normally, i discover all my fun produce finds at a small market, asian market or produce store. 

but every once in a while trader joe's really comes through with a fun ingredient. i was making my regular rounds through all my local food stores this week and in the corner of the cold case, next to some raspberries i found LYCHEE!!! 

if you have never had a lychee, think of it as a tropical grape with a big pit and skin you peel off. the flesh is sweet, juicy and makes me feel like i'm on vacation somewhere warm. there is no doubt they are a treat. and they are EXCELLENT in a martini.

so head to your local trader joe's this weekend, grab yourself a pack, and be prepared to be wowed. and buzzed. you are welcome. 

lychee martini

serves: 1 cocktail

prep time: 3 minutes

active time: 2 minutes

total time: 5 minutes

ingredients: 2.5 oz vodka. .5 oz lime juice. 5 lychee, peeled. .5 cup ice. shaker. muddler. martini glass. 

start by popping your martini glass into the freezer to chill. then, pour the vodka and lime juice in the cup of your shaker.

use your fingers to break up the lychee flesh from 3 of the fruit over the shaker (you don't want t lose any juice) and then toss the flesh of the lychee into the shaker.

use your muddler to smash up your lychee into the liquid.

add your ice. shake well till everything is combined and well chilled. skewer the remaining two lychee for garnish. grab your chilled martini glass and add in your skewered lychee.pour the contents of the shaker into the martini glass.

serve and enjoy. 

xo, a

lychee martini

serves: 1 cocktail

prep time: 3 minutes

active time: 2 minutes

total time: 5 minutes

ingredients: 2.5 oz vodka. .5 oz lime juice. 5 lychee, peeled. .5 cup ice. shaker. muddler. martini glass. 

start by popping your martini glass into the freezer to chill. then, pour the vodka and lime juice in the cup of your shaker. use your fingers to break up the lychee flesh from 3 of the fruit over the shaker (you don't want t lose any juice) and then toss the flesh of the lychee into the shaker. use your muddler to smash up your lychee into the liquid. add your ice. shake well till everything is combined and well chilled. skewer the remaining two lychee for garnish. grab your chilled martini glass and add in your skewered lychee. pour the contents of the shaker into the martini glass. serve and enjoy.