Key Lime Martini Recipe

Looking for a delicious Key Lime Martini recipe? Look no further! This easy cocktail recipe is perfect for any occasion.

best Key lime martini recipe by sugar and cloth

The Key Lime Martini is an insanely delicious cocktail that’s creamy, tangy, sweet, and so easy to make! 

It’s essentially a classic key lime pie in a glass, garnished with a lime… but without all the fuss involved with baking!

The Key Lime Martini makes for the perfect dessert cocktail when you are craving something luscious and sweet. 

top view of a Key lime martini with cream garnish

 

What Does It Taste Like?

The Key Lime Martini is often referred to as the Key Lime Pie Martini because it taste as you would expect, exactly like key lime pie!

It’s bursting with lime flavors that are sweet and tangy with the right creamy consistency, similar to a Vanilla Rumchata Martini.

It’s then topped with whipped cream and rimmed with graham crackers and lime zest for a rich and creamy flavor bomb.

a glass of Key lime Martini

 

Does the Key Lime Martini Have Anything in Common with a Classic Martini?

The Key Lime Martini has nothing to do with the classic martini cocktail nor the martini brand of Vermouths.

It’s simply one of those cocktails that has the “surname” attached to it as a homage to the martini.

And it also is served either in the same classic V-shaped martini glass or in coupe glass. 

The only similarity with a classic martini is the use of vodka as the base liquor.

ingredients and equipment used to make the Key lime martini cocktail

What Ingredients Do You Need to Make a Key Lime Martini?

Vodka — Regular vodka or vanilla vodka. 

Vanilla extract — Needed if you opt for regular plain vodka.

Lime liqueur — Some have alcohol while others are alcohol-free. Whatever you choose, we highly recommend opting for one that is sweet to complement the lime’s tanginess.

Fresh key lime juice

Coconut cream — For the touch of coconut.

Optional garnish:

Lime zest — Grated

Graham crackers crumbs — If you do not have store-bought graham cracker crumbs, then you can easily make some at home. Simply, crush your graham crackers finely by hand or blender.

Lime wedge 

Whipped cream

Grating the lime zest for the Key lime martini

How to Make a Key Lime Martini

Prep your glass:

1 — Mix the graham cracker crumbs and lime zest together.

2 — With a lime wedge, wet the rim of the glass and dip it into the crumb mixture. 

a glass dipped into the cracker and lime zest mixture

To make the cocktail:

1 — In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the vodka, lime liqueur, coconut cream, and lime juice.

2 — Strain and pour the mixture into the cocktail glass.

Shake well for 1 minute or so until the shaker is icy cold. 

adding the Lime liqueur into a cocktail shaker

3 — Garnish with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cracker crumbs and zest mixture, and a lime wedge.

Pouring the mixture into the glasses for the Key lime martini

Recipe Notes and Tips

Can you use heavy cream instead of coconut cream?

Some recipes may call for heavy cream instead of coconut cream.

However after many trials, we found that coconut cream was best to achieve the right consistency and flavor.

Using regular heavy cream resulted in a curdled cocktail since dairy and lime juice acid do not mix well.

You will not have this issue with coconut cream.

Choosing your coconut cream:

Whenever choosing a coconut cream, opt for one that is specifically for cooking and baking.

Those have a higher fat content which results in a creamier cocktail.

Avoid using coconut milk (the ones used to drink as a substitute for milk) because it has very little fat, and it’s mostly coconut milk diluted with water.

You can find coconut cream in most canned food aisles at the grocery store.

To prep the Key Lime Martini in advance:

To save time for multiple cocktails, juice the limes in advance. Then, store in the fridge.

You can also zest and cut your lime wedges.

Can I use regular limes?

To really get the key lime flavor, it is preferred to use key lime juice.

However, regular limes will do as fine and will not greatly affect much of the final results. 

key lime martini with whipped cream, a sprinkle of the Graham crackers, lime zest, and a lime wedge as garnish

Looking for Other Martini Cocktails?

best Key lime martini recipe by sugar and cloth

Key Lime Martini Recipe

Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes
Key Lime Martini is the ultimate drinkable treat: sweet, tangy, creamy, and insanely delicious!
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine Cocktails

Ingredients

  • 3 oz vanilla vodka or 3 oz plain vodka with 1 dash of vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 oz lime liqueur
  • 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
  • 2 oz coconut cream

For garnish:

Nutrition

Calories: 673kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 199mg | Potassium: 274mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 3mg
Servings: 1
Calories: 673kcal

Instructions

To prep your glass:

  • Mix the graham cracker crumbs and lime zest together.
  • With a lime wedge, wet the rim of the glass and dip it into the crumb mixture. 

To make the cocktail:

  • In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the vodka, lime liqueur, coconut cream, and lime juice.
  • Shake well for 1 minute or until the shaker is icy cold. Strain and pour the mixture into the cocktail glass.
  • Optional: Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of the cracker crumbs and zest mixture, and a lime wedge.
KEYWORD: key lime martini recipe

Don’t forget to share your Key Lime Martini with us on Instagram using the hashtag #sugarandclothloves. We always love seeing all of your creations! Looking for more quick and delicious recipes? You can find them all right here, with a few desserts to go along with them.

 

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