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This witch’s eye martini is a fun, eerie cocktail perfect for setting the mood at your next Halloween party or any spooky themed gathering. The blend of vodka, lychee syrup, StGermain elderflower liqueur, and fresh lime juice creates a bright, floral, and slightly sweet drink. The real showstopper is the garnish — lychees stuffed with blueberries that look like floating eyeballs, making it both delicious and delightfully creepy.
I first made this during a Halloween potluck and it was the hit of the evening. Friends kept asking for the recipe, and it’s now a seasonal favorite that brings out laughter and conversation every time.
Ingredients
- Lychees: Four canned lychees in light syrup drained — these are the base of the garnish and bring subtle sweetness. Choose firm lychees so they can hold the blueberry without tearing.
- Blueberries: Four fresh blueberries — these create the eye “pupils” and add a burst of color and texture.
- Vodka: Four fluid ounces vodka — use a clean, smooth vodka to let the delicate elderflower and lychee flavors shine through.
- Lychee syrup: Two fluid ounces lychee syrup reserved from the canned lychees — adds natural sweetness and intensifies the lychee flavor.
- StGermain elderflower liqueur: One fluid ounce StGermain elderflower liqueur — contributes floral notes that elevate the cocktail’s elegance.
- Lime juice: One fluid ounce freshly squeezed lime juice — balances the sweetness with bright acidity and keeps the drink fresh.
- Ice: Ice — necessary to chill and dilute the cocktail just the right amount.
Instructions
- Prepare the Witch’s Eye Garnish:
- Carefully tuck a fresh blueberry into the cavity of each drained canned lychee to resemble an eyeball. Handle the lychees gently to avoid tearing. Place the finished eyeballs in the refrigerator so they stay chilled and firm while you prepare the drink.
- Mix the Martini:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice. Pour in the vodka, reserved lychee syrup, elderflower liqueur, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds until the mixture is frosty and well blended.
- Assemble the Cocktail:
- Strain the chilled mixture into a martini or coupe glass that you have prechilled for best results. For a dramatic spooky effect, thread each blueberrystuffed lychee onto a cocktail pick and balance it on the glass rim or drop one directly into the drink. This finish brings the eerie “witch’s eye” theme to life.
I love the lycheeelderflower combo — it feels floral and light but still interesting. The garnish always gets laughter and amazement from guests. One Halloween potluck I hosted, these drinks sparked the best conversation and a lot of photo snapping.
Storage Tips
Make your blueberrystuffed lychee garnishes up to one day ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Pat them dry before serving to keep the texture just right. The cocktail itself is best served freshly shaken but you can prepare the mix without ice and keep it chilled for a few hours.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try substituting vodka with a quality gin to add botanical complexity that pairs beautifully with elderflower and lychees floral notes. Swap StGermain elderflower liqueur with Crème de Violette for a violet color and earthier floral flavor. Replace lychee syrup with rose syrup for a subtly perfumed twist that’s elegant with the blueberry garnish.
Serving Suggestions
Rim your glass with colored sugar or smoked salt to add visual and flavor intrigue for parties. Pairs wonderfully with savory canapés or cheese platters featuring bold flavors like blue cheese or aged cheddar to balance the drink’s sweetness.
Serve these martinis chilled with the blueberrystuffed lychee garnish for maximum effect. They’re an easy, festive cocktail that always sparks conversation.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → How do I prevent lychees from tearing when inserting blueberries?
Handle lychees gently and use your finger or a small spoon to widen the cavity before placing blueberries. Choose ripe but firm lychees to avoid splitting.
- → Can the blueberry lychee garnish be made ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the eyeballs up to one day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for best texture.
- → How can I adjust sweetness if the drink is too sugary?
Add fresh lime juice a few drops at a time and shake again. Optionally, dilute slightly with soda water before serving.
- → Is there a non-alcoholic version for this drink?
Yes, substitute vodka and elderflower liqueur with white grape juice and elderflower cordial, then follow the same preparation steps.
- → What glassware works best for serving?
Pre-chilled martini or coupe glasses keep the drink icy cold longer and enhance clarity for an elegant presentation.