Indulge in a refreshing and zesty cocktail with this key lime martini recipe. Perfect for a summer evening or a special occasion, this drink combines the tangy flavor of key lime with the smoothness of vodka and the sweetness of simple syrup. It's a delightful twist on a classic martini that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Key lime juice might not be a staple in every household, but it is essential for this recipe. You can find it in the juice aisle or the produce section of most supermarkets. If key limes are unavailable, you can substitute with regular lime juice, though the flavor will be slightly different. Simple syrup can be made at home by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over low heat.

Ingredients For Key Lime Martini Recipe
Vodka: The base spirit for the martini, providing a smooth and neutral flavor.
Key lime juice: Adds a tangy and citrusy flavor that is essential for the martini's unique taste.
Simple syrup: A sweetener that balances the tartness of the lime juice.
Triple sec: An orange-flavored liqueur that adds depth and complexity to the cocktail.
Lime: Used as a garnish to enhance the presentation and add a hint of fresh lime aroma.
Technique Tip for This Martini
When preparing a Key Lime Martini, ensure that your cocktail shaker is filled with enough ice to chill the mixture thoroughly. This will help to balance the flavors and achieve the perfect consistency. Additionally, using freshly squeezed key lime juice will enhance the drink's vibrant and tangy profile, making it more refreshing.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
vodka - Substitute with white rum: White rum provides a similar neutral base with a slight sweetness that complements the lime flavor.
key lime juice - Substitute with regular lime juice: Regular lime juice is more readily available and has a similar tartness, though it may be slightly less aromatic.
simple syrup - Substitute with agave syrup: Agave syrup offers a similar sweetness and dissolves easily in cold liquids, making it a good alternative.
triple sec - Substitute with Cointreau: Cointreau is another orange-flavored liqueur that provides a similar citrusy sweetness and depth of flavor.
lime - Substitute with lemon: A lemon slice can be used for garnish as it provides a similar visual appeal and a complementary citrus aroma.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Martini
How To Store / Freeze This Martini
For short-term storage, keep your key lime martini mixture in the refrigerator. Use an airtight container to preserve the freshness and prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping in. Ideally, consume within 24-48 hours for the best taste.
If you plan to store the key lime juice separately, ensure it is in a sealed bottle or jar. Freshly squeezed key lime juice can last up to a week in the fridge, but for optimal flavor, use it within 2-3 days.
To freeze the key lime martini mixture, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Seal tightly and label with the date. This can be frozen for up to 1 month.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen key lime martini mixture in the refrigerator overnight. Give it a good shake or stir before serving to ensure the ingredients are well-mixed.
For an extra touch, you can freeze lime slices separately. Lay them flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. These can be used as a garnish straight from the freezer.
If you prefer, you can also make simple syrup in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It will last for about a month in a sealed container. This way, you can quickly whip up a key lime martini whenever the craving strikes.
Remember to always use fresh ingredients when possible. Fresh key lime juice and lime slices will elevate the flavor of your key lime martini to a whole new level.
How To Reheat Leftovers
- Pour the Key Lime Martini into a small saucepan.
- Gently heat over low flame, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to let it boil.
- Alternatively, you can use a microwave. Pour the Key Lime Martini into a microwave-safe container.
- Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Stir and check the temperature. Repeat if necessary.
- For a more refined approach, use a double boiler. Fill the bottom pot with water and bring it to a simmer.
- Place the Key Lime Martini in the top pot and gently heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Once reheated, pour into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a fresh slice of lime.
- Enjoy your Key Lime Martini as if it were freshly made!
Best Tools for Crafting This Martini
Cocktail shaker: A container used to mix the ingredients with ice by shaking.
Ice: Used to chill the ingredients and ensure the drink is served cold.
Jigger: A measuring tool to ensure precise amounts of vodka, key lime juice, simple syrup, and triple sec.
Martini glass: The glassware used to serve the Key Lime Martini, typically chilled beforehand.
Strainer: Used to strain the mixed drink from the cocktail shaker into the martini glass, keeping the ice out.
Knife: Used to slice the lime for garnish.
Cutting board: A surface to safely cut the lime on.
Citrus juicer: A tool to extract key lime juice efficiently.
How to Save Time on Making This Martini
Pre-chill your glass: Place your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes before making the drink to save time on chilling.
Use bottled key lime juice: Opt for pre-squeezed key lime juice to cut down on preparation time.
Batch your simple syrup: Make a larger batch of simple syrup and store it in the fridge for future use.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out your vodka, key lime juice, simple syrup, and triple sec in advance to streamline the process.
Garnish ahead: Slice your lime garnish beforehand and keep it ready in the fridge.

Key Lime Martini
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz key lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1 slice lime for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, key lime juice, simple syrup, and triple sec.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a slice of lime.
Nutritional Value
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