2oz60ml lychee juice (or syrup from canned lychees)
4-5fresh or canned lychees
1oz30ml freshly squeezed lime juice
1oz30ml ginger syrup*
4oz120ml tonic water
Fresh mint leavesfor garnish
Ice cubes
Lime wheelfor garnish
*For ginger syrup:
Combine 1 cup water1 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup sliced fresh ginger in a saucepan.
Bring to a boilthen simmer for 10 minutes. Cool and strain.
Instructions
Prepare the glass: Fill a highball glass with ice cubes and set aside.
Muddle the lychees: Place 3-4 lychees in the cocktail shaker and gently muddle to release juice and break them up.
Add liquids: Pour in the lychee juice, fresh lime juice, and ginger syrup.
Shake: Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
Strain and finish: Strain the mixture into the prepared glass. Top with tonic water and stir gently.
Garnish: Add a fresh lychee, lime wheel, and mint leaves on top.
The key to this mocktail is balancing the sweet lychee with the spicy ginger and tart lime. Taste and adjust proportions as needed.
Notes
This mocktail can be easily modified to suit different preferences. For a spicier version, add a thin slice of fresh ginger as garnish or increase the ginger syrup.For a sweeter drink, use more lychee juice or add a touch of simple syrup. The recipe works well as a batch cocktail for parties—simply multiply the ingredients and mix in a pitcher, adding tonic water just before serving.Store homemade ginger syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For an alcoholic variation, add 1.5 oz of vodka or white rum to the shaker before mixing.Children love a simplified version made with just lychee juice and ginger ale instead of tonic water.