Nobu Lychee Martini Recipe

I’ll never forget the road trip to Dallas with my husband and our friends. We were all eager to explore the city’s dining scene, and the excitement kept building as we planned each stop. One of our top destinations was Nobu—there’s just something about the blend of Japanese and Peruvian flavors that felt like a culinary adventure on its own. 

We booked a reservation and set out, Dallas skyline in view, ready to experience the famed for the famous black cod and sushi, this lychee martini ended up stealing the show.

I had no idea that little cocktail would soon become one of my favorites. I just had to know how to make it for the holiday season!

After a little sweet-talking with our waiter and some recipe research, I finally cracked the code of making the perfect Nobu lychee martini recipe at home.

You’ll need just a few ingredients: vodka, lychee liqueur, lychee syrup, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. And if you’re new to making cocktails, don’t worry! I’ll walk you through….

Why Nobu Lychee Martini Is the Best Holiday Drink?

The Nobu Lychee Martini isn’t just any cocktail; it’s a fantastic drink choice for holiday gatherings or even a cozy night in.

With the tropical flavor of lychee paired with the classic taste of vodka, it brings a fresh and fruity profile that stands out, making it memorable and exciting. Plus, the light floral hints make it perfect for those who like their drinks on the refreshing side.

Why I Love This Nobu Lychee Martini

I’ve always been drawn to cocktails that are easy to make yet deliver a wow factor. This Nobu Lychee Martini does just that! It feels luxurious, tastes fresh, and has a unique floral-fruity flavor from the lychee that you just don’t get in other martinis. 

Plus, it’s a great way to impress friends without needing to be a master bartender. Every time I make it, I’m transported back to that wonderful night at Nobu, and now you can enjoy it too.

What Is in Nobu Lychee Martini Recipe

• 1 1/2 ounces Vodka (preferably Grey Goose): The vodka is smooth and neutral, allowing the lychee flavor to take center stage without overpowering the drink.
• 1 1/2 ounces Lychee Liqueur (recommended: Soho Lychee Liqueur): This liqueur is key, giving the martini its unique, floral sweetness and exotic flavor.
• 1/2 Lime, freshly squeezed (about 1 tablespoon juice): Fresh lime juice adds a zesty touch that balances the sweetness, making each sip refreshing and crisp.
• 1 tablespoon Simple Syrup: Adds just the right amount of sweetness, helping all the flavors meld beautifully.
• 3 tablespoons Lychee Syrup (from canned lychees): Intensifies the lychee flavor, enhancing the floral, tropical notes of the drink.
• 2 Canned Lychees (for garnish): These little beauties make a beautiful garnish and give an extra burst of lychee flavor.

Substitutions

You don’t need to worry if you’re missing an ingredient or want to experiment a little. Here are some easy substitutions:

• Vodka: Gin makes a great alternative if you’re after a more herbal, aromatic flavor.
• Simple Syrup: Agave syrup or honey can add a natural sweetness with a subtle flavor difference.
• Lychee Liqueur: Elderflower liqueur works well as a substitute, adding floral notes that complement the lychee.
• Lime Juice: Lemon juice offers a softer, slightly different kind of acidity and works well too.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Martini shaker: To blend and chill all the ingredients together.
• Citrus juicer: For easy, mess-free lime juice extraction.
• Jigger or measuring cup: To measure out the ingredients perfectly.
• Strainer: Helps strain out the ice and any pulp from the lime.
• Martini glass: To serve the cocktail in style.

How to Make Nobu Lychee Martini Copycat Recipe

Step 01 | Prep the Lime: 

Start by cutting a fresh lime in half. Squeeze the juice of 1/2 lime (about 1 tablespoon) directly into your martini shaker. For extra tang, use the entire lime if you’d like!

Step 02 | Add Vodka: 

Pour in 1 1/2 ounces of vodka for the martini’s smooth, clear base.

Step 03 | Add Lychee Liqueur:

Measure out 1 1/2 ounces of lychee liqueur and pour it into the shaker. This is the star ingredient that gives the drink its beautiful floral sweetness.

Step 04 | Sweeten with Simple Syrup:

Add 1 tablespoon of simple syrup to round out the flavors and enhance the lychee taste.

Step 05 | Incorporate Lychee Syrup:

Add 3 tablespoons of lychee syrup to bring in that pure lychee essence and added sweetness.

