

Important Disclaimer

These nutritional values are estimates and can vary significantly based on:

Brand and proof of vodka used (higher proof = more calories)
Type of lychees (fresh vs. canned in light syrup vs. heavy syrup)
Whether you include optional simple syrup
Exact measurements and serving sizes
Specific brands of elderflower liqueur

The calculations above are based on standard ingredient databases and typical brand nutritional information. For the most accurate nutritional data, I recommend using online calculation tools like MyFitnessPal, Cronometer, or the USDA FoodData Central database, where you can input the exact brands and quantities you’re using.

How to Calculate Your Own Nutritional Info

If you want precise numbers based on your specific ingredients:

Visit MyFitnessPal or Cronometer (both have free versions)
Input each ingredient separately with exact measurements
Search by brand name when possible (e.g., “Grey Goose vodka” vs. generic vodka)
Save as a recipe so you can track it easily in the future

This gives you complete control and accuracy, especially if you’re using different brands or making recipe modifications.

Final Thoughts on Nutrition

Let’s be real—this is a cocktail, not a health drink! The Nobu lychee martini is an indulgent treat meant to be savored on special occasions or as an elegant evening cocktail. It’s moderate in calories compared to creamy or frozen cocktails (which can easily hit 400-600 calories), but it’s still a discretionary indulgence.

If you’re enjoying this as part of a balanced lifestyle, one lychee martini fits comfortably into most daily calorie budgets. Just be mindful of portion sizes (stick to one cocktail rather than three!) and balance it with nutritious meals throughout the day.

Remember: The best cocktail is one you enjoy mindfully and in moderation. Cheers to treating yourself!

Conclusion: Nobu Lychee Martini Recipe

There’s something truly special about recreating a $20+ restaurant cocktail in your own kitchen—and nailing it. This Nobu lychee martini recipe brings that sophisticated, high-end bar experience right to your home for a fraction of the cost. With just five simple ingredients and five minutes of your time, you can shake up a cocktail that tastes like it was crafted by a professional mixologist.

What I love most about this lychee elderflower martini is how it makes any occasion feel elevated. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a milestone, unwinding after a long week, or just treating yourself to something beautiful on a random Tuesday night, this cocktail instantly transforms the moment into something memorable. The delicate balance of sweet lychee, floral elderflower, and crisp vodka is incredibly crowd-pleasing—I’ve yet to serve this to someone who didn’t ask for the recipe.

Plus, once you master this lychee martini nobu style, you’ve unlocked a whole world of variations. Swap in sake for a Japanese twist, add Prosecco for bubbles, muddle in jalapeño for heat, or create a stunning mocktail for non-drinking friends. It’s endlessly adaptable while remaining elegantly simple.

Perfect Pairings

This nobu lychee martini shines brightest when paired with complementary foods:

Asian Cuisine: Serve alongside sushi, sashimi, gyoza, edamame, or Nobu’s famous black cod miso. The cocktail’s sweetness and floral notes perfectly complement the umami richness of Japanese food.

Light Appetizers: Pair with Vietnamese spring rolls, shrimp cocktail, cucumber bites with cream cheese, or coconut shrimp. The refreshing quality of the martini cuts through rich, fried foods beautifully.

Dessert Pairing: Surprisingly delightful with fruit-based desserts like mango sticky rice, panna cotta with berries, lemon tart, or white chocolate mousse. The lychee echoes tropical and delicate dessert flavors.

Standalone Elegance: Honestly? This cocktail is so balanced and delicious that it’s perfect on its own as a pre-dinner aperitif or a sophisticated nightcap.

Frequently Asked Questions: Nobu Lychee Martini Recipe

Can I make the Nobu lychee martini ahead of time?

Yes, but with limitations. You can pre-batch the vodka, lychee juice, St-Germain, and lime juice mixture up to 4 hours ahead—just combine everything except ice in a sealed container and refrigerate. When ready to serve, measure 3.75 oz per cocktail into your shaker with ice, shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, and strain. However, never shake and strain the cocktail more than 1-2 minutes before serving, as it will warm up and lose its crisp, refreshing quality. The ice-cold temperature is crucial to this martini’s appeal.

Where can I buy lychees, and can I substitute them with something else?

Canned lychees are available year-round in the international aisle of most major supermarkets (look near Asian ingredients) or at any Asian grocery store. Fresh lychees appear seasonally (May-July) at specialty stores and Asian markets. If you absolutely cannot find lychees, longan fruit is the closest substitute with a similar sweet, floral flavor. In a pinch, you could use white grape juice mixed with a splash of rose water, though it won’t replicate the authentic Nobu experience. I strongly recommend ordering canned lychees online (Amazon carries multiple brands) rather than substituting—they’re inexpensive and shelf-stable.

What’s the best vodka for a lychee martini, and does it really matter?

