Rambutan Martini Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (2024)

· by Valentina · 20 Comments

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Serving a guest a Rambutan Martini (AKA Rambutini), at your next dinner party, will make you a star! The exotic rambutan fruit lends itself to this refreshing, festive rambutan co*cktail.Rambutan Martini Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (1)

A Rambutan Martini Recipe -- I'm calling it a Rambutini.

Have you ever seen a rambutan? Tried one?

Inspiration for the Rambutan Martini

Many moons ago, I learned about these jewels, and recently I was sent a bundle of this super cool, exotic fruit from Melissa's Produce.

Rambutan Martini Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (2)

What is a rambutan?

It's a very beautiful and unique looking fruit that's closely related to a lychee.

Rambutan Martini Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (3)

What does a rambutan taste like?

While its delicious sweet taste is similar to that of a lychee, it's slightly firmer in texture and a bit less sweet -- though still quite sweet!

So, it's somewhat like an extra sweet grape, without the skin and a with a pit in the center.

Rambutan Martini Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (4)

Where to find them?

You should be able to find rambutans in Asian markets, and in many specialty produce sections of major grocery stores.

When are rambutans in season?

Their season seems to vary, depending on where they're grown, but it's roughly July through October.

I haven't seen too many rambutan recipes, and I'm pleased with my first creation using them.

Rambutan Martini Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (5)

This is a delightful tropical co*cktail to serve at your next dinner party!

Recipe Tips and Notes

  • You can also make a lychee martini, simply substituting them for the rambutan. You can likely find both fruits canned, and that will work, too. However, it's much more fun to use fresh, if you can find them.
    If you can't find rambutans at your local Asian market, you can order them here.
  • Did you happen to notice those pretty, unusual limes? Those are Finger Limes.
  • Please use a good vodka -- I like Ketel One or Belvedere.
  • Fun fact: Though rambutan may look prickly, they're not at all -- they're soft! Their name comes from the Malaysian word for hair, "rambut".

Rambutan Martini Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (6)

Cheers with a Rambutan Martini!

I hope to make more rambutan recipes in the future, and when I do, I'll be sharing them with you here.

More recipes using rambutans:

Rambutan Martini Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (7)

Rambutan Martini Recipe

Valentina K. Wein

Serving a guest a Rambutan Martini (AKA Rambutini), at your next dinner party, will make you a star! This exotic fruit lends itself to this refreshing, festive co*cktail.

5 from 4 votes

Print

Prep Time 14 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 minute min

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup water
  • 8 fresh rambutans
  • 4 to 5 ounces vodka
  • 2 teaspoons lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup ice

Instructions

  • Make simple syrup. Add the sugar and water to a small sauce pan and place it over medium-high heat. Heat just until the sugar has dissolved, then pour this into a small bowl to cool. (This is called simple syrup.)

  • Prepare the rambutans. Peel and pit the rambutans. A ripe rambutan should be easy to peel with your fingers.(You might need to make a small cut at the top to get you started.) Be very gentle as you carefully remove the thin skin from the fruit. It will likely come off in just a few pieces.

    Now use your fingers to dig into the flesh of the rambutan to remove the pit. It should very easily slide right out. Now use your fingers to dig into the lychee a bit to remove the pit.

    You’ll notice a very thin, white layer from the white pit, that will remain on the the inside of the fruit. Don’t try to remove this — it’s very soft and doesn’t detract from the flavor of the fruit. (If you try to remove it, you might loose a lot of juice in the process.)

  • Mix all of the ingredients. Place the rambutans in a co*cktail shaker. Add the vodka, lime juice, vanilla, ice, and cooled simple syrup. Cover and shake fairly vigorously for about 30 seconds.

  • Strain. Strain into two martini glasses and add a few of the pieces of the rambutan flesh that you strained out as well.

  • Garnish. Garnish each glass with a small lime wedge and part of the rambutan skin. (Use a paring knife to make a small slit in each, to attach it to the rim of the glass.)

NOTES

Calorie count is only an estimate.

