Key Lime Martini
This key lime martini is tart, creamy, and easy to make with vodka, coconut rum, key lime juice, simple syrup, and a splash of heavy cream. It’s a perfectly balanced cocktail full of the best key lime flavor.
If you love tropical cocktails, this one is a must try! One sip and it’s like you’re sitting on a warm beach watching the sunset.
John made the first version of this drink without cream, and I added it later because I wanted the drink a little softer and more dessert-like. Now it’s sweet, creamy, and has lots of amazing key lime flavor.
I like to use bottled key lime juice, so there’s no need to hunt down fresh key limes unless you already have them.
Tips for the Best Key Lime Martini
Keep the key lime juice close to the amount listed in the recipe card, especially if you’re using heavy cream. Too much citrus can cause the cream to separate.
Instead of shaking the drink hard, gently swirl it in the cocktail shaker until it’s cold and combined.
For a key lime martini without cream, leave the heavy cream out and add a little extra simple syrup if you want to sweeten up the tart lime flavor.
RumChata can also be used in place of heavy cream for a sweeter, less strong version.
This is a fun drink for happy hour or a light dinner with salty snacks, seafood, or something a little spicy. I like to serve it with grilled shrimp with key lime aioli, pineapple salsa, easy guacamole, air fryer tortilla chips, or baked jalapeño poppers.
How to Make a Key Lime Martini
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the vodka, coconut rum, heavy cream, simple syrup, and key lime juice.
Place the lid on the shaker and gently swirl until the drink is chilled. Don’t shake it hard, since the cream can separate or cling to the ice.
Pour the martini into a chilled glass and serve right away. For more of a key lime pie martini, add a graham cracker rim, whipped cream, or a thin lime slice.
Other Tropical Cocktails You’re Gonna Love
Ingredients
- ½ cup ice
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1 ounce coconut rum
- 1 ounce heavy cream
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 2 teaspoons key lime juice
Instructions
- Place ice, vodka, coconut rum, heavy cream, simple syrup, and key lime juice into a drink shaker.½ cup ice1 ounce vodka1 ounce coconut rum1 ounce heavy cream1 ounce simple syrup2 teaspoons key lime juice
- Swirl gently to combine the ingredients. Serve in a chilled glass.
Notes
- Serve immediately after mixing.
- Do not shake hard; gently swirl so the cream stays smooth.
- Bottled or fresh key lime juice both work.
- For no cream, leave out the heavy cream and adjust simple syrup to taste.
- RumChata can replace heavy cream for a sweeter version.
- To make ahead, combine everything except the heavy cream and refrigerate up to 1 hour. Add the cream right before serving.
- Freezing is not recommended.
I just made these using key limes right off my brother’s tree in his back yard. I used Whipped (cream) vodka and it gave just a little creamy taste like in Key Lime Pie. Also, a little simple syrup since it was a tad too sour.
Hi Beth!
That’s awesome that you have access to fresh key limes! I bet those tasted amazing! Using the whipped cream vodka was a great idea, and that’s something I’ll try the next time I make this. This martini is a bit on the sour side, so a little simple syrup is the perfect addition. 🙂 Thanks so much for giving it a try. We hope you have a wonderful evening!