Key Lime Martini is nothing but a concoction of Martini, Lime and other ingredients. To begin with, Martini is supposed to be one of the top most among the best six varieties of a cocktail drink. It is said that Martini came from Martinez, South of San Francisco Bay. The first mention that Martini was invented was found in the 1887 edition of “How to Mix Drinks” by Professor Jerry Thomas. He was a leading bartender in many famous joints – mainly in Occidental Hotel of California. Here goes a little story that says that – there was a client in this Occidental Hotel -San Francisco, who would daily take a ferry from the hotel to Martinez. Thomas would mix him a Martini cocktail every morning and he also called the drink by the name of the destination; his client ferried daily.

There are many variations of Martini drinks and Marini mixes or cocktails as they are popularly called. Key Lime Martini also being one of its kinds. There is no one basic formula recipe for making Key Lime Martini. The blending and mixing of this martini cocktail has as many recipes as the number of bartenders. The difference of opinion for preparing this Key Lime Martini is not slight; that can be ignored. It goes to extremes also. This is a little confusing for the bartenders also. Generally, recipe means something that is usually universal with a few differences based on the geographical locations i.e. different coasts and different in different cities. In the case of Key Lime Martini the variations are major.

There is no or very little consistency for this preparation because the bartenders tweak recipes to suit their own taste buds and palates. If this recipe is appreciated by the majority it becomes the bartenders signature or special cocktail and unfortunately, not the norm for all to follow. This is what is causing the number and variations in the recipes to increase; in mixing this particular cocktail.

At times some uninformed, disinterested and lazy bartenders come up with some fake recipes. Correct ingredients are also not used. Other bartenders follow this recipe and this is how it continues to be made wrong also.

As a solution, we shall discuss 3 recipes. Firs being the Old School recipe the second is the New and Improved and the third – with a twist or a mix of the two.

Old School Recipe

Coconut rum 1 ounce
Vanilla Vodka 1 ½ ounce
Lime Juice 1 ounce
Pineapple juice to taste

Mix all the above and serve

Slightly Improved and New Version

Juice of half a lime
Vanilla Vodka 1 ½ ounce
¾ ounce Licor 43
Pineapple juice to taste

Mix all and it is ready to serve and drink.

New and Improved Recipe
Key Lime Martini (Pie)

Lime juice ¾ ounce
Coconut Rum 1 ounce
Vanilla Vodka 11/2 ounce
Pineapple juice – just a splash for taste

Mix and chill. Strain before serving it in a chilled and fancy cocktail glass.

Make your own pick and use one of the above recipes to mix your own Key Lime Martini.