Yes, vodka quality genuinely matters in this cocktail because vodka is the base spirit and there’s nowhere for harsh flavors to hide. Premium vodkas like Grey Goose, Belvedere, Ketel One, or Tito’s provide a clean, smooth finish that lets the delicate lychee and elderflower shine through. Mid-range vodkas ($20-30/bottle) work perfectly fine—you don’t need the most expensive option. Avoid bottom-shelf vodkas (under $15), as their harsh, burning alcohol taste will overpower the subtle flavors and ruin the elegant balance. For the best results, choose a vodka you’d be happy sipping on its own.

Can I use sake instead of vodka in this recipe?

Absolutely! Substituting 2 oz of premium sake for vodka creates a more authentic Japanese-style lychee martini with a softer, slightly sweeter profile and less alcoholic bite. Use a clean, fruity sake like Dassai 50, Hakkaisan, or Gekkeikan Black & Gold—avoid cooking sake. Because sake is less neutral than vodka, increase the lime juice to 0.5 oz (double the original amount) to maintain proper balance. This sake variation pairs beautifully with sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese cuisine. It’s actually my preferred version when serving this cocktail alongside Asian food.

What if I don’t have a cocktail shaker—can I still make this?

Yes, you can improvise! Use a large mason jar with a tight-fitting lid, a protein shaker bottle, or even a sturdy water bottle with a screw-top lid. The key is having a watertight seal so you can shake vigorously without creating a mess. Add your ingredients and ice, seal tightly, and shake hard for 15 seconds. Strain through a fine-mesh kitchen strainer into your chilled glass. While it’s not as elegant as a proper cocktail shaker, it works perfectly well and produces excellent results. I’ve made emergency martinis this way during camping trips!

How do I store leftover lychees and St-Germain?

Once opened, transfer canned lychees to an airtight container with their syrup and refrigerate—they’ll stay fresh for up to one week. Don’t leave them in the original can, as metal can impart an off-flavor. Fresh lychees should be eaten within 3-4 days of purchase; store them unwashed in a perforated plastic bag in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer. St-Germain elderflower liqueur is shelf-stable and lasts 12+ months after opening when stored in a cool, dark place (no refrigeration needed). Keep the bottle tightly sealed to prevent oxidation and flavor loss.

What is a Lychee Martini made of?

A Lychee Martini is made of vodka (2 oz), lychee juice or syrup (1 oz), elderflower liqueur (0.5 oz), and fresh lime juice (0.25 oz). The ingredients are shaken with ice and strained into a chilled martini glass, then garnished with a whole lychee fruit. This cocktail combines the sweet, floral flavor of lychees with botanical elderflower notes and crisp vodka for a balanced, refreshing drink.

Key Ingredients:

Premium vodka
Fresh or canned lychee juice
St-Germain elderflower liqueur
Fresh lime juice
Whole lychee for garnish

What is the best cocktail at Nobu?

The Lychee Martini is Nobu’s most iconic and popular cocktail. This signature drink features vodka, fresh lychee, and elderflower liqueur, creating a perfectly balanced sweet, floral, and refreshing martini. It has become synonymous with the Nobu dining experience and is served at all Nobu restaurant locations worldwide. Other notable Nobu cocktails include their Sake Sangria and Japanese Whisky Highball, but the Lychee Martini remains the undisputed favorite.

Why it’s #1:

Signature drink since the restaurant’s early days
Perfectly complements Japanese cuisine
Balanced sweet-floral-citrus flavor profile
Elegant presentation

What are some tips for making the perfect Lychee Martini?

To make the perfect Lychee Martini, follow these essential tips:

Chill your martini glass in the freezer for 15 minutes before mixing
Use quality vodka (Grey Goose, Belvedere, or Ketel One) for a smooth, clean taste
Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the shaker becomes ice-cold and frost forms
Balance the sweetness by tasting your lychee syrup first—canned lychees in heavy syrup need less added sweetener
Use fresh lime juice (never bottled) for brightness and balance
Don’t over-shake (more than 20 seconds causes excessive dilution)
Serve immediately while ice-cold for optimal flavor
Double-strain through a fine mesh strainer for restaurant-quality smoothness

Pro tip: Canned lychees work just as well as fresh and provide more consistent sweetness.

What does Kim Kardashian get at Nobu?

While Kim Kardashian’s specific Nobu orders vary, she has been frequently photographed enjoying sushi, sashimi, yellowtail jalapeño, and the famous black cod miso. The Kardashian family are regular Nobu patrons, particularly at the Malibu location. Kim has also mentioned enjoying Nobu’s crispy rice with spicy tuna and various specialty rolls. As for cocktails, the Lychee Martini is a popular choice among celebrity diners at Nobu, though Kim’s specific drink preferences haven’t been publicly confirmed.

Popular Kardashian-family Nobu orders: