Key Lime Martini

by Cindi SutterFounder & Editor of Spirited Table® - Excerpted from Valerie’s Home Cooking by Valerie Bertinelli. Copyright © 2017 Oxmoor House. Reprinted with permission from Time Inc. Books, a division of Time Inc. New York, NY. All rights reserved.

SERVES 1  - HANDS-ON 10 MINUTES - TOTAL 10 MINUTES

My sister-in-law Robin introduced me to this sweet, creamy variation of the classic martini (a grown-up and delicious reworking of that treat). It tastes like a slice of Key lime pie, only the vanilla liqueur makes it the most unforgettable Key lime pie you’ll have ever tasted. It’s usually made with cream or half-and-half, but the coconut milk perfectly balances the tartness of lime. Rimming the glass with graham cracker crumbs is an inspired little touch that finishes this whimsical presentation and makes for an unforgettable splurge. Get ready to pucker up and enjoy! 

Ingredients

1 lime wedge, plus more for garnish
1 graham cracker sheet, finely crushed
¼ cup (2 ounces) vodka
2 tablespoons (1 ounce) Licor 43 liqueur
2 tablespoons (1 ounce) fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons (1 ounce) coconut milk
2 tablespoons (1 ounce) orange juice 

Instructions

  1. Rub the lime wedge around the rim of a martini glass. 
  2. Place the graham cracker crumbs in a small saucer, and dip the rim of the prepared glass in the crumbs to coat the rim; freeze the prepared glass 5 to 10 minutes while preparing the drink.
  3. Combine the vodka, Licor 43, lime juice, coconut milk, and orange juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Cover with the lid, and shake vigorously until thoroughly chilled, about 30 seconds. Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass, and garnish with a lime wedge. Serve immediately. 

Serving Tip: This beautiful cocktail should be consumed immediately after the freshly strained liquor filters into the glass. If left to sit, the creamer separates from the lime juice, and curdles lightly, losing both its essence and its visual appeal.

Video Steps Martini:
Step 1. Coat martini glass with graham crackers
Step 2. Ingredients already in martini shaker. Valerie will shake in mixed. 
Step 3. Pour and garnish