If a dessert could take a vacation, it would undoubtedly become a Key Lime Pie Martini.
This cocktail is a sweet, tangy, creamy dream that captures the essence of a beachside escape. Imagine all the zesty goodness of key lime pie, but with a boozy twist—and no baking required.
It’s rich enough to impress at a fancy dinner party but simple enough to whip up for a cozy night in.
Whether you’re looking to elevate your summer soirées, wow guests during a tropical-themed gathering, or just treat yourself, this martini is the ultimate pick-me-up.
Trust me, one sip and you’ll be booking mental flights to the Florida Keys.
In this post, you'll find...
When to Serve a Key Lime Pie Martini
This cocktail is as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it at:
- Dinner Parties: A unique dessert drink that will leave your guests raving.
- Tropical-Themed Gatherings: Pair it with tiki decorations for ultimate vacation vibes.
- Date Nights: Skip the actual pie and impress your partner with this decadent sip.
- Self-Care Nights: Put on your favorite movie, light a candle, and treat yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to create your very own liquid dessert:
- 2 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 oz coconut cream (or heavy cream)
- 1 oz triple sec (or orange liqueur)
- 1 tsp simple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Crushed graham crackers (for the rim)
- Whipped cream (for garnish)
- Lime wheel or zest (for garnish)
Ingredient Breakdown
Vanilla Vodka: The base of the drink. Its subtle sweetness and smooth vanilla flavor mimic the creaminess of the pie crust. Opt for a quality brand—this is no time to skimp!
Key Lime Juice: The star of the show. Fresh key lime juice gives the drink its signature tartness. If fresh isn’t available, bottled key lime juice works like a charm.
Coconut Cream: This rich, velvety ingredient ties the flavors together and makes the drink extra indulgent. You can substitute with heavy cream, but coconut cream adds a tropical twist.
Triple Sec: This orange-flavored liqueur adds brightness and complements the tangy lime perfectly. If you’re feeling fancy, substitute with Cointreau or Grand Marnier.
Simple Syrup: A little sweetness can balance the tanginess of the lime, but this is optional depending on your taste.
Crushed Graham Crackers: Because what’s a pie without its crust? This crumbly rim adds texture and completes the dessert vibe.
Whipped Cream and Lime Garnish: The finishing touches! Whipped cream mimics the pie’s topping, while a lime wheel or zest adds a pop of color.
How to Make a Key Lime Pie Martini
Step 1: Prep Your Rim
Start by rimming your martini glass with crushed graham crackers. To do this, lightly moisten the rim of the glass with a wedge of lime (or dip it in a shallow plate of water). Then roll the rim in a plate of graham cracker crumbs until evenly coated. Set the glass aside—it’s ready to party.
Step 2: Mix It Up
Grab a cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice. Add the following ingredients to the shaker:
- 2 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz key lime juice
- 1 oz coconut cream
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1 tsp simple syrup (if desired)
Seal the shaker tightly and give it a vigorous shake for about 15-20 seconds. This step isn’t just for mixing—it chills the drink and incorporates air, creating a silky texture. Bonus points for pretending you’re a professional bartender while you shake.
Step 3: Strain and Pour
Using a cocktail strainer, pour the contents of the shaker into your prepared martini glass. If your ice didn’t completely melt, you’ll notice a frothy top—don’t worry, that’s the good stuff!
Step 4: Garnish to Impress
Top the drink with a dollop of whipped cream. For extra flair, sprinkle a pinch of graham cracker crumbs over the whipped cream and garnish with a lime wheel or some freshly grated lime zest. Not only does this make the drink look stunning, but it also adds a fresh burst of aroma as you sip.
Pro Tips for the Best Key Lime Pie Martini
- Chill Your Glass: Pop your martini glass in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before you start. A frosty glass enhances the drinking experience.
- Use Fresh Key Limes: If possible, squeeze your own key limes. The fresh juice has a brightness bottled varieties can’t replicate.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste your mix before pouring. If it’s too tangy for your liking, add a touch more simple syrup.
- Experiment with Flavors: Want to kick it up a notch? Add a splash of pineapple juice for extra tropical vibes or a drop of vanilla extract for deeper flavor.
Key Lime Pie Martini Recipe
Key Lime Pie Martini
Ingredients
- 2 oz vanilla vodka
- 1 oz key lime juice fresh or bottled
- 1 oz coconut cream or heavy cream
- 1 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
- 1 tsp simple syrup optional
- Crushed graham crackers for the rim
- Whipped cream for garnish
- Lime wheel or zest for garnish
Instructions
- Lightly moisten the rim of a martini glass with a lime wedge or water.
- Roll the rim in a plate of crushed graham crackers until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add vanilla vodka, key lime juice, coconut cream, triple sec, and simple syrup (if desired).
- Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
- Strain the cocktail into the prepared martini glass, ensuring a smooth pour without ice.
- Top the cocktail with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Sprinkle with crushed graham cracker crumbs and garnish with a lime wheel or zest.
- Enjoy!
- Sip, savor, and let the tropical flavors transport you to paradise!
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Hi, I’m Tiana – founder of and author here at Where Tiana Travels. I’m a 20-something with a love for all things travel, photography, and food. I have been living abroad for the past 5 years and solo traveling the globe in my free time. I created this blog to share my travel stories and inspire other women to go out and see the world. Read more about me here!