Ingredients:

  • 2 oz premium grain-based vodka
  • 0.5 oz dry vermouth
  • 1.5 oz lychee syrup reserved from canned lychees in heavy syrup
  • 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice, strained
  • 2 whole canned lychees for garnish
  • 1 cup ice cubes for shaking

Instructions:

  1. Place a martini glass or coupe in the freezer for at least 15 minutes to ensure a sub-zero serving temperature.
  2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, dry vermouth, lychee syrup, and fresh lemon juice. Do not add ice yet to ensure precise measurement without premature dilution.
  3. Fill the shaker to the brim with large, solid ice cubes. Seal tightly and shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds until the exterior of the shaker is frost-rimmed and extremely cold.
  4. Double-strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh sieve into the chilled glass to remove all ice shards and ensure a velvety texture.
  5. Garnish with two whole lychees on a cocktail pick and serve immediately.