Lychee Martini

In Chinese culture, lychee is known for its aphrodisiac properties. Lychee is sometimes taken in the form of wine, and is rich in vitamin C and potassium.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup drained canned lychees (15 to 20, from a 16- to 20-oz can)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 6 oz (3/4 cup) vodka (preferably Skyy)
• 1 1/2 oz (3 tablespoons) Cointreau or other orange-flavored liqueur

• Special equipment: a cocktail shaker

Prep

Heat sugar and water in a 1-quart saucepan over high heat, stirring, until sugar is dissolved, then pour into a heatproof bowl set in a large bowl of ice and cold water. Let stand, stirring occasionally, until syrup is cold, about 3 minutes.

Purée lychees with sugar syrup and lemon juice in a blender until smooth, then force through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing hard on solids and then discarding them. Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes and add lychee purée, vodka, and Cointreau. Shake 15 seconds and strain into Martini glasses.