Our Key lime martini is a tropical dessert in every sip. It’s as if a martini met a Key Lime pie, and they were twisted into a tropical drink. A lot is going on, and that’s why we love it.
Key limes are from the coast of Florida, where island ingredients like coconut and pineapple shine alongside Key limes. When you infuse those flavors with aspects from the region’s most famous dessert (Key lime pie with a graham cracker crust rim!), you create a Key lime pie martini. It beautifully toes the line between drink and dessert.
Key Lime Martini Ingredients
- Lime: You’ll need one lime wedge (or Key lime wedge) to moisten the rim of the martini glass.
- Graham crackers: A graham cracker crumb rim makes this Key lime pie martini look and taste like its namesake.
- Vanilla vodka: We love a dessert cocktail, especially when it’s made with vanilla vodka. Use leftover vanilla vodka for other dessert drinks, like our pumpkin pie martinis or sugar cookie martinis.
- Key lime juice: Whether you’re using Key limes or regular limes, always use fresh juice, not bottled juice.
- Cream of coconut: We add a tinge of coconut flavor to this Key lime pie martini with 1 ounce of cream of coconut.
- Pineapple juice: Refreshing and super sweet, pineapple juice creates a tropical flavor that pairs excellently with the limes, coconut and vanilla vodka.
Directions
Step 1: Prep the glass
If you want to add the graham cracker rim, moisten the rim of the martini glass with the lime wedge. Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs on a plate, and dip the rim in the crumbs.
Step 2: Shake it up!
Fill a cocktail shaker half full with ice cubes. Pour in the vanilla vodka, Key lime juice, cream of coconut and pineapple juice. Put the lid back on, and shake until condensation forms on the outside of the shaker, 10 to 15 seconds.
Step 3: Strain and serve
Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass. Garnish the Key lime pie cocktail with lime wedge.
Recipe Variations
- Omit the coconut: Feel free to omit the cream of coconut if that’s not your thing.
- Make it stronger: Add 3/4 ounce coconut rum if you love a strong drink. Feel free to keep the cream of coconut in this recipe, or swap it for heavy cream if that’s too much coconut flavor for you.
- Finish with a garnish: If you have any extra Key limes, arrange a fresh slice on the rim, or finish the drink with a dehydrated lime slice or a strip of the lime’s peel.
Can I make a key lime martini ahead of time?
You can partially make a Key lime martini ahead of time. Add the vanilla vodka, Key lime juice, cream of coconut and pineapple juice to a mason jar, and keep it sealed in the fridge for up to three days. Once you’re ready to enjoy, prepare the glass as directed, then pour the premeasured cocktail ingredients into a cocktail shaker that’s half-filled with ice cubes. Shake until condensation forms on the outside of the shaker, 10 to 15 seconds. Strain into the glass, and enjoy!
Key Lime Martini Tips
Can I use regular limes instead of Key limes?
You can definitely use regular limes instead of Key limes here. The difference between Key limes and limes is that Key limes are smaller, more tart and a bit more yellow than green limes. However, these differences are fairly small, and using regular limes in place of Key limes won’t affect the taste of this Key lime pie martini all too much.
What glass should I use to serve a Key lime martini?
Any martini recipe is typically served in a martini glass. However, you could also serve it in a coupe glass or rocks glass. Avoid serving in a big glass as there is not much liquid in a martini.
