Cocktail Friday: Orange-Lychee Punch

Warm sunshine, bright blue skies, and a clear view of Mt. Fuji. All the makings of a fabulous sunny-springy-happy-cleaning weekend. While I don’t always enjoy cleaning, spring cleaning is something completely different. Spring cleaning is like getting rid of all the snirt (snow+dirt…say it out loud- it’s fun) that has gathered along the streets and sidewalks and replacing it with fresh green grass and colorful tulips. Or like going to sleep with the sound of rain outside and waking up to a crystal clear, sun-filled morning.

For the past 8 years or so, spring has also meant that it is time to move. Moving can be horrendous. All the packing and labeling of boxes seems like a form of torture. In the case of moving apartments, especially in Japan, cleaning becomes critical. If the apartment looks like no one has lived in it, you *might* get your full deposit back. Since we are indeed moving (again) this spring, I decided it would be appropriate to make a cocktail that would make the experience a little less troublesome. Moving is way more fun with a cocktail in hand, non?

Fresh squeezed orange juice and the unique flavor of lychee liquor make this punch colorful and bursting with bright flavor. The addition of tonic water provides a refreshing, bubbly sensation that is perfect for a refreshing break from the boxes and heavy lifting. Or to help combat the beads of sweat on your forehead from the hard work involved with spring cleaning.

No matter what you happen to be doing this weekend, or if spring has yet to make its way to your part of the world, this cocktail will surely remind you of the warm spring sun in one way or another.

Orange-Lychee Punch
Makes 1 cocktail

2 oz. gin
1 oz. lychee liquor
juice of 1 large navel orange
tonic water
mint leaves & orange wedge (cut before juicing the orange) for garnish
ice

In a cocktail shaker over ice, add the gin, lychee liquor and orange juice. Shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds. Pour into a glass with ice. Top with the tonic water and garnish with the mint leaves and orange wedge.

Tagged as: Appetizers/Side Dishes, Cocktail Friday, Cocktails, Dessert