Lychee Margarita

ABV 25% / 3.1 alcoholic units

Primary spirit: Tequila

A Brief History of the Lychee Margarita

The Margarita, one of the world’s most famous cocktails, has been endlessly adapted over the years. While its origins are debated, the lychee variation is a more modern twist that incorporates the delicate and fragrant fruit, commonly used in Asian cuisine. The rise of lychee-flavoured cocktails can be traced back to the growing popularity of exotic ingredients in mixology, particularly in fusion-style drinks that blend Eastern and Western flavors.

Taste and Flavour Profile

The Lychee Margarita is a beautifully balanced cocktail that blends the sweet, floral notes of lychee with the tangy zest of lime and the rich, smooth warmth of reposado tequila. It has a luscious mouthfeel, with hints of honey, citrus, and a delicate tropical finish.

Food Pairings

• Spicy Asian Cuisine – The sweetness of lychee balances out the heat of Thai or Szechuan dishes.
• Grilled Seafood – Complements dishes like grilled prawns or ceviche.
• Light Cheese Platters – Pairs well with creamy cheeses like burrata or goat cheese.

Bar Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Mexican elbow
• Jigger
• Hawthorne strainer
• Margarita or a rocks glass

Ingredients

• 50ml Reposado tequila
• 30ml Lychee liqueur
• 7.5ml Simple syrup*
• 20ml Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Garnish with skewered lychee or lime wheel
  

Method

• Add the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until cooled
• Pour into a chilled margarita or rocks glass with optional ice
• Garnish with skewered lychee or lime wheel

*Simple syrup - 1 part sugar to one part water. Gently heat in a pan until sugar has dissolved and allow to cool

What's the best Tequila for a Lychee Margarita?

The best tequila for a Lychee Margarita cocktail largely depends on your personal preferences and budget. However, many bartenders and Margarita enthusiasts recommend using a good-quality blanco (also known as silver or white) tequila for the best results, however with a Lychee Margarita we prefer reposado tequila for its smoothness:

1. Espolòn Reposado – A fantastic, budget-friendly option with notes of vanilla, roasted agave, and light spice, adding smoothness to your Margarita.
2. Fortaleza Reposado – A top-tier choice with rich agave flavour, butter, and baking spice notes, offering a bold and complex Margarita.
3. El Tesoro Reposado – Aged in bourbon barrels, delivering a balanced blend of sweet oak, pepper, and agave, ideal for a sophisticated Margarita.
4. Herradura Reposado – A classic reposado with warm vanilla, toasted oak, and a silky texture that enhances the cocktail’s smoothness.

Reposado tequila, aged between two months and one year in oak barrels, adds depth and complexity to a Lychee Margarita. Unlike blanco tequila, which is bright and citrus-forward, reposado offers subtle notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, creating a richer and smoother cocktail experience. The slight aging process mellows the agave’s natural sharpness, making for a well-balanced Lychee Margarita with warmth and a more nuanced flavour profile.