Cocktail of the Week: Smoked Lychee Clarified Martini

In the world of cocktails, true artistry often emerges, not just from flavour, but from technique, thoughtfulness, and a touch of showmanship. Enter the lychee, a delicate, floral fruit that in the right hands, transforms a simple drink into a sensory experience.

The Smoked Lychee Clarified Martini is a conversation between craft and curiosity: a crystal-clear elixir that balances fruit, smoke, and silky texture. Designed for those who know their spirits, it’s a cocktail that rewards both the palate and the mind, celebrating the ingenuity of the mixologist who dares to impress another.

Smoked Lychee Clarified Martini

This cocktail combines clarification -- smooth, silky texture, smoky aromatics, and the delicate floral-fruity flavor of lychee. It’s meant to impress a fellow mixologist who will appreciate the technique.

What You’ll Need

1.5 oz premium gin or Japanese gin (floral notes)

0.75 oz lychee liqueur

0.5 oz fresh lime juice

0.25 oz simple syrup

0.25 oz smoked tea infusion (Lapsang Souchong works beautifully)

Egg white (optional, for mouthfeel if not doing full clarification)

Lychee fruit for garnish

Crushed Ice

Procedure

1. Clarification (optional but wow factor): Use a milk or agar clarification method with the gin, lychee liqueur, lime juice, and smoked tea. This removes haze and leaves a crystal-clear, silky liquid.

2. Chill a glass.

3. Shake all ingredients (or clarified liquid) with ice.

4. Double strain into the chilled coupe.

5. Garnish with a peeled lychee floating atop, maybe lightly torching it for aroma.

Optional: Smoke the glass with Lapsang Souchong before serving for dramatic aroma.

Silky clarity: The clarified liquid feels luxurious on the palate.

Floral-fruity core: Lychee shines, paired with delicate jasmine or floral notes.

Subtle smokiness: Smoked tea adds depth without overpowering.

Mixologist appreciation: Clarity, technique, and aroma elevate it from “just a cocktail” to a crafted experience.