This Key Lime Pie Martini will add a touch of the Florida Keys to your favorite martini. A refreshing cocktail that brings the tartness of key limes, the richness of cream, and a sweet touch of vanilla and spice to this summertime favorite. It's like having dessert in a glass!
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Key West and the Famous Key Lime Pie
Our family loves the Florida Keys and there is nothing better than their famous key lime pie (and my favorite pie by far) and anything that tastes like it! If you've never been to the Keys it is somewhere you should put on your 100 places to visit before you die.
But you don't have to go to Key West to enjoy the flavor of this wonderful dessert. Check out our original "bestest" authentic key lime pie, not to mention Chocolate Covered Key Lime Bites! Yep, sweet tropical flavor at its best!
Key Lime Martini Key West
Believe it or not, this martini tastes just like a slice of key lime pie in a glass. Yep, you've just got to try it to believe it! The recipe was given to me by a friend at the White Tarpon, a famous restaurant/bar in Key West, that specializes in this cocktail.
And yes, it really does taste just like key lime pie even down to the graham cracker crumbs on the rim. This version uses Licor 43 for a more vanilla and spice edge to it along with just enough cream to satisfy the key lime pie connoisseur. Garnish it with a lime wheel or top it with a dollop of whipped cream, it's all good!
What are key limes?
Maybe you've never even heard of or seen key limes? Well, they are a type of lime primarily grown in the Florida Keys, hence the name, and Mexico. They are not exactly the easiest fruit to find in a grocery store and are only available for a short time when in season, June through September.
Just look for a lime about the size of a golf ball, smaller than Persian limes, and with more of a yellowish hue. They are also a little stronger in their lime flavor and just a little bit more tart and aromatic.
And if you can, you should absolutely use fresh key limes for this cocktail. If you can't find them, try to find a bottle of Nellie & Joe's Key West Lime Juice. It makes all the difference between a good Key Lime Martini and a great one!
Amazing Key Lime Recipes
The extra tart flavor of these little gems adds deliciously refreshing flavor to desserts such as Key Lime Cookies, Key Lime Pudding Cake, and Key Lime Brownies. But the uses for key limes extend beyond desserts to recipes like a Key Lime Smoothie, a Key Lime Quick Bread, and even key lime salsa.
What is Licor 43?
Licro 43 is a Spanish liqueur that has a bright yellow color with a sweet citrusy vanilla flavor and underlying notes of spice and cocoa. The Zamora family invented it in 1946 with a mixture of 43 herbs and botanicals, hence the name.
This liqueur pairs perfectly with coffee as well as coconut flavors and makes a tasty key lime martini as shown here or a mean Key Lime Colada. What else can you do with Licor 43? Drink it as a shot or over ice, mix it in coffee, cola, or ginger ale, or use it in place of vanilla liqueur in other drink recipes.
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you need to make this easy key lime pie martini recipe. The exact measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Vanilla vodka - or for a richer martini opt for whipped cream vodka
- Licor 43
- Key lime juice - fresh lime juice is best but you can also use Nellie & Joe's Key West Lime Juice. In a pinch you can use regular lime juice.
- Heavy cream - or use your favorite kind of cream, half & half or even whipping cream
- Graham cracker crumbs
How to Make a Graham Cracker Rim
What's a key lime pie without a graham cracker crust? So, a graham cracker rim is a must! It makes the drink the perfect substitute for a slice of pie. And the rim is a cinch to make.
- Crush 2-4 graham crackers in a small chopper or use a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Place the fine crumbs on a small plate. Wet the rim of a martini glass with a lime wedge or with simple syrup poured onto a small flat plate. I find the crumbs adhere much better with the syrup.
- Dip the outer rim of the glass in the graham cracker crumbs.
- The perfect graham cracker rim for this delicious cocktail recipe!
How to Make Key Lime Martini
These are the simple steps and some photos for making this key lime martini recipe.
- Add vanilla vodka into a shaker filled with crushed ice.
- Pour in Licor 43.
- Add key lime juice.
- Finish by adding cream.
- Shake well to mix and chill.
- Pour into the prepared glass.
Finish the cocktail with a slice of lime and enjoy the rich creamy flavor at your next cocktail hour!
Variations
Want a sweet and sour martini that tastes like a key lime pie without the cream? No problem! Just combine 2 ounces vanilla vodka, 1 ounce Licor 43, 1 ounce key lime juice or Rose's lime juice, and 1 ½ ounces sweet and sour mix in a cocktail shaker with ice then strain into a graham cracker rimmed martini glass and garnish with a lime slice.
Make Ahead/By the Pitcher
If you want to prepare this key lime pie martini with vanilla vodka in advance, simply stir all the ingredients together without ice in a container with a lid. Or make a large batch in a pitcher for your next summer BBQ or pool party. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
More Summer Cocktails
3 Ingredient Sangria - can be ready in minutes! Just red wine, lemon-lime soda & sliced fruit like oranges, lemons, limes, and berries and you're ready for your next backyard BBQ.
Vodka Sunrise - combines lemon soda, vodka, and a touch of cherry juice to bring you the perfect summer cocktail.
Strawberry Thyme Lemonade - tastes amazing & can be made with or without vodka. Add fresh strawberries, refreshing zesty lemon, and a touch of thyme for a cool drink to beat the summer heat.
Cucumber Cocktail - made with fresh cucumbers, lime, mint, vodka, and prosecco. It's a delightful and refreshing drink to enjoy in summertime.
Frozen Mudslide - a creamy cold cocktail to enjoy on a hot summer day.
Find lots of easy summer cocktails here on 2CM!
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Key Lime Pie Martini
Ingredients
- ½ cup crushed ice
- 2 ounces vanilla vodka
- 1 ounce Licor 43
- 1 ounce key lime juice
- 3 ounces heavy cream
- 1-2 squirts simple syrup (optional)
- Garnish: lime wheel & graham cracker crumbs for rim
Instructions
- Prepare a martini glass by rubbing the rim with a slice of lime or dipping it into a small flat plate of simple syrup. Dip the wet rim into the graham cracker crumbs to coat.
- Add ½ cup of crushed ice to a shaker then pour in the vanilla vodka, Licor 43, key lime juice, and heavy cream. You can add a squirt or two of simple syrup here if you like your drinks a little less tart. (I don't think it's needed.) Shake well.
- Pour the cooled martini into the prepared glass and, garnish with a lime wheel.
Notes
Nutrition
This post has been updated with an improved recipe, new photos, and more helpful information. It was first published on July 2, 2013.
