The Best Key Lime Martini Recipe (2024)

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This Key Lime Martini may just be the perfect coconut and key lime juice co*cktail. Not too sweet, not too sour, with just the right amount of creaminess, this tropical sipper smells divine and tastes even better!

No longer relegated to the "after-dinner drinks" category, this key lime Martini recipe is definitely one you can enjoy anytime!

The Best Key Lime Martini Recipe (1)

If you've been reading ACT for a while, you know I'm a huge fan of citrus co*cktails. Well, except for Key Lime Martini's - which is a shame! I've always wanted to love them - because lime and coconut? What is not to love about that combo, right?

But the few times I've ordered them, they've been way too sweet and heavy - even for an after-dinner co*cktail.

So, suffice it to say, if you'd told me a few weeks ago that I'd actually be posting a key lime martini recipe, I'd have said you were crazy.

But as they say, "never say never"! After receiving a bag of gorgeous key limes I decided to give this lime and coconut co*cktail another try.

And I am so glad I did - and I think you will be too!

The Best Key Lime Martini Recipe (2)

Key Lime Martini

Sweet, creamy and sour with the unmistakable taste and fragrance of coconut!

With only 4 ingredients.

No fancy flavored vodkas or liqueurs.

Which pretty much means I can whip this up this key lime martini whenever I see key limes in my local grocery store - which is almost every week this time of year!

Key Lime Martini Ingredients

  • Vodka - I used plain vodka but Vanilla or Coconut Vodka would be smashing in this drink!
  • Key lime juice - freshly squeezed is definitely better but if all you can find is bottled, that works too!
  • Cream of coconut
  • Simple syrup
  • Lime wheels (optional)
  • Crushed graham crackers

Key Limes

So what is the deal with Key Limes? Great question! Read on for a little "primer" on Key limes!

How are Key Limes different from the limes in my grocery store?

Most limes sold in the U.S. are Persian limes, which are larger and less acidic. Key limes are small and round and contain more seeds. The juice is a bit more acidic, but the appeal of these limes is in their almost floral flavor and fragrance.

What is a key lime?

A variety of lime grown primarily in Mexico and West Indies. They were also grown in the Florida keys until they were wiped out by a hurricane in the 1920s.

Can I substitute regular lime juice for key lime juice in this recipe?

Yes you can! But if you want to match the acidity of key lime juice, add about ⅓ lemon juice. So if you need 3 Tablespoons key lime juice, you would use 2 Tablespoons lime juice and 1 Tablespoon lemon juice.

The Best Key Lime Martini Recipe (3)

How to make this Key Lime Martini Recipe:

  1. Juice the limes - if you are making these for a crowd, you can definitely juice the limes ahead of time.
  2. Combine the lime juice, vodka, cream of coconut and simple syrup in a shaker.
  3. Add ice and shake for 30 - 45 seconds.
  4. Strain into a chilled co*cktail glass and garnish with a lime wheel if you like.

Check out my Latest Video on How to Make a co*cktail!

Thirsty for more Vodka co*cktail recipes?

  • Raspberry Mint Vodka Spritzer
  • Cape Cod co*cktail
  • Ruby Red Cosmopolitan
  • Vodka Martini
  • Ruby Red Moscow Mule

If you enjoyed this recipe, I would LOVE for you to give it a 5-star rating! Cheers! Nancy

📖Recipe

The Best Key Lime Martini Recipe (4)

Key Lime Martini

Sweet, sour and with just the right amount of creaminess, this Key Lime Martini might just be the perfect lime and coconut co*cktail. Made with just 4 ingredients, this is the co*cktail to make when you've got key limes!

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Course: co*cktails

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 1

Calories: 249kcal

Author: Nancy Buchanan

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

  • Combine the vodka, key lime juice, cream of coconut and simple syrup in a shaker tin.

  • Add ice and shake for 45 seconds. Double strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a lime slice if desired.

Recipe Notes

Notes:

  1. Vodka - a nice, smooth vodka works beautifully in this co*cktail! As a huge fan of Snow Leopard vodka, I highly recommend it! If you don't have Snow Leopard, any good quality vodka works.
  2. Key lime juice: Fresh juice is key in this co*cktail! You can juice the limes several hours before making the co*cktail.
  3. 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!)

Nutrition

Calories: 249kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 15mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin C: 8.5mg | Iron: 0.3mg

YOU KNOW I WANT TO SEE IT!Mention @Acommunaltable or tag #acommunaltable!

More 12 Amazing co*cktail Recipes for Vodka

  • Apple Martini
  • Best Vodka Sour Recipe
  • Cape Cod co*cktail: Vodka and Cranberry
  • Pumpkin Spiced Kahlua and Cream|White Russian Drink

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Deb says

    The Best Key Lime Martini Recipe (9)
    Cheers! I think this looks fantastic! Perfect co*cktail for the weekend!!

    Reply

  2. Valentina says

    The Best Key Lime Martini Recipe (10)
    Oh I so want to try this drink, Nancy! This is right up my alley. I have really been loving key limes -- I didn't know they were more acidic than the other varieties. So much good information in this post. I'm bookmarking this drink and definitely going to try it.

    Reply

  3. Karen (Back Road Journal) says

    Living in Florida, I do have access to key limes. Your co*cktail is one I'll be trying soon.

    Reply

    • Nancy says

      Hi Karen,

      I hope you enjoy it!!! It's not as sweet as some versions I've tried!!

      Reply

  4. HH says

    The Best Key Lime Martini Recipe (11)
    This is a winner! We had to pump up the simple syrup a little to balance the key lime juice.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

The Best Key Lime Martini Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the key to a good martini? ›

Perfect Martini

Calls for 2 ounces gin, 1 ounce dry vermouth, 1 ounce sweet vermouth, ½ ounce Luxardo maraschino liqueur, and 2 dashes Angostura Bitters. Serve with a lemon twist.

How do you make a martini taste better? ›

7 Tips From Bartenders on How to Make a Better Martini
  1. SAY NO TO VODKA. ...
  2. VERMOUTH IS A MUST. ...
  3. BALANCE YOUR FLAVORS. ...
  4. DON'T OMIT ORANGE BITTERS. ...
  5. STIR, DON'T SHAKE. ...
  6. ADD LEMON INSTEAD OF OLIVES. ...
  7. SERVE IT IN STYLE.
Jun 19, 2016

What makes a martini so good? ›

Gin is full of botanical flavors, most of which are juniper-forward. It's like the friend who's always wearing a bright, funky-colored shirt and despite how you feel about it, it just works. Gin works because it pairs really well with the herbal qualities of dry vermouth, the next key ingredient in a classic martini.

What is the two martini rule? ›

Once you have consumed two, you must move on to a soft drink, such as wine or a gin and tonic. The reasons for this are obvious and I try to adhere to this rule at home. The rule is defended most enduringly (and elegantly) at Duke's Bar in Central London, where years of experience … Continue reading.

What is the formula for a dirty martini? ›

In a mixing glass filled with ice, pour the gin, dry vermouth, and olive juice. Stir well for at least 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled co*cktail glass.

What makes a martini extra dirty? ›

The term 'dirty' means that olive brine, usually from a jar of co*cktail olives, has been added to the drink. An olive garnish is typically assumed, too. Most bars add equal parts vermouth and brine, though you can specify 'extra dirty' or 'filthy' if you prefer more brine.

What makes a martini dry vs dirty? ›

A dry martini means that it is less sweet, containing less dry vermouth (which is called dry itself as it is less sweet than its red counterpart). A wet martini will have a higher amount of vermouth in the mix and a dirty martini means the addition of brine.

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