Witch’s Eye Martini Cocktail

This witch’s eye martini is a fun, eerie cocktail perfect for your next Halloween party or spooky happy hour. The blend of vodka, lychee syrup, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, and fresh lime juice creates a refreshing and slightly floral drink chilled with ice. The finishing touch is the “eyeball” garnish made from canned lychees stuffed with blueberries, adding a playful and spooky vibe to your glass.

I first served this at a Halloween potluck where it quickly became the highlight of the evening. The guests loved the spooky presentation and the delicate balance of flavors kept everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

• Canned lychees in light syrup: Well-drained to create the perfect cavity for the blueberry eyeball
• Fresh blueberries: For that realistic dark pupil and a burst of subtle tartness
• Vodka: Preferably high quality and smooth to let delicate flavors shine through
• Lychee syrup: Reserved from the canned lychees adds sweetness and intensifies the lychee flavor
• St-Germain elderflower liqueur: Brings a floral, aromatic note essential for complexity
• Freshly squeezed lime juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness perfectly
• Ice: To chill and lightly dilute the drink for smooth sipping

Instructions

Prepare the Witch’s Eye Garnish:

Carefully tuck a fresh blueberry into the cavity of each drained canned lychee to form an eyeball. Use gentle pressure to avoid tearing the lychee skin. Chill the prepared eyeballs in the refrigerator while mixing to keep them firm and enhance the eerie effect.

Mix the Martini:

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in vodka, reserved lychee syrup, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels frosty, ensuring the ingredients are thoroughly chilled and well combined.

Assemble the Cocktail:

Strain the cocktail into a well-chilled martini or coupe glass for a crisp and frosty presentation. Thread each eerie eyeball onto a cocktail pick or skewer to rest gently on the rim or place directly in the glass for a spooky finishing touch.

The lychee and elderflower flavors are my absolute favorite in this cocktail. I remember the first time I made these eyeball garnishes late one night and how they amazed my friends during a spooky gathering. It has since become a tradition to bring this cocktail out every Halloween to spark creativity and laughter.

Storage tips

You can assemble the lychee and blueberry eyeballs up to a day in advance and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge to save time on the day of your party. Keep your martini glasses in the freezer for at least ten minutes before serving for the best chill. The cocktail itself is best served fresh but can be mixed and lightly chilled briefly beforehand.

Ingredient substitutions

Try swapping vodka with a quality gin for a botanical twist that pairs beautifully with elderflower and lychee’s gentle sweetness. For an earthier and floral flair, replace St-Germain elderflower liqueur with Crème de Violette, which also adds a captivating violet color. For a unique floral profile, rose syrup can be used instead of lychee syrup, lending a subtle perfume that complements the blueberry garnish.

Serving suggestions

Rim your glass with colored sugar or smoked salt to add an intriguing layer of texture and flavor. This cocktail is a fantastic pairing with savory canapés or bold cheeses like blue cheese or aged cheddar, offering a balanced bite alongside the sweet and floral martini.

This Witch’s Eye Martini is an easy showstopping cocktail that combines floral and fruity notes with spooky presentation. Make the garnish ahead to save time and serve chilled for the best experience.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How do I make the blueberry lychee garnish?

Carefully insert a fresh blueberry into the cavity of each drained canned lychee to create an 'eyeball.' Chill before serving to keep them firm and chilled.

→ Can I prepare the garnish in advance?

Yes, assemble the lychee 'eyeballs' up to one day ahead, store in an airtight container in the fridge, and pat dry before serving for best texture.

→ How can I adjust sweetness if needed?

Add extra fresh lime juice gradually to balance sweetness, or dilute with a splash of soda water if the drink is too sugary.

→ What are good substitution options for the alcohol?

Use gin instead of vodka for herbal notes, or replace St-Germain elderflower liqueur with Crème de Violette for a floral twist and deeper color.

→ How should I serve this martini for best effect?

Pre-chill your glassware, garnish with the lychee-blueberry 'eyes,' and consider rimming glasses with colored sugar or smoked salt for extra intrigue.