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 difference between a key lime and a regular lime? ›

Key limes have a flavor that is different from regular limes. They are more acidic and have a more intense, tangy taste – more “lime-y,” if you will. Some people describe the flavor of key limes as slightly sweet with a hint of bitterness. They also have a floral aroma that is more noticeable than regular limes.

Are key limes good for co*cktails? ›

co*cktail experimentation takes friends with strong constitutions. After multiple trial co*cktails with responses of “way to acidic” as lips puckered, I finally got a handle on the strength and acidity of the mighty, little key lime. While diminutive in size, it packs a huge flavor punch.

What do you mix with 43 liqueur? ›

Easy: 43 Screwdriver

It's great for brunch. Instructions: In a tall glass, combine an ounce of vodka, an ounce of Licor 43, and three ounces of orange juice. Give a quick stir, then add ice. Garnish with three orange half-moons and a cinnamon stick.

How many calories in a key lime martini? ›

Calories in Key lime martini
Calories469.9
Total Carbohydrate57.0 g
Dietary Fiber0.0 g
Sugars24.0 g
Protein22.1 g
8 more rows

What does key limes do for the body? ›

Research published in Pharmacognosy Review reveals that, when used daily, key lime has antibacterial, anticancer, anti-diabetic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It provides metabolites that help protect the body from disease.

What is special about a Key lime? ›

The Key lime has thinner rind and is smaller, seedier, more acidic and more aromatic than the Persian lime (Citrus × latifolia). It is valued for its characteristic flavor. The name comes from its association with the Florida Keys, where it is best known as the flavoring ingredient in Key lime pie.

What is the best type of lime for co*cktails? ›

Tahitian or Persian Limes

They can be used as a mixer for drinks, in dressings and as a garnish due to their seedless flesh and because they're very juicy but not intensely fragrant.

What is the best lime for co*cktails? ›

There are two types of lime for co*cktails: the Persian lime and the Key lime. The limes in your local grocery store are almost certainly Persian limes. Originally we considered the Key lime far superior in the simple Sour recipes.

Do key limes hydrate you? ›

Limes contain vitamin C and flavonoids, the antioxidants that strengthen collagen. Drinking lime water can hydrate and rejuvenate your skin.

Why is it called Licor 43? ›

The name of the modern-day liqueur originates from its use of 43 different ingredients; while its recipe is a closely guarded secret by the Zamora family, it is known to contain citrus and fruit juices, and to be flavoured with vanilla, among other aromatic herbs and spices.

Does Licor 43 need to be refrigerated? ›

Licor 43 Baristo guarantees its perfect conditions indefinitely if the bottle is stored unopened, away from direct sunlight at a temperature below 30 degrees.

How many calories in a 3 oz vodka martini? ›

So if you followed our Classic Dry Vodka Martini co*cktail recipe, it would contain 179 Calories per 3 oz drink. You can also buy the expertly pre-blended Classic Martini co*cktail in a Bottle which has 89 Calories per 1.5 oz serving**.

How many calories in a 4 oz martini? ›

A 4-ounce drink has around 220 calories, and many generous bartenders serve martinis in larger glasses. "The bigger a drink, the more alcohol it has and, therefore, the more calories it has," says Stephanie Clarke, MS, RD, a Best Life nutritionist and co-owner of C&J Nutrition in Manhattan.

How many carbs in a limoncello martini? ›

Buca Di Beppo Beverages Limoncello Martini (1 serving) contains 27g total carbs, 27g net carbs, 0g fat, 0g protein, and 230 calories.

Can I substitute regular lime for key lime? ›

Unless you live in the Florida Keys, key limes are near impossible to find. Furthermore, they're so tiny that you'd need to juice at least twenty of them for this recipe. No thank you! Ordinary limes make an exceptional Key lime pie, and they are a much better alternative to bracingly tart bottled Key lime juice.

Do key limes taste the same as limes? ›

In terms of taste, key limes have a higher acidity, making them a little more tart than what we consider "regular limes." This makes them ideal for pairing with sweeter ingredients, hence the ever-popular Key lime pie.

Can I replace key lime with lime? ›

There is a slight flavor difference between Persian limes and Key limes. But when baked into a dessert like Key lime blondies, it's hard to tell the difference. So if you can't find Key limes, go ahead and use Persian limes. You'll still wind up with a delicious summer pie.

Are all small limes key limes? ›

A Key lime, which is also known as a Mexican lime, is much smaller and rounder. Key limes also contain seeds while Persian limes do not. These two also differ when it comes to taste. Persian limes are more acidic than Key limes, giving them a more tart flavor.

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