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!

    • 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

How many rambutan can I eat a day? ›

Rambutans are high in fibre, vitamins, and minerals. So you can eat them every day. However, rambutan is abundant in natural sugars and may raise blood sugar levels. Thus it is safe to consume only 5-6 per day.

Is rambutan high in sugar? ›

Sugar: Less than 1 gram.

Should rambutan 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.

Can you eat overripe rambutan? ›

When it begins to deteriorate, the color of the flesh begins to turn yellowish. However, while the look may appear this way, the fruit may still be safe to eat if the flavor and fragrance are satisfactory. Flavor – Bad rambutan will have a sour fermented taste to it. A high-quality rambutan will have a sweet flavor.

Is it OK to eat rambutan seeds? ›

Rambutan seeds are generally not recommended for consumption as they can be bitter and potentially toxic. It's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance regarding your dietary choices and potential risks associated with consuming rambutan seeds.

Can we drink water after eating rambutan? ›

Avoid water after fruits because it causes interruption with the absorption and digestive process in the stomach that would eventually cause acidity. With this people feel sick and nauseous after eating fruits. The recommended thing is to drink water at least an hour after eating fruits.

What can too much rambutan cause? ›

Side Effects Of Rambutan:

However, when too much of rambutan is consumed, it leads to gastrointestinal and digestive complaints such as acid reflux, stomach ulcers and constipation. Furthermore, in overly ripened rambutan fruits, the sugar content turns to alcohol.

Can diabetics eat rambutan? ›

Rambutans and Blood Glucose

In fact, studies have shown that eating rambutans can help to lower blood sugar levels and improve glucose tolerance. If you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it, incorporating rambutans into your diet can be a great addition to your glucose management plan.

What does rambutan do to the body? ›

Rambutan is rich in vitamin C, this vitamin promotes the production of white blood cells that the body needs to fight infections. Rambutan peels have been used for a long time to fight infections, because they contain compounds that can protect the body from viral and bacterial infections.

Do you eat rambutan raw? ›

Rambutan can be consumed raw either from fresh or canned fruit. Its flesh can be used to make juice or jam and can add a pop of sweetness to many recipes.

What months are rambutan in season? ›

Their production comes to market in May, June, and July when it is very common to observe seasonal traders along the streets of Colombo. Sri Lanka also has some off-season rambutan production in January and February in areas such as Bibile, Medagama, and Monaragala.

Do you wash rambutan? ›

Rinse well

Give the rambutan a quick rinse under the tap.

What happens if you accidentally swallow a rambutan seed? ›

Nobody eats the pit of a rambutan, but sometimes it may be swallowed accidentally. If that happens, it's usually not dangerous, particularly for an adult. For a child, there's always the danger of choking, but barring that possibility, after the pit enters the stomach it will usually pass, in time.

Why is my rambutan sour? ›

A ripe rambutan should be red all over. If it is partly green, then it is not fully ripe and will be sour.

What if my rambutan is brown? ›

Browning occurrence was consistent with increased total phenolic compound levels in the pericarp. Water loss precedes browning occurrence and, over time, water loss is related to browning. Water stress appeared to affect rambutan pericarp tissue in much the same manner as senescence.

Can I eat a lot of rambutan? ›

However, when too much of rambutan is consumed, it leads to gastrointestinal and digestive complaints such as acid reflux, stomach ulcers and constipation. Furthermore, in overly ripened rambutan fruits, the sugar content turns to alcohol.

Is it good to eat rambutan everyday? ›

Rich in Nutrients and Antioxidants

It's also rich in vitamin C, a nutrient that helps your body absorb dietary iron more easily. This vitamin also acts as an antioxidant, protecting your body's cells against damage. Eating 5–6 rambutan fruit will meet 50% of your daily vitamin C needs. (3, 4).

What is a serving of rambutan? ›

Eating 100 grams (or about 4 berries) will meet 20% of the daily copper requirement and 2-6% of the recommended daily intake of other nutrients.

Is rambutan a super food? ›

Rambutan, with its vibrant red exterior and succulent flesh, isn't just a treat for the taste buds but also packs a punch when it comes to health benefits. This exotic fruit, native to Southeast Asia, is often hailed as a superfood for good reason. Incorporating rambutan into your diet is easy and delicious.

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