Kai Lychee Vodka 750ML is a 35% ABV (70 proof) lychee-flavored vodka distilled from Yellow Blossom rice in Vietnam. A Triple Gold Medal winner at the 2011 Micro Liquor Spirits Awards, this expression layers all-natural lychee flavor over a distinctive rice-distilled base that retains considerably more body and character than most commercial vodkas.Quick Facts: ABV: 35% (70 Proof) | Origin: Red River Delta, Vietnam | Flavored Vodka | Distillery: Kai Vodka CompanyProduction & HeritageKai Vodka Company draws on a 600-year-old recipe attributed to a woman master distiller in Vietnam. The base spirit is made from Yellow Blossom rice sourced from the Red River Delta, combined with water drawn from a 1,500-foot-deep artesian well. Where many vodkas chase neutrality through repeated distillation, Kai takes a deliberately restrained approach — the spirit is distilled only three times, first in a pot still and then twice through a column still. This low distillation count preserves significant grain character and body, giving the base a thick, almost glycerin-like texture before the all-natural lychee flavoring is introduced. The result is one of a small number of rice-distilled vodkas on the global market, and the only widely available one built around Vietnamese rice-distilling traditions.Tasting NotesAroma: Fresh lychee fruit dominates immediately, followed by delicate threads of rose, warm spice, and a light honeyed sweetness. The floral quality is genuine and layered, not synthetic.Taste: A round, silky entry gives way to a medium-to-full body carrying pure lychee nut, floral stone fruit, and hints of orange blossom. The rice base contributes a subtle creaminess — almost like whipped cream — that supports the fruit rather than competing with it. A gentle alcohol edge keeps the sweetness in check at mid-palate.Finish: Smooth and moderately long, with lingering lychee and faint floral notes that fade gradually. The overall impression is sweet and refreshing without cloying, thanks to that underlying grain structure.How to Drink Kai LycheeChilled and neat, Kai Lychee reveals its full textural weight and aromatic complexity; the lower 35% ABV makes it approachable without dilution. On the rocks, the floral and fruit notes open up further as the ice melts. In cocktails, the natural lychee intensity means a little goes a long way: Lychee Martini — the rice-based body creates a richer mouthfeel than grain-neutral alternatives, giving the classic cocktail genuine depth. French Martini — swap standard vodka for Kai Lychee to add tropical floral dimension alongside the pineapple and Chambord. Vodka Collins — the lychee and rose aromatics pair naturally with fresh lemon and soda, producing a refreshing long drink with minimal effort. Best For Hosting a cocktail party focused on Asian-inspired drinks Gifting to a spirits enthusiast who values unusual base ingredients Exploring rice-distilled spirits as an alternative to grain or potato vodkas Building a lychee martini that stands above bar-rail versions Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Kai Lychee taste like? Kai Lychee delivers a rich, natural lychee flavor supported by rose, orange blossom, and a creamy rice-grain sweetness. The body is notably thick and silky for a flavored vodka, with a smooth, lingering fruity finish.How does Kai Lychee compare to Island 808 Lychee Vodka? Both are lychee-flavored vodkas, but Kai is distilled from Yellow Blossom rice in Vietnam using a pot-and-column still process, which gives it a heavier body and more grain-forward texture. Island 808 uses a more conventional base and tends toward a lighter, more straightforward lychee profile.Is Kai Lychee good for cocktails? Yes — the concentrated natural lychee flavor and fuller body make it a strong cocktail base, particularly in lychee martinis, where it contributes texture and aroma that thinner vodkas lack.Where is Kai Lychee made? Kai Lychee Vodka is produced by the Kai Vodka Company in Vietnam, using Yellow Blossom rice grown in the Red River Delta and water from a 1,500-foot artesian well.What foods pair well with Kai Lychee? Fresh spring rolls benefit from the matching Southeast Asian flavor profile. Coconut-milk desserts echo the creamy texture. Seared scallops complement the floral sweetness. Mango sticky rice mirrors the tropical fruit notes. Mild Thai curries create a balanced contrast between the lychee sweetness and gentle spice.What sizes does Kai Lychee come in? Kai Lychee Vodka is commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle.Is Kai Lychee worth the price? Kai Lychee positions in the mid-premium tier for flavored vodkas. Its rice-distilled base, artesian well water, all-natural flavoring, and Vietnamese heritage give it a genuine point of difference that justifies the step up from mass-market lychee vodkas.Why Kai Lychee?What separates Kai Lychee from the broader flavored-vodka field is the rice. Yellow Blossom rice, distilled conservatively through just three passes, produces a spirit with real weight and character — a foundation most flavored vodkas simply do not have. That base earned a Triple Gold Medal at the 2011 Micro Liquor Spirits Awards and a Drinkhacker B+ rating, while the Kai Lychee Vodka Soda expression took Best in Show at the 2024 TAG Spirits Awards, confirming the brand's continued relevance. For drinkers tired of interchangeable neutral-grain lychee vodkas, Kai offers a textured, aromatic alternative rooted in a 600-year-old distilling tradition.
