Lychee Martini

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld declares that her absolute favorite food combination is the sea bass enhanced with a lychee martini at Indochine in the East Village, this is what she always orders when dining there. If you are in the mood for an exotic treat, try the refreshing lychee martini which is inspired by flavors of Asian influence. Lychee trees grow natively in southeast Asia and the fruit bears a slight citrus flavor with floral tones that makes for a delightful drink. Below is a recipe to mix your own lychee martini.

Ingredients

• 3 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce lychee syrup
• 1 ounce Triple Sec
• 4 ice cubes
• 1 or 2 lychees, peeled and pitted

Preparation

1. Add 3 ounces vodka, 1 ounce lychee syrup, 1 ounce Triple Sec, and 4 ice cubes to shaker.
2. Cover and shake.
3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
4. Garnish with peeled lychees and serve.

Here are a few tips to help you achieve the perfect lychee martini... The quality of the lychee flavor determines the authentic taste of the martini and colors the drink experience. Natural lychee syrup from fresh fruit imparts the best flavor as purists say that lychee liquor can leave a processed taste behind. If fresh lychees are not in season, use lychee juice as a substitute. Garnish with fresh peeled and seeded lychees on a skewer. If you cannot find fresh fruit, frozen or canned lychees will work instead. Dip the rim of the martini glass into crystallized ginger before you pour your drink from the shaker, this unusual mixture lends a distinct oriental zing to the cocktail. If you do not like vodka or prefer a different taste, try soju, sake, or champagne for a twist. Visit lycheesonline.com for more fun lychee recipes.

Lychee martini photograph courtesy of Conexión Brando.

Vodka Tonic

What is the fairest cocktail in the land? According to Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, it is the classic vodka tonic. Here she is enjoying a cold one with Monsieur Robert Konjic (rhymes with vodka tonic) at her brother Vladimir's gallery opening after-party. This hot Swede recently earned enough to buy a house for his five days' work as the menswear face for Gucci. Yes, Konjic is a model just like her last boyfriend, Magnus Berger. The Roitfelds certainly do love the model crowd... and let's not forget their affinity for Gucci...

To enjoy a vodka tonic yourself, here's the simple recipe:

• Fill a highball glass with ice.
• Add equal parts vodka and tonic water.
• Garnish with a lime wedge.

À votre santé !

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld and Robert Konjic photograph courtesy of Style.com
Robert Konjic photograph courtesy of Mostbeautifulman.com

Apple, Carrot, and Ginger Juice

What is the secret to Julia Restoin-Roitfeld's gorgeous skin? She claims that it is not a secret beauty potion but rather a delicious glass of fresh apple, carrot, and ginger juice every day. Since Martina Navratilova also attributes her youthful vigor to daily juicing, I decided to give it a try myself. If just this one habit could improve my skin and my tennis, I figured I have nothing to lose. I bought the Breville Compact Juice Fountain last December and I have used it virtually every day since. It is quick and easy to use, the juice is pulpless and invigorating, and my skin has better tone and color. I wish I could say there's been a drastic improvement in my tennis, but some things take time. If you'd like to try it yourself, combine one apple, one carrot, and one piece of ginger (approximately 1" square and 1/8" thick) in your machine, juice, and enjoy. Repeat daily and be prepared to reap the rewards of healthy nutrition.