Lemongrass and lychee martini recipe

This twist on the classic martini is as refreshing as it is delicious. A real cocktail party show-stealer

Ingredients

For the lemongrass sugar syrup:

• 175g (5oz) caster sugar
• 225ml (8fl oz) water
• 4 stalks lemon grass, cut into thirds
• 1tbs juniper berries

For each martini:

• 50ml (2fl oz) vodka
• 1tbs lemongrass sugar syrup
• 2tsp lychee juice (from canned lychees)
• 2tsp pomegranate juice
• Sparkling water
• Pomegranate seeds

To garnish:

• Cocktail stick, slice of lime and lychees

Method

1. To make the sugar syrup, mix together the sugar, water, lemongrass and juniper berries in a small saucepan.
2. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 mins, or until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Strain the syrup into a plastic container and refrigerate until ready to use. The syrup can be kept in the fridge for up to a week.
4. To make the martini, fill a cocktail shaker with 1tbs crushed ice. Add the vodka, lemongrass sugar syrup, lychee juice and pomegranate juice, shake until well mixed and chilled. Strain into a martini glass, top up with sparkling water as desired and add a few pomegranate seeds. Slowly pour the pomegranate juice over the back of a spoon so that the juice settles at the bottom of the glass.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with a lychee and lime slice threaded onto a cocktail stick.