Belvedere vodka, Martini Ambrato, lychee cordial & curry leaf — Trishna London
Martini Riserva Speciale Ambrato is one of the finest vermouths in production — made by Martini with some of the oldest techniques, it uses camomile, marigold, and wheat as its defining botanicals alongside the classic vermouth herbs. Its golden colour and slightly honey-floral character pair brilliantly with lychee's grape-rose aroma. Trishna's Lychee Martini adds the curry leaf (kadi patta) at the end — the iconic leaf of South Indian tempering, with a flavour that combines lime leaf, citrus zest, and something entirely its own. A single curry leaf in a lychee martini might sound unexpected, but at Trishna — a restaurant that has built its reputation on precisely this kind of ingredient intelligence — it transforms the drink entirely.
Martini Riserva Speciale Ambrato is available at Waitrose, Selfridges, and Harvey Nichols. It is significantly more complex than standard Martini Bianco and worth seeking out. Fresh curry leaves are essential — dried curry leaves are flavourless. The lychee cordial adds sweetness; if using fresh lychee purée which is less sweet, add 5ml simple syrup.
For a more aromatic version, substitute Citadelle gin for the vodka — the botanical complexity increases significantly.
One of London's most celebrated Indian restaurants, Trishna is known for extraordinary Keralan-influenced seafood and an exceptional cocktail programme. The bar team draws on coastal Indian botanicals — coconut, raw mango, curry leaf, kokum — to create drinks that feel as considered as the kitchen's cooking.
Visit trishnarestaurant.com