Calories:~200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:~14g
Alcohol:~22%
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 16, 2024
The China Martini is an exotic twist on the classic Martini, infusing the traditional gin and vermouth base with the sweet and fragrant notes of lychee and a hint of citrus from the triple sec. It's a relatively modern concoction, likely inspired by the global trend of incorporating Asian flavors into Western-style cocktails. This drink is perfect for those who appreciate a balance of sweet and strong flavors, and it's especially popular among fans of fruit-infused cocktails.
The China Martini offers a harmonious blend of botanical gin notes with the lush sweetness of lychee, complemented by a subtle citrus undertone from the triple sec. The dry vermouth provides a sophisticated herbal counterpoint, creating a cocktail that is both aromatic and complex. It's a sweet, yet strong drink with a silky texture and a lingering floral aftertaste.
A few good options for China Martini are:
The sturdy backbone of any martini, Hayman's provides a classic dry profile which perfectly complements the sweet lychee liqueur. No gin, no grin! Without it, you'd miss the herbal kick that defines a martini. Try using a different brand of London Dry Gin if Hayman's isn't on your shelf—each has its own botanical nuances, which can slightly alter the drink's character.
This sweet, floral liqueur introduces an exotic twist to the cocktail, adding a touch of the East. Without it, you'd lose the 'China' in your China Martini! If you can't find Kwai Feh, any lychee liqueur will do—though flavors may vary.
A dash of Triple Sec gives a kick of orangey zest, lifting the overall flavor profile. Leaving it out would make the cocktail less complex. Cointreau could be a classy substitute if you're feeling fancy.
It's all about balance. Dry Vermouth brings herbaceous notes and a necessary dryness, keeping the drink sophisticated and not too sweet. Substitute with another dry vermouth if need be—each one will bring its own herbal whisper to the mix.
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Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingIf you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
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You can substitute the lychee liqueur with another fruit liqueur of your preference that doesn't trigger your allergy, keeping in mind this will alter the flavor profile of the cocktail.
Yes, the China Martini ingredients listed are vegan-friendly, but always check individual brand ingredients to ensure they align with vegan standards.
The China Martini, being rich and aromatic, is an excellent choice for pre-dinner drinks or a sophisticated cocktail hour.
Yes, you can pre-mix a larger quantity, keeping the ratios consistent. Serve it stirred with ice and strained into individual glasses to maintain the proper dilution and temperature.
Apart from a lychee fruit, you can garnish with a twist of orange peel or a cocktail cherry to complement the fruity flavors.
Chilling a martini glass in the freezer for about 20 minutes should suffice; otherwise, fill it with ice and cold water for a quick chill while you mix the drink.
Stirring gently chills and dilutes a martini without adding air bubbles, providing a clear and smooth drink, while shaking creates a colder, slightly frothy cocktail with tiny ice shards.
While dry vermouth is recommended for a China Martini, you can experiment with other vermouths like Blanc or even a sweet vermouth, though this will change the cocktail's character.
The Vancouver cocktail offers a complex and refined taste. It's a harmonious blend of the botanicals in gin with the sweet and herbal notes from the vermouth and Benedictine. The orange bitters add a subtle citrus zing, creating a balanced, smooth, and slightly sweet sip with a warm, aromatic finish.
The Iron Ranger cocktail offers a robust and warming taste from the high-proof bourbon, which is perfectly balanced with the tartness of the lemon juice and the tropical sweetness of the pineapple juice. The velvet falernum adds a touch of spice and sweetness, while the bitters provide a complex aromatic finish. The garnish of mint and cinnamon adds a refreshing and fragrant touch to this bold concoction.
The Rose Mint Julep offers a harmonious blend of smooth, oaky bourbon with a sweet, floral hint from the rose syrup. The fresh mint provides a cooling sensation, making the drink refreshing. It's a well-balanced cocktail with a robust foundation softened by the delicate rose.
The Cherry Blossom cocktail has a delicate, fruity, and floral taste. It is slightly sweet, with a hint of tartness from the cherry and citrus flavors. The floral notes from the elderflower liqueur add a touch of sophistication, while the gin provides a subtle, refreshing kick.
The Daiquiri Blossom is a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and floral flavors. The tartness of the lime juice is complemented by the sweetness of the simple syrup, while the elderflower liqueur adds a delicate, fragrant touch. The rum provides a smooth, warming base that ties everything together.
The Honey Bee cocktail offers a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and floral flavors. The honey lends a rich, velvety sweetness, while the lemon juice provides a bright, tangy contrast. The rum adds warmth and depth, making this cocktail both refreshing and satisfying.
The Oaxacan Old Fashioned is a complex, smoky, and slightly sweet cocktail with a rich, velvety texture. The mezcal provides an earthy, smoky backbone, while the agave syrup adds a touch of sweetness and the Angostura bitters bring a subtle bitterness to balance the flavors.
The Oaxaca cocktail is a complex and well-balanced drink with a smoky, sweet, and slightly bitter taste. It has a rich and velvety texture, with a hint of spice and a lingering warmth.
The Polar Bear is a cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It's strong, with the mezcal providing a smoky base, while the vermouth adds a touch of sweetness. The creme de menthe gives it a refreshing minty taste, and the angelica tincture or celery bitters add a hint of bitterness. It's a cocktail that's both refreshing and warming, perfect for a cold winter's night.
The Apple Martini has a sweet and sour taste, with a crisp and refreshing apple flavor. It is well-balanced, with a slight tartness from the apple and a smooth, velvety finish from the vodka.
The Vesper Martini has a strong, bold, and slightly bitter taste with a smooth, silky finish. The combination of gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc creates a complex, well-balanced flavor profile that is both refreshing and invigorating.
The Lemon Drop Martini has a bright, zesty, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of lemon juice and simple syrup creates a perfect balance of sour and sweet, while the vodka adds a smooth and strong kick. The sugar rim adds an extra touch of sweetness to each sip.
The Long Island Iced Tea is a complex blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of cola and sour mix with the boldness of multiple spirits. It is a strong, yet surprisingly smooth cocktail with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
The Kamikaze cocktail has a refreshing, tangy taste with a hint of sweetness. It is a well-balanced mix of sour, sweet, and strong flavors, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy citrus-based cocktails.
The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a well-balanced, refreshing cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It has a tart, citrusy taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the triple sec, a herbal bitterness from the absinthe, and a crisp, dry finish from the gin.
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
The Dirty Martini has a bold, savory taste with a hint of saltiness from the olive brine. It is a strong, slightly bitter cocktail with a smooth finish.
The Adonis cocktail is light, refreshing, and slightly sweet with a hint of bitterness. The combination of sherry and vermouth creates a complex and well-balanced flavor profile.
The Negroni is a well-balanced cocktail with a bitter, sweet, and herbal taste. It has a strong, bold flavor with a hint of citrus and a smooth, velvety finish.
The Gimlet cocktail has a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of gin and lime juice creates a refreshing and crisp flavor, while the simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity. The overall taste is clean, sharp, and invigorating.
The Tom Collins has a refreshing, slightly sour, and mildly sweet taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a smooth and light texture, making it easy to drink and enjoy.
The Lychee Martini has a delicate, sweet, and slightly floral taste with a hint of tartness. The lychee fruit adds a unique and exotic flavor, while the vodka provides a smooth and clean finish.
The Lychee Soju cocktail is a sweet, fruity, and refreshing drink. The lychee adds a distinct tropical sweetness, while the Soju provides a smooth, slightly sweet, and clean finish. It's a light cocktail that's perfect for a hot summer day.
