Lychee Mocktail Recipe: Make This Zero-Proof Fruity Beverage At Home
The tropical lychee fruit is popular within India for being a summer season special – used across a variety of culinary applications – including chutneys, desserts and jams. In mixology, the fruit is used as a foundational flavour base across cocktails and mocktails – its pulpy texture being utilised in garnishes and the juice for blending with other ingredients. For a lychee mocktail, the key to its taste lies in balancing flavours from various ingredients – sweet, sour and herbal. Depending on the style that is adapted for its making and the treatment of the key ingredient, the non-alcoholic beverage can be served in a variety of different ways, at any time of day and modified to accommodate other vibrant and complementary ingredients.
Lychee Mocktail Recipe For Two
Ingredients
- 60 ml lychee puree
- 30 ml lime juice
- 30 ml elderflower cordial
- Soda water, to top up
- Mint sprigs, for garnish
- Lime wheel, for garnish
Method
- In a serving glass, add the lychee puree, lime juice and elderflower cordial.
- Using a bar spoon, stir well to combine before filling up with ice and topping with soda water.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprigs before serving.
Key Tips To Make The Perfect Lychee Mocktail
- Using a homemade puree is significantly better for authentic flavour as well as freshness, since it also enables control over texture and consistency.
- If fresh herbs are not a preference, consider using herb-infused oils to top up the cocktail for aroma and a layer of flavour. Think mint, rosemary or basil infused oils – of which a few drops can do wonders for its overall taste.
- For a livelier texture, swap soda water with sparkling water or flavoured tonic water – which contributes additional fizz and elevates the sophistication of the drink.
- Swap the garnishes according to aesthetic preference – skewer seasonal berries to place on the rim, use a few edible flowers or even ginger slices which match the appearance of the drink.
- Swap the elderflower cordial for half the quantity of orange blossom water or rose water – if enhancing the floral note sounds favourable.