NUTRITION

Calories: 132kcal

Keywords fall apple granola, drinks for party

Have you tried this recipe?I'd love to see it on Instagram! Tag me at @cookingontheweekends or leave a comment & rating below.

Cooking On The Weekends is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking toAmazon.com.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Linda K. Smith

    TRY TITO'S HANDMADE VODKA TOO. IT'S OUTSTANDING!

    Reply

    • valentina

      Oh, I will definitely try Tito's! Thank you, Linda! xoxo

      Reply

  2. madamelaw

    Wow! This looks good. As an asian descendant, I think this is a must-try recipe. Your pictures look great too. I am definitely following you. 🙂

    Keep it up!

    Reply

    • valentina

      So happy to have you following my recipes! Thank you! 🙂

      Reply

  3. Diana

    i live in Indonesia, and I have Rambutan tree planted in my front yard! It's now in season, so it's really cool coming across your recipe 🙂 Never have Rambutan look so chic.. haha
    definitely going to try this! thank you.

    Reply

    • valentina

      Thank you, Dinana! You are so fortunate to have a Rambutan tree! Must be beautiful! 🙂

      Reply

  4. Natalie

    Rambutan Martini Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (12)
    I never tasted Rambutan before, but it sure looks and sounds so interesting!

    Reply

    • valentina

      It's so good, Natalie - you'll love it!

      Reply

  5. Veena Azmanov

    This is so unique to me and looks very interesting. Something new to my addition of refreshments. Need to sip one immediately.

    Reply

    • valentina

      Yes! Thank you!.

      Reply

  6. Laura | Wandercooks

    Oh this co*cktail sounds so refreshing! Haha did you know that the literal translation of 'rambutan' from Indonesian means 'hairy thing'!? Obviously named after those soft little spines, I always laugh because it's such a funny name for a gorgeous tasty little fruit! 🙂 x

    Reply

    • valentina

      How funny! I didn't know that and of course it makes sense and yes, it's ironic for such a pretty little fruit. 😀

      Reply

  7. Krissy Allori

    Rambutan Martini Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (13)
    Nothing I like more than a drinks after a long day at the office. This is going to be something new and delicious to try. Cant wait!!

    Reply

    • valentina

      I hope you love it Krissy. Thanks!

      Reply

  8. Cliona Keane

    Rambutan Martini Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (14)
    As someone who is 37 weeks pregnant I am looking at this and dreaming! Definitely going on my 'drinks to make once I've popped my baby out' list!

    Reply

    • valentina

      Ha! I bet that's fun list. 🙂 Congratulations! 🙂

      Reply

  9. Jacqueline Debono

    Rambutan Martini Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (15)
    I have never tasted rambutans before but I think I saw them in the market in phu*ket! This is such a cool drink! Need to see if I can find this fruit here in Italy!

    Reply

    • valentina

      So cool you've been to phu*ket, and I dream of being in Italy. Hope you find a rambutan one day. 🙂

      Reply

  10. Karen

    Tried this drink just now and love it! Very refreshing, a little sweet, a little vanilla.
    My first suggestion was to try it with Tito’s, but was reminded that Tito’s is a sweet vodka and may make the drink too sweet. If you tried Tito’s let me know what you thought.

    Reply

    • valentina

      Hi Karen. Thanks so much for writing in and checking out/trying my recipes. I haven't tried it with Tito's. For some reason I've latched on to Ketel one and Belvedere. I should definitely try other brands. I didn't know that it had a sweetness to it. I shall try it and report back when I do. 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply

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Rambutan Martini Recipe | Cooking On The Weekends (2024)

FAQs

What color are ripe rambutans? ›

When buying rambutans, look for bright red skin. A little orange or yellow on the skins in addition to red is okay, but green skins mean the rambutans are unripe. Don't buy rambutans that have turned black or have a lot of black "hairs," as this indicates they are over-ripe.

Does rambutan need to be refrigerated? ›

Rambutans are only good for two weeks at most, and usually only a few days after buying them from a store. Refrigerate them whole and unpeeled in a perforated plastic bag to extend their lifespan.

