Lychee Agar Jelly Cubes (Print)

Translucent lychee agar cubes in sparkling yuzu water, chilled and lightly sweetened for a refreshing summer treat.

# Components:

→ Lychee agar jelly

01 - 1 2/3 cups (13.5 fl oz) lychee juice, drained and reserved from canned lychees
02 - 1 tablespoon agar-agar powder
03 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
04 - 8 whole canned lychees, optional (halved if embedding)

→ Sparkling yuzu water

05 - 17 fl oz (about 2 1/8 cups) chilled sparkling water
06 - 1/4 cup (2 fl oz) yuzu juice
07 - 2 tablespoons simple syrup, adjust to taste
08 - Ice cubes, as needed

→ Garnish

09 - Fresh mint leaves, optional
10 - Thin slices of lime or yuzu, optional

# Directions:

01 - Whisk together the lychee juice, agar-agar powder and granulated sugar in a small saucepan until the powder is fully dispersed.
02 - Place the saucepan over medium heat, bring to a gentle boil while stirring, then simmer for 2 minutes to ensure the agar is fully dissolved and activated.
03 - Pour the hot mixture into a square or rectangular mold; if using, halve the reserved lychees and distribute them evenly in the liquid before it cools.
04 - Allow the mold to cool at room temperature briefly, then transfer to the refrigerator and chill for 1–2 hours or until fully firm.
05 - Remove the set jelly from the mold and cut into approximately 3/4-inch (2 cm) cubes; use a sharp knife for clean edges.
06 - In a pitcher, gently combine the chilled sparkling water, yuzu juice and simple syrup; taste and adjust sweetness as desired.
07 - Place several jelly cubes into each serving glass, add ice if desired, pour the sparkling yuzu water over the cubes, and garnish with mint leaves and citrus slices. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • These jelly cubes feel like luxury but come together with pantry staples in almost no time.
  • The combination of cooling lychee and tangy yuzu is endlessly refreshing on sweltering afternoons.
02 -
  • If you don’t simmer the agar mixture long enough, the jelly will never set properly (I learned to always time it out loud).
  • Chilling the water and glasses in advance means the bubbles linger longer in each sip.
03 -
  • When cutting the jelly, dip your knife in hot water to get clean, neat edges every time.
  • A touch of elderflower cordial in the yuzu water adds delicate floral depth most guests can’t quite place—but you’ll know.
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