When we created this Key Lime Pie Martini, our goal was to make it feel like you’re eating a slice of key lime pie, but in a way that you could sip it. This cocktail is lime-forward, creamy thanks to the whipped cream, and finished with a vanilla finish. It’s a lot of fun to drink. Maybe too much (that’s up to you).
The graham cracker crumbs on top are a nice touch that really bring out the flavor of the key lime pie. They add a baked crust element to the drink, as well as texture and aroma.
Learn how to make a Key Lime Pie Martini and let your first sip take you on a trip to Florida — even if only in your dreams.
Key Lime Pie Martini Ingredients
You might not have everything you need to make a Key Lime Pie Martini in your fridge or on your bar cart, but it’s all easily available. Below is what you’ll need to grab or buy:
- Fresh Key Lime Juice: Since key limes aren’t always available or sold everywhere, I also tested Nellie and Joe’s Key West lime juice and the results were just as delicious.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetness balances the tart lime.
- vodka: Use your favorite vodka brand, it doesn’t have to be an expensive one. I also tried coconut rum and vanilla vodka, but preferred regular vodka for its cleaner taste that complemented the other flavors in the drink.
- For the heavy whipped cream: The addition of cream gives this martini a rich flavor and thick mouthfeel, almost tasting like pie.
- Pineapple juice: Juice is essential to bring out the full tropical flavor of your martini.
- Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla perfectly complements the flavor of key lime pie.
- Key lime slices: For decoration. If you use bottled juice, you can garnish it with Persian lime slices.
- Graham cracker crumbs: As a garnish and to add that “freshly baked” pie flavor to your drink.
How to Make a Key Lime Pie Martini
Grab your juicer and cocktail shaker. This drink takes just a few minutes to make. It’s so convenient you’ll want to make a few for yourself and your friends. Here’s a quick guide on how to make it:
- Step 1. Dissolve the sugar: Place the key lime juice and sugar in a cocktail shaker and stir until most of the sugar is dissolved.
- Step 2. Give it a shake: Add ice to a shaker, then add the vodka, cream, pineapple juice, and vanilla. Shake until the drink is cold enough to drink.
- Step 3. Strain the cocktail: Pour the cocktail through a shaker strainer into a martini glass to remove any remaining sugar grains.
- Step 4. Decoration: Finish the cocktail with key lime slices and a sprinkling of graham cracker crumbs (if using).
How to Make a Bulk Key Lime Pie Martini
Want to make a large batch of this martini? This is a great drink for just that. Squeeze the key limes ahead of time and make your key lime syrup by combining equal parts key lime juice and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Store the mixture in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, then add the syrup and shake each cocktail individually.
You could mix all the ingredients in a large pitcher, but shaking is really necessary to aerate the drink and give it a delicious mouthfeel.
Key Lime Pie Martini Variations
Try out some of the variations below and see which one you like better.
- Creamy Swap: Use coconut cream instead of whipped cream.
- Add color: To create a drink with a greener hue, use KeKe Beach Key Lime Liquor instead of cream.
- Hitting the rim: Instead of floating graham crackers on top of your martini, you can also use them to rim the glass itself.
A better martini
Whether you’re looking for something for your personal happy hour or inviting friends over for drinks, here are some martini recipes you’ll want to try.