Love Key Lime ? Then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Key Lime Martini.
This creamy cocktail blends coconut rum, vanilla vodka, pineapple, and lime to create a drink that tastes just like the iconic dessert—only sippable! I first enjoyed this dreamy martini on a magical trip to Alaska with Princess Cruises, though every opinion here is completely my own.
Key Lime Martini
This cocktail is rich, creamy, and so indulgent you’ll be wondering—is it a dessert or a drink? Either way, don’t be surprised if one glass turns into two!
I’ve always had a thing for citrus, especially lime. As a kid, I couldn’t get enough of lime popsicles, lime soda, or those chewy lime candies. But as I’ve grown up, so has my taste—and now I lean toward more refined lime treats like a luscious key lime pie or a refreshing lime-based cocktail.
So you can imagine how thrilled I was to discover that my two lime obsessions could come together… in a martini glass.
Yes, my friend—Key Lime Martinis are real, and they’re divine.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Key Lime Martini
This Key Lime Martini is the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy. It captures the refreshing zing of lime with a smooth, dessert-like finish that feels like a tropical escape in every sip. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just need a little treat at the end of the day, this cocktail brings the fun and flavor of key lime pie—no fork required!
Print
Key Lime Pie Martini
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Servings: 1
Description
Sweet, sour and with just the right amount of creaminess, this Key Lime Martini might just be the perfect lime and coconut cocktail. Made with just 4 ingredients, this is the cocktail to make when you’ve got key limes!
Ingredients
2 oz. vodka I used snow leopard
1 oz. key lime juice freshly squeezed
¾ oz. Cream of Coconut I used Coco Real
¼ oz. simple syrup
1 key lime slice optional
Instructions
Notes
Vodka – a nice, smooth vodka works beautifully in this cocktail! As a huge fan of Snow Leopard vodka, I highly recommend it! If you don’t have Snow Leopard, any good quality vodka works.
Key lime juice: Fresh juice is key in this cocktail! You can juice the limes several hours before making the cocktail.
Cream of Coconut: Not to be confused with the “cream” at the top of canned coconut milk, this is a sweetened version that designed for drinks and desserts. The most common brand is Coco Lopez. I used Coco Real (which is shelf stable, woo hoo!)
- Prep Time: 10minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 249kcal
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Sweet, creamy, and just the right amount of tangy—with a tropical hint of coconut you can’t miss!
This Key Lime Martini is made with only four simple ingredients, no need for fancy flavored vodkas or obscure liqueurs. It’s so easy to make that anytime I spot fresh key limes at the grocery store (which happens a lot this season!), I know exactly what I’m mixing up.
Ingredients for the Perfect Key Lime Martini:
- Vodka – I used regular vodka, but if you’re feeling adventurous, coconut or vanilla vodka would add even more depth.
- Key lime juice – Freshly squeezed is best for that bright citrus flavor, but bottled key lime juice works in a pinch.
- Cream of coconut – This adds that rich, smooth texture and sweet coconut flavor.
- Simple syrup – Just a splash to balance the tartness.
- Optional garnishes – Lime wheels for a zesty finish and crushed graham crackers for that classic pie crust touch on the rim.
How to Make the Perfect Key Lime Martini
Pour the vodka, freshly squeezed key lime juice, cream of coconut, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker.
Add a generous handful of ice, seal the shaker, and shake vigorously for about 45 seconds to chill and blend the flavors perfectly.
Once it’s nice and frosty, double strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass to keep it silky smooth.
For a finishing touch, garnish with a fresh lime slice—simple, elegant, and irresistibly tropical.
How Are Key Limes Different from Regular Grocery Store Limes?
The limes you typically find at most U.S. grocery stores are Persian limes—they’re larger, oval-shaped, seedless, and have a milder flavor. In contrast, key limes are much smaller, rounder, and usually contain more seeds. What really sets them apart, though, is their bright acidity and distinct floral aroma, which gives recipes a more vibrant and aromatic citrus punch. It’s that extra burst of character that makes key limes so special in cocktails and desserts!
What Exactly Is a Key Lime?
Key limes are a small, round variety of lime known for their bold, tangy flavor and floral aroma. They’re mostly grown in Mexico and the West Indies today, but they were once abundant in the Florida Keys—until a powerful hurricane wiped out most of the crops in the 1920s. That’s actually how they got their name!
Can I Use Regular Lime Juice Instead?
Absolutely! If you don’t have key limes on hand, you can use regular lime juice as a substitute. To get closer to the signature tartness of key lime juice, mix in a bit of lemon juice. For example, if the recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of key lime juice, try using 2 tablespoons lime juice and 1 tablespoon lemon juice for a similar balance of acidity and flavor.
Variations:
- Toasted Coconut Rim: Dip the rim of your martini glass in honey, then roll it in toasted shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Graham Cracker Crust Rim: For a true pie-inspired touch, coat the glass rim with crushed graham crackers.
- Frozen Version: Blend all ingredients with a cup of ice for a frozen Key Lime Pie Martini—like an adult slushie!
- Boozier Option: Swap the plain vodka for vanilla or whipped cream vodka for an extra dessert-like kick.
- Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based cream of coconut or coconut milk alternative for a vegan-friendly version.
Conclusion
If you’re craving something that’s equal parts cocktail and dessert, this Key Lime Pie Martini is the perfect indulgence. It’s tangy, sweet, smooth, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re entertaining friends or treating yourself on a quiet evening, this drink delivers tropical vibes and nostalgic dessert flavors in every sip. One taste, and you’ll understand why this martini has earned a permanent spot on my favorites list.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Just mix all the ingredients (except ice and garnish) and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake with ice just before serving.
2. What’s the difference between cream of coconut and coconut milk?
Cream of coconut is sweetened and thicker—perfect for cocktails. Coconut milk is unsweetened and more watery.
3. Can I use bottled key lime juice?
Definitely. Fresh is best, but bottled key lime juice works in a pinch—just make sure it’s 100% juice, not a limeade blend.
4. How do I crush graham crackers for the rim?
Place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or use a food processor until fine.
5. Is this cocktail very sweet?
It’s sweet, but the lime juice adds a nice balance of tartness. You can reduce the simple syrup if you prefer it less sweet.
6. What glass should I serve this in?
A chilled martini or coupe glass works beautifully.
7. Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Yes! Just mix in a little lemon juice to mimic the key lime’s brightness.
8. Is this a strong drink?
It’s moderate—sweet and creamy enough to mask the alcohol, but it still packs a punch!
9. Can I double the recipe for a group?
Absolutely! Just scale up the ingredients and shake in batches.
10. Can I make it non-alcoholic?
Yes! Skip the vodka and replace it with coconut milk and a splash of vanilla extract for a mocktail version.