Lychee Juice (Litchi Juice): The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink

Lychee juice, also known as litchi juice or lithium juice, is a refreshing and sweet beverage made from the pulpy fruit of the lychee tree (Litchi chinensis).

If you’re looking for a refreshing summer drink, then you’re in the right place. Lychee can be eaten raw or made onto a juice or smoothie. It has various culinary uses as listed below.

What is lychee?

Lychees are small, fragrant fruits with a rough, reddish-pink shell and juicy, translucent flesh.

There are various types of lychee such brewster lychee, early large red lichi, emperor,nuomici,no mai chee,wai chee, hak ip, Mauritius, sweetheart lychee, and kwai mi lychee.

How to make litchi drink

To make lychee juice, the fruit is typically peeled, deseeded, and blended, resulting in a delicious and tropical drink with a distinct lychee flavor.

It’s often enjoyed on its own, mixed into cocktails, or used in various culinary recipes. Lychee juice is not only a flavorful treat but also offers health benefits due to its high vitamin C and antioxidant content.

How to eat lychee fruit

1. Peel: Gently remove the lychee’s outer shell using your fingers or a small knife. The shell is typically reddish or pink and somewhat rough.
2. Discard the Seed: Inside, you’ll find a white, juicy flesh and a seed in the center. Carefully remove the seed and discard it.
3. Enjoy: Pop the juicy, translucent flesh into your mouth. Lychee has a sweet and fragrant flavor. You can also spit out any remaining seeds as you eat.

Culinary uses of litchi fruit

Fresh Consumption

The most straightforward way to enjoy lychee is by peeling and eating the fresh fruit as a delicious and refreshing snack.

Fruit Salads

Lychee adds a sweet and juicy element to fruit salads, enhancing their flavor and texture.

Desserts

Lichi can be used in desserts like ice creams, sorbets, puddings, and fruit tarts to impart a unique tropical sweetness.

Cocktails and Mocktail

Lychee juice or fresh lychee can be used to make cocktails, such as lychee martinis or mojitos, and non-alcoholic mocktails for a fruity twist.

Lychee smoothies

Blending lychee into smoothies with other fruits, yogurt, or milk creates a creamy and tropical beverage.

Salsas and Chutneys

Chopped lychee can be combined with ingredients like red onion, cilantro, and lime juice to make a sweet and savory salsa or chutney to serve with grilled meats or seafood.

Jellies and Preserves

Litchi fruit can be used to make lyche jellies and preserves, preserving its unique flavor for future use.

Asian Cuisine

In Asian cooking, lychee is sometimes added to savory dishes, such as stir-fries, to provide a touch of sweetness and contrast.

Syrups and Sauces

Lychee syrup or sauce can be used as a drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or desserts.

Garnish

Whole lychee fruits or their peeled halves can be used as an attractive garnish for a variety of dishes and drinks.

7 Health benefits of lychee juice

1. High in Antioxidants: Lychee juice is rich in antioxidants, like vitamin C and polyphenols, which can help combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
2. Boosts Immunity: The high vitamin C content in lychee juice supports the immune system, helping the body fight off infections.
3. Aids Digestion: Lychee juice contains dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and promote a healthy gut.
4. Skin Health: Antioxidants in lychee juice can contribute to skin health, reducing signs of aging and promoting a healthy complexion.
5. Hydration: It’s a refreshing and hydrating beverage, making it a good choice for staying hydrated.
6. Heart Health: Some studies suggest that lychee compounds may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues.
7. Weight Management: The fiber in lychee juice can contribute to a feeling of fullness, potentially aiding in weight management

Lychee fruit juice recipe

Let’s make this refreshing summer drink at the comfort of our home, and enjoy its delicious taste essential nutrients it contains.

Lychee Juice recipe

Recipe by GladysCourse: BeverageCuisine: Asian, American, WorldDifficulty: Easy

Servings

1

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Calories

150

kcal

Total time

10

minutes

Here is a simple lychee juice drink recipe to add to your fall smoothie ideas.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (about 450g) fresh lychee fruit

• 2-3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1 cup water

• Ice cubes (optional)

Directions

• Prepare the Lychee
• Start by peeling the lychee fruit. Gently remove the outer shell, exposing the juicy flesh. Make sure to discard any seeds or rough portions.
• Blend the Lychee:
• Place the peeled lychee fruit into a blender. You can also use a food processor. Blend the lychee until it turns into a smooth puree.
• Strain (Optional):
• If you want your juice to be perfectly smooth without any fibrous bits, strain the lychee puree through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl.
• Dilute with Water:
• Pour about a cup of water into the lychee juice to dilute it. Adjust the amount of water to achieve the desired concentration and sweetness.
• Chill and Serve:
• If you prefer your lychee juice cold, refrigerate it for a while, or add ice cubes to a glass before serving. Pour the fresh lychee juice into glasses, garnish with a lychee or mint leaves, and enjoy!

Notes

• Tips and tricks
• When buying lychee, look for fruit with a vibrant color and avoid those with blemishes or signs of damage. Additionally, consider checking the packaging date if you’re buying canned lychee.
• You can adjust the sweetness by using more or less sugar to suit your taste.
• For a more refreshing option, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice.
• Some people enjoy a pinch of salt in their lychee juice for a subtle contrast of flavors

Lichi juice variations and substitutes

Lychee Lemonade: Combine lychee juice with lemon juice and sugar to create a refreshing lychee lemonade.

Lychee Mocktails: Lychee juice can be used as a base for various non-alcoholic mocktails. Add soda, ginger ale, or other fruit juices for a delightful beverage.

Lychee Iced Tea: Mix litchi juice with brewed tea, ice, and a sweetener to create a unique lychee iced tea that’s perfect for hot days.

Lychee Sorbet: Freeze lychee juice with sugar to make a delightful and refreshing lychee sorbet.

Lychee Infused Water: Add a splash of lychee juice to a glass of water for a subtle, fruity flavor.

Lychee Sparkling Water: Combine litchi juice with sparkling water to create a fizzy, low-calorie lychee soda.

Frequently Asked Questions