Litchi & Mint Sparkler
A refreshing, fizzy cooler that celebrates the floral sweetness of litchi balanced with bright, cooling mint. Light and bubbly, this non-alcoholic sparkler comes together in just 10 minutes and is perfect for summer gatherings or as a vibrant palate cleanser.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Peel and deseed the litchis.
Remove the skin from the litchis, then carefully extract the seed from each fruit, collecting the translucent white flesh in a bowl.
TIPUse kitchen shears to snip the top of the litchi for easier peeling. - mix · ~1 min
Blend the litchi and mint base.
In a blender, combine the litchi flesh, mint leaves, sugar, lime juice, salt, and 100 ml of the chilled sparkling water. Blend until completely smooth.
TIPBlend in short pulses first to break down the mint, then run continuously for a smooth puree. - prep · ~2 min
Strain the mixture.
Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer set over a pitcher. Press the pulp gently with a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible without forcing the pulp through.
TIPDon't push too hard; you want a clear, beautiful sparkler, not a cloudy drink. - mix · ~1 min
Top with sparkling water and stir gently.
Pour the remaining chilled sparkling water into the pitcher with the strained litchi-mint syrup. Stir gently just to combine, preserving the fizz.
- assemble · ~1 min
Fill glasses with ice and pour.
Fill serving glasses with ice cubes. Pour the sparkler over the ice, garnish each glass with a fresh mint sprig, and serve immediately.
TIPChill the glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes beforehand for an extra-crisp serve.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use ripe, fragrant litchis for the most intense floral sweetness.
- 2Chill all ingredients and glasses beforehand to keep the sparkler crisp.
- 3Blend the mint in short pulses first to avoid over-blending and bitterness.
- 4Strain gently; pressing too hard forces pulp through and clouds the drink.
- 5Add the sparkling water just before serving to preserve maximum fizz.
- 6For a stronger mint kick, muddle a few extra leaves in the glass before pouring.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-sugar
Replace granulated sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of honey or agave syrup, or skip sweetener entirely if your litchis are very ripe.
herb swapHerb-swap
Substitute mint with basil, lemongrass, or a few sprigs of fresh rosemary for a different aromatic profile.
spicedSpiced
Add a small pinch of black salt (kala namak) or a few drops of rose water for an Indian chaat-inspired twist.
boozyBoozy
Turn it into a cocktail by adding 60 ml of vodka, gin, or white rum per serving before topping with sparkling water.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Litchis are a good source of vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
Hydrating and Low-Calorie
This sparkler is primarily water-based and uses natural fruit sweetness, making it a light, refreshing alternative to sugary sodas.
Digestive Aid
Fresh mint and lime juice are traditionally known to soothe digestion and add a zesty, cleansing note.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, drain canned litchis well (they're often packed in syrup, so adjust sugar to taste). Thaw frozen litchis completely and pat dry before blending.
