Finding the perfect cocktail for a girls’ night in or summer happy hour can feel like an impossible task. You want something that’s fun and different, but not so complicated that you spend the whole evening playing bartender instead of catching up with friends.

That’s where this key lime pie martini comes in: it’s creamy and refreshing, takes just minutes to shake up, and tastes exactly like your favorite dessert in cocktail form – minus all the fuss of actually baking a pie.

Why You’ll Love This Key Lime Pie Martini

Quick preparation – This cocktail comes together in just 5 minutes – perfect for when you want a delicious drink without any fuss.
Dessert in a glass – It tastes just like key lime pie but in cocktail form, complete with a graham cracker rim that mimics the classic pie crust.
Simple ingredients – You only need a few basic spirits and ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store or liquor shop.
Perfect for entertaining – This drink is sure to impress your guests – it looks fancy but requires minimal effort, making it ideal for parties or after-dinner cocktails.

What Kind of Key Limes Should I Use?

Key limes are smaller and more aromatic than regular Persian limes, typically about the size of a golf ball with a more yellowish-green color. If you can’t find true Key limes (which can be tricky depending on the season and your location), regular Persian limes will work as a substitute – just use a bit less since they’re generally less tart. Fresh is definitely the way to go here, as bottled lime juice won’t give you that bright, zesty flavor that makes this martini special. When picking your limes, look for ones that feel heavy for their size and have a bit of give when you gently squeeze them – these will give you the most juice. A good tip is to roll your limes on the counter with gentle pressure before juicing to help release more of their juice.

Options for Substitutions

Need to switch things up with this cocktail? Here are some handy substitutions you can try:

Coconut Rum: If coconut rum isn’t your thing, regular white rum works well. You can add 1/4 ounce of coconut cream to still get that tropical taste.
Vanilla Vodka: Regular vodka plus 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract will do the trick. Or try vanilla-flavored non-alcoholic syrup for a mocktail version.
Key limes: Regular Persian limes work fine – use about half the amount since they’re bigger. You can also use bottled key lime juice (about 1 ounce) if fresh isn’t available.
Heavy whipping cream: Half-and-half or coconut cream can work instead. For a dairy-free option, try full-fat coconut milk, but shake it really well first.
Graham crumbs: Any cookie crumbs will work for the rim – try vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even crushed gingersnaps for a spicy twist.
Pineapple juice: Orange juice or mango nectar can step in if you’re out of pineapple juice. Just keep the amount the same.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when crafting this cocktail is eyeballing the measurements – even small variations can throw off the perfect balance between the coconut rum and vanilla vodka, so always use a proper jigger or measuring tool. The cream can easily become a problem if you shake the cocktail too aggressively, which might cause it to separate or become too frothy – instead, shake firmly but controlled for about 10-15 seconds. When rimming the glass with graham cracker crumbs, make sure to use honey or simple syrup instead of lime juice as your adhesive, since the juice can make the crumbs too soggy and they’ll slide right off. For the best flavor, squeeze your key limes fresh rather than using bottled juice, and strain the cocktail well to keep any pulp or ice shards from floating in your drink.

What to Serve With Key Lime Pie Martinis?

These sweet and creamy cocktails make a perfect after-dinner drink, and they pair really well with light desserts or snacks. I like to serve them with simple butter cookies or vanilla shortbread, which complement the drink’s citrusy flavors without overwhelming them. For a fun party setup, put out a plate of white chocolate-covered strawberries or some coconut macaroons – these tropical-inspired treats match the cocktail’s beachy vibe. If you’re hosting happy hour, some salted nuts or crispy plantain chips can provide a nice salty balance to the drink’s sweetness.

Storage Instructions

Prepare Ahead: You can mix the liquid ingredients (rum, vodka, pineapple juice, and cream) up to 4 hours ahead and keep the mixture chilled in the fridge. Just remember to hold off on adding the ice until you’re ready to serve – nobody likes a watered-down martini!

Graham Crumb Rim: The graham cracker crumbs can be crushed and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. This makes it super easy to rim your glasses whenever you’re in the mood for this cocktail.

Serve: This cocktail is best enjoyed right after it’s made. The fresh lime juice adds the perfect zip, and the cream is at its smoothest when freshly shaken. If you notice any separation after letting it sit, just give it a quick stir before sipping.