Enid P. Saldana of San Juan, Puerto Rico, writes: "I would love to get the recipe for the lychee Martini they serve at Kittichai, in New York City."

　　This summer, enjoy a vodka Martini with a real twist — lychee. The exotic sweetness of the fruit brightens the citrus flavors in this truly refreshing drink.

　　

Ingredients

Serves 2

　　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

　　

Step 1

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.

　　

Step 2

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.