This commercial lychee drink contains only 10% real lychee juice, diluted heavily with water and refined sugar, plus artificial lychee flavor. No seed oils present. The DIY version uses real organic lychees as the primary ingredient, natural sweeteners, and eliminates artificial flavors for superior taste and nutrition.
Based on: Lychee Drink
· Makes approximately 20 servings
· Serving: 350ml (about 1.5 cups)
Why This Recipe is Seed Oil Free
Commercial Lychee Drink from Foco, Thai Agri Foods Co. Ltd. often contains inflammatory seed oils like canola, soybean, or sunflower oil. This homemade version replaces them with healthier fats like butter, ghee, coconut oil, or avocado oil — giving you the same great taste without the processed oils.
The original Lychee Drink may also contain artificial dyes. Check it on DyeFreeCheck to find out.
Ingredients
Fresh organic lychees (or canned in juice)
2 lbs fresh (900g) or 3 cans (20oz each) · Organic fresh lychees from Whole Foods or Dynasty Canned Lychees in Natural Juice
Primary fruit base providing natural lychee flavor and some natural sugars
Organic coconut sugar
400g (about 2 cups) · Wholesome Organic Coconut Sugar or Big Tree Farms Organic Coconut Sugar
Natural sweetener with lower glycemic index than refined sugar, adds subtle caramel notes
Filtered water
6 liters (about 1.5 gallons) · Spring water or home filtered water
Base liquid for diluting the concentrated lychee mixture
Fresh lime juice
4-5 organic limes (about 60ml juice) · Organic limes from grocery store
Natural acidity to balance sweetness and preserve freshness, replacing artificial citric acid
Pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (5ml) · Simply Organic Pure Vanilla Extract
Optional flavor enhancer to add depth and complement the lychee's floral notes
Instructions
Step 1. If using fresh lychees: Peel 2 lbs (900g) of fresh organic lychees and remove the pits. You should have about 600g of lychee flesh. If using canned, drain 3 cans (20oz each) of organic lychees in natural juice, reserving the juice. Pat the lychees dry and measure - you need about 500-600g of fruit.
Step 2. Create lychee puree: Place the lychee flesh in a food processor or high-speed blender. Add 200ml (about 3/4 cup) of filtered water and blend until completely smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve if you prefer a completely smooth texture, pressing solids with a spoon to extract maximum flavor. This creates your concentrated lychee base.
Step 3. Make simple syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine 400g (2 cups) organic coconut sugar with 500ml (2 cups) filtered water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar completely dissolves, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature - this prevents the hot syrup from cooking the lychee puree and altering its fresh flavor.
Step 4. Combine and balance: In a large pitcher or container, mix the cooled simple syrup with the lychee puree. Add the juice of 4-5 fresh organic limes (start with 4, taste, and add more if needed for tartness). Stir in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Add 4.5 liters (about 1.2 gallons) of cold filtered water gradually, stirring well between additions.
Step 5. Final adjustments and storage: Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed - the flavor should be prominently lychee with balanced sweetness and a subtle lime brightness. Chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. Store in glass containers for best flavor preservation. Stir well before each use as natural separation may occur. Serve over ice in 350ml portions. Each batch makes about 7 liters total, providing 20 servings.
Storage
Store in glass containers in refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Natural separation may occur - stir before serving. For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays and blend with water when ready to drink.
Cost Comparison
Cost per serving (homemade)$0.73
Cost per serving (store-bought)$1.49
Savings51%
Higher upfront cost but significant per-serving savings. Using real organic lychees instead of 10% juice and artificial flavors justifies the premium. Bulk buying organic coconut sugar provides ongoing savings.