Lychee Bayberry Drink
About This Dish
This is what I make when I want something that feels fancy but doesn't require much effort. Lychees are sweet and floral, bayberries are tart and juicy, and together they make this drink that's somehow both refreshing and indulgent. I first had something like this at a fancy restaurant, and I couldn't believe how simple it was to recreate at home. The key is using good fruit—if your lychees or bayberries aren't great, the whole thing will be bland. But when you get good ones, it's incredible. I make this in the summer when both fruits are in season, or whenever I want something that makes me feel like I'm on vacation.
Flavors
Nutrition Information
Ingredients
- Fresh lychees
- Fresh bayberries (or frozen)
- Green tea or jasmine tea
- Honey or simple syrup
- Ice
- Mint leaves
- Lemon juice
Instructions
-
1
Brew your tea and let it cool completely. Green tea or jasmine tea works best—they're light and won't overpower the fruit.
-
2
Peel and pit the lychees. You want them whole or halved, depending on how big they are.
-
3
If you're using fresh bayberries, wash them. If frozen, let them thaw slightly.
-
4
In a pitcher, combine the cooled tea with the lychees and bayberries.
-
5
Add a squeeze of lemon juice and sweeten with honey or simple syrup to taste.
-
6
Add mint leaves and let everything steep in the fridge for at least an hour, or overnight if you can wait.
-
7
Serve over ice. You can eat the fruit as you drink, or strain it out if you prefer.
-
8
Garnish with fresh mint or a slice of lemon if you want it to look extra pretty.
Cooking Tips
- Use fresh, ripe fruit. This drink is all about the fruit flavor, so if your fruit isn't good, the drink won't be either.
- Let it steep for a while. The longer the fruit sits in the tea, the more flavor it infuses.
- If you can't find fresh bayberries, frozen ones work fine. Just let them thaw a bit before using.
- This keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, but the fruit will get soft. Strain it out if that bothers you.
Quick Summary
Brew light tea, let it cool, then steep with fresh lychees and bayberries in the fridge. Add lemon juice and honey to taste.
