Name: Lychee and Orange Blossom Spritzer
Total time: PLACEHOLDER
Ingredients: 1¼ pounds fresh lychees , peeled and pitted; 1/2 teaspoon orange blossom water; 3 cups seltzer , chilled

Why This Recipe Works

While exploring unique fruits with elevated flavor, we decided to create a lychee puree that we could mix into seltzer. Lychee is a Southeast Asian berry that is small and easy to peel; it tastes like strawberry crossed with watermelon. We wanted to play up the naturally present floral notes of lychee and found that the convenience and delicate flavor of orange blossom water both complemented and heightened the lychee flavor. Initially, we experimented with rose water and although we liked it, we favored the more delicate flavor of orange blossom water.

Before You Begin

To prep fresh lychees, be sure to remove the skin and pit. Try to capture any juices that may accumulate on your cutting board. Orange blossom water can be found in the Middle Eastern section of most grocery stores. If fresh lychees are not available, canned lychees can be used instead; make sure to drain and rinse them. Fresh lychees make a rosy pink puree and canned lychees a milky white color.

Instructions

Process lychees and orange blossom water in food processor until smooth, scraping down sides of bowl as needed, about 1 minute. Strain mixture through fine-mesh strainer into pitcher. (Puree can also be stored in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 2 days; transfer puree to pitcher before proceeding.)

Just before serving, gently stir seltzer into puree until combined. Pour into ice-filled glasses. (You can also make a single portion by combining ¼ cup puree and ¾ cup seltzer in glass before adding ice.)