Looking for a cocktail that’s both refreshing and just a little bit different? The Lychee Lime Sling brings together the sweet punch of lychee and that familiar tang of lime for a drink that’ll surprise and impress your guests.
This simple, elegant drink features fresh lychee fruit, zesty lime juice, and spirits for a balanced cocktail that’s perfect when the weather’s warm. The tropical flavors make it a standout for summer parties—or honestly, whenever you want something a bit special.
The Lychee Lime Sling doesn’t just taste good—it looks beautiful, too. That pale pink color and a few thoughtful garnishes turn it into a real showstopper. You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients either, but wow, does the flavor pop.
Lychee Lime Sling Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Muddler
- Strainer
- Highball glass
- Ice cube tray
- Cocktail stirrer
- Knife for cutting fruit
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
For one cocktail:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lychee syrup from canned lychees
- 3-4 lychees canned or fresh
- 1 oz fresh lime juice about 1 medium lime
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 2 oz club soda
- Ice cubes
- Lime wheel and lychee for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the glass – Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Muddle the fruit – Drop 2-3 lychees in your shaker and gently muddle them. You want the juice, not a puree.
- Mix the cocktail – Add gin, lychee syrup, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. Throw in some ice and shake it like you mean it for about 15-20 seconds.
- Strain and finish – Pour everything into your prepared glass. Top with club soda and give it a gentle stir.
- Garnish – Pop on a lime wheel and a whole lychee (skewered if you’re feeling fancy).
- Let it sit for half a minute or so. The flavors come together a bit more if you’re patient.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
The Lychee Lime Sling is bright, crisp, and refreshingly different. Lychee brings a smooth, floral sweetness that’s not overpowering—it’s more of a gentle nudge than a sugar rush.
First sip, you’ll get that exotic lychee flavor—fruity and just a little floral. It’s unique but not too out-there.
Lime steps in with a sharp, citrusy edge, cutting through the sweetness and keeping things balanced. It’s not too sweet, not too tart—just right.
Flavor Profile Breakdown:
- Primary: Sweet lychee with floral notes
- Secondary: Tart lime with zesty brightness
- Finish: Clean, slightly sweet with a gentle citrus aftertaste
The mouthfeel? Light and lively, thanks to the club soda fizz. It really wakes up the flavors.
Serve it cold—seriously, temperature makes a huge difference. As it warms up, the sweetness comes forward, but honestly, it’s best icy.
Those garnishes aren’t just for looks. Fresh lime and lychee on top give you a little aroma hit before you even take a sip.
Try it alongside light appetizers, especially Asian-inspired bites with similar flavors. It’s a solid match.
Substitute
If you don’t have lychee on hand, canned lychee is honestly just as good. The syrup in the can brings a nice extra sweetness, too.
No limes in your kitchen? Go for lemons instead.
The taste will shift a bit, but it’s still bright and refreshing.
For the gin base, vodka steps in as a solid alternative.
It gives you a more neutral flavor, so the fruit really gets to be the star.
Can’t find lychee liqueur? Just mix equal parts lychee syrup and vodka—it’s not perfect, but it works in a pinch.
Club soda out of stock? Swap in sparkling water, or even tonic if you like a little bitterness.
Tonic changes the vibe, but some folks love it.
For something totally different, try dragon fruit instead of lychee.
The color pops and the flavor’s pretty mellow—why not?