What does a rambutan taste like? ›

Their taste is similar to lychee, as they belong to the same family. Rambutans have a sweet, fruity flavour with a hint of acidity reminiscent of strawberries and grapes. Additionally, there is a floral, tropical taste to them.

How to make dried rambutan? ›

The method includes following steps: (a) selecting fresh rambutans; (b) disinfecting and washing the fresh rambutans; (c) removing peels and kernels from the fresh rambutans; (d) performing spray of pulp; (e) quick-freezing the pulp; (f) drying the pulp; and (g) packaging the pulp.

What is the English name of rambutan? ›

Nephelium lappaceum var. lappaceum or "Rambutan" is a tropical tree that is beloved for its sweet, hairy-looking, red or yellow skinned fruit. Its common name comes from the Malay word "rambut" which means hair, alluding to the hairy appearance of the fruit.

Is rambutan good or bad for you? ›

There are several health benefits of rambutan fruit. It may reduce diabetes, lower blood pressure, and increase digestive function. Rambutan may be used for bacterial and viral infections. Additionally, rambutan may reduce inflammation due to its antioxidant properties.

How many rambutan can I eat a day? ›

Eating 5-6 rambutans will meet 50% of the body's daily vitamin C needs. Copper: Rambutan also contains a significant amount of copper, which helps in the development and maintenance of the existence of various cells, including bones, brain and heart.

Can rambutan go bad? ›

Rambutans rapidly deteriorate unless proper handling techniques are employed. Visual appearance can be maintained if moisture loss (largely from the spinterns) is minimised (95% relative humidity) and the fruit are refrigerated (7–10 °C, depending on cultivar).

Why is rambutan so expensive? ›

Airfreight is becoming a larger and larger component of the price of the fruit,” he adds. That means that higher prices for rambutan aren't necessarily translating to better returns to growers. “It's merely covering the cost of air transportation being more expensive than last year.

Can you eat rambutan raw? ›

You can eat rambutan raw as long as you're cautious when chewing to avoid the pit. The sweet flavor and juicy flesh is a perfect addition to fruit salads, smoothies, or desserts all year long. Here are some ways you can include rambutan in your diet: Add rambutan fruits to a smoothie.

Is it OK to eat rambutan seeds? ›

It may be best to avoid eating the seed altogether until research says otherwise. The flesh of the rambutan fruit is safe to eat. However, its peel and seeds may be toxic when eaten raw or in very large amounts.

How can you tell if a rambutan is male or female? ›

Rambutan trees are either male (producing only staminate flowers and, hence, produce no fruit), female (producing flowers that are only functionally female), or hermaphroditic (producing flowers that are female with a small percentage of male flowers).

Can dogs eat rambutan? ›

Rambutans are fun fruits to eat and have great health benefits for people. They aren't bad additions to a dog's diet either. The peel and seeds must be removed from the fruit's flesh before being given to your dog, but the removal process takes less than a minute to complete.

Which is better lychee or rambutan? ›

Taste: Rambutans are creamier and sweeter than lychee, and are often likened to a sweet and slightly tart grape. Lychee is less sweet, crisper, more tart, and has more of a floral note. Texture: The flesh of rambutan is creamier while lychee flesh is crisper.

Are you supposed to eat the rambutan seed? ›

Although the flesh of rambutans are safe to eat, its skin and seed contain several toxic substances that should not be consumed. While some sources say that the skin and seed of rambutan fruits can be consumed, studies suggest that they should never be eaten.

Do you eat rambutan raw? ›

The sweet, sour, and tart flavors of rambutan are best enjoyed when the fruit is fresh and raw — provided you discard the spiky rind and the seed. The seed of the rambutan can be roasted to neutralize its toxins and is actually consumed in some countries, including the Philippines.

How do I know when rambutan is ripe? ›

The best way to tell these are ripe. is if they are a nice, bright color. and the tendrils aren't all dry and crispy. And then ones that have gone too far. will feel a little bit lighter. just because the flesh is shrinking away from the shell.

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