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Key Lime Martini

A tropical cocktail that captures the bright, tart-sweet flavor of Key West in a sophisticated martini. This refreshing drink combines vodka with fresh key lime juice and simple syrup for a perfectly balanced cocktail that tastes like vacation in a glass.
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Prep Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Servings: 1 martini
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 ounces vodka or white rum for a more tropical twist
  • 1 ounce fresh key lime juice about 3 to 4 key limes
  • 0.5 ounce simple syrup or 0.75 ounce sweetened condensed milk for richness
  • Ice cubed or crushed
  • Key lime wheel for garnish

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger for measuring
  • Martini or coupe glass
  • Bar spoon
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Citrus juicer or reamer
  • Cutting board and knife

Method
 

  1. Place your martini or coupe glass in the freezer for at least 3 minutes while you prepare the cocktail.
  2. Cut your key limes in half and juice them using a citrus juicer or reamer, pressing firmly to extract every drop. You need about 1 ounce of fresh juice, which typically comes from 3 to 4 key limes.
  3. Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
  4. Pour 2 ounces of vodka into the shaker over the ice, measuring carefully using a jigger.
  5. Pour your freshly squeezed key lime juice into the shaker.
  6. Pour 0.5 ounce of simple syrup into the shaker.
  7. Place the lid on your shaker and shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty and cold to the touch.
  8. Using a fine mesh strainer, pour the cocktail from the shaker into your chilled martini glass, leaving the ice behind in the shaker.
  9. Place a fresh key lime wheel on the rim or float it in the drink as a garnish and serve immediately.

Notes

Always use freshly squeezed key lime juice for the best flavor. If fresh key limes are unavailable, use regular Persian limes. The drink is best consumed immediately after mixing. You can substitute white rum for vodka for a more tropical flavor profile.