Some drinks are made for slow afternoons and warm evenings light, cooling, and full of natural flavours. Lychee Spritz is one such drink. It combines the gentle sweetness of lychees with the floral tartness of hibiscus tea, lifted by the sparkle of soda water. The result is a drink that feels refreshing yet balanced, simple yet special.
This spritz is easy to prepare, needing only a few ingredients and very little effort. Unlike shop-bought drinks that rely on artificial flavourings or excess sugar, this version is made with Zama’s fresh lychees, Zama’s hibiscus tea, and sparkling water. It’s a drink that celebrates real ingredients and reminds us that simple combinations can be the most enjoyable.
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Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Brew Time: 4–5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 2–3 glasses
Ingredients
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1 cup fresh lychees, peeled and pitted
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1 teaspoon Zama’s hibiscus tea
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1 cup hot water (for brewing the tea)
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Sparkling water or soda, as needed
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Ice cubes
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Brew the Hibiscus Tea
In a teapot or cup, add 1 teaspoon of Zama’s hibiscus tea to 1 cup of hot water. Let it steep for 4–5 minutes until the water takes on a deep red colour. Strain the tea and set it aside to cool. Once it reaches room temperature, place it in the fridge to chill.
Step 2: Prepare the Lychee Pulp
Peel the lychees, remove the stones, and blend the flesh into a smooth pulp. If you prefer a clearer drink, you can strain the pulp, but keeping it in makes the spritz richer and more natural.
Step 3: Assemble the Drink
In a glass, add 2–3 tablespoons of lychee pulp. Fill the glass with ice cubes, then add a splash of sparkling water. Top it with chilled hibiscus tea, leaving space at the top for the bubbles to settle.
Step 4: Stir and Serve
Give the drink a gentle stir so the flavours combine without losing too much fizz. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing mix of sweet, floral, and sparkling notes.
Serving Ideas
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For Gatherings: Prepare the hibiscus tea and lychee pulp in advance. Keep them chilled, and assemble the spritz just before serving.
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As a Welcome Drink: Offer this instead of packaged fizzy drinks or juices. It feels thoughtful and refreshing.
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With Meals: The light tartness of hibiscus pairs well with spicy food, making it a good companion for Indian curries or grilled dishes.
Variations
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Lychee Mint Spritz: Add a few crushed mint leaves along with the lychee pulp for a herbal touch.
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Spiced Spritz: A pinch of black salt or a slice of ginger can add depth to the flavour.
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Lychee Lemon Spritz: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness.
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Sweetened Version: If you prefer it sweeter, stir in a spoonful of honey or jaggery syrup before adding the sparkling water.
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Iced Tea Twist: Make a larger batch of hibiscus tea, mix it with lychee pulp, and serve it as an iced tea without sparkling water.
Zama Tip
When brewing hibiscus tea, do not over-steep it. More than 5 minutes can make the tea too sharp and overpower the gentle sweetness of lychee. Keep the brew light and balanced so both flavours shine equally in the spritz.
FAQ
Q. Can I use tinned lychees instead of fresh?
A. Yes, but fresh lychees give the best flavour. If using tinned, rinse them lightly to reduce excess syrup sweetness before blending.
Q. Can I make this drink ahead of time?
A. You can prepare the hibiscus tea and lychee pulp in advance and keep them chilled. Assemble with sparkling water only when ready to serve.
Q. What if I don’t have sparkling water?
A. You can use plain chilled water. It won’t have the fizz, but the flavours will still be refreshing.
Q. Can I sweeten the drink?
A. Yes. A spoonful of honey, agave, or jaggery syrup can be mixed into the pulp if you like it sweeter.
Q. Is hibiscus tea safe for everyone?
A. Hibiscus tea is generally safe, but if you have blood pressure concerns or specific medical conditions, consult your doctor before consuming it regularly.
Q. How long does the hibiscus tea last once brewed?
A. Chilled hibiscus tea stays fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge. Lychee pulp should also be used within 1–2 days for best taste.
This Lychee Spritz is simple to make, naturally flavourful, and a wonderful way to enjoy fresh seasonal ingredients. Whether you prepare it for yourself on a quiet afternoon or serve it to guests, it’s a drink that feels refreshing and satisfying every single time.