Step 06 | Shake with Ice:

Fill your shaker halfway with ice cubes, secure the lid, and shake for 30–40 seconds until the shaker feels icy cold.

Step 07| Strain and Serve:

Use a strainer to pour the mixture into a chilled martini glass.

Step 08 | Garnish:

Add one canned lychee to the bottom of the glass and perch another on the rim as a garnish. Cheers.

Recipe Notes

• Chill the Glass: Place your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring in the drink. It makes the cocktail refreshingly cold and keeps it that way longer.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter drink, feel free to add an extra splash of lychee syrup or simple syrup to taste.
• Extra Lychee Flavor: If you want a stronger lychee taste, add just a bit more lychee liqueur or syrup.

Want to Make a Large Batch of This Lychee Martini?

If you’re hosting and need to make several servings, you can easily multiply the ingredients by the number of guests you’re serving. Mix everything in a large pitcher (except the ice), and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. 

When guests arrive, simply add ice to the shaker, pour a serving, shake well, and strain into each glass for a fresh, individually chilled cocktail.

Variations and Additions

• Add Mint: Muddle a few fresh mint leaves in the shaker for a hint of minty freshness.
• Ginger Twist: Add a small slice of fresh ginger to the shaker for a bit of warmth and spice.
• Make It Sparkling: Top with club soda or a splash of prosecco for a light, fizzy version of the cocktail.

What to Serve with This Lychee Martini

When I make this Nobu Lychee Martini, I love pairing it with some simple, light snacks that let the cocktail’s flavors shine. One of my favorite pairings is sushi—whether it’s classic salmon rolls or even just some simple avocado rolls, the fresh, delicate flavors work perfectly with the floral, slightly sweet lychee taste.

Shrimp dumplings are another go-to! They add a nice savory contrast to the drink and bring out that refreshing lime twist in the martini. Sometimes, if I’m keeping things really easy, a cheese board with mild cheeses and some crackers works beautifully too.

It’s so nice to have a few bites on hand that complement the drink without overpowering it, making it perfect for a relaxing evening or a cozy gathering with friends.

Nobu Lychee Martini FAQs

Can I make this drink without alcohol?

Yes, you can skip the vodka and lychee liqueur and substitute with lychee juice and a splash of soda for a refreshing mocktail.

Can I use fresh lychees instead of canned?

Definitely! If you have fresh lychees, blend them to get fresh lychee juice and use them as garnish.

What’s the best vodka to use?

A premium vodka, like Grey Goose, works well, but any smooth vodka will complement the lychee flavor.

How can I chill my martini glass quickly?

Pop it in the freezer for 5–10 minutes before serving.

What’s the best way to get a fresh lime taste?

Use a citrus juicer for freshly squeezed lime juice—it really makes a difference.

Continue to Content

Nobu Lychee Martini Recipe

Yield: 1 martini

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Discover how to make Nobu Lychee Martini at home with this easy recipe! This refreshing cocktail combines vodka, lychee liqueur, a splash of lime, and lychee syrup for a perfectly balanced, slightly sweet drink. With just a few ingredients, you’ll recreate that signature Nobu taste in minutes.

Print

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces vodka (preferably Grey Goose)
• 1 1/2 ounces lychee liqueur (recommended: Soho Lychee Liqueur)
• 1/2 lime, freshly squeezed (about 1 tablespoon juice)
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup (or agave syrup as an alternative)
• 3 tablespoons lychee syrup (from canned lychees)
• 2 canned lychees (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cut a fresh lime in half, then squeeze the juice of 1/2 lime (about 1 tablespoon) directly into the martini shaker using a lime juicer. If you prefer a tangier drink, feel free to use the entire lime.
2. Pour in 1 1/2 ounces of vodka.
3. Measure and pour 1 1/2 ounces of lychee liqueur into the shaker.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of simple syrup to balance the flavors.
5. Add 3 tablespoons of lychee syrup for extra lychee sweetness.
6. Fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes, secure the lid, and shake for about 30-40 seconds until the shaker feels ice-cold.
7. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
8. Place one canned lychee in the glass and hang another on the rim as a garnish.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 martini
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 200Carbohydrates: 15gSugar: 13g

Conclusion

The Nobu Lychee Martini is a cocktail to savor, especially when it brings back memories of great trips and times with friends. I hope this recipe transports you to your favorite moments, whether it’s a special dinner or a fun road trip like ours to Dallas.

Enjoy making this martini, and don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more recipes.