Key Lime Recipe

Prepare shaker

If rimming glass, pour melted butter or a little simple syrup onto a small plate and spread graham cracker crumbs on another plate. Dip the glass rim first into the butter/simple syrup, then into graham cracker crumbs to coat. Set glass aside.

Combine ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz white rum, 0.75 oz fresh key lime juice, 0.5 oz sweetened condensed milk, 0.25 oz simple syrup, 0.5 oz heavy cream, and 0.25 oz white crème de cacao (if using).

Dry shake

Close the shaker and shake vigorously without ice for 10–15 seconds to emulsify the cream and condensed milk with the citrus. This helps produce a silky texture and a slight foam.

Wet shake

Add about 1 cup of ice to the shaker, then shake hard for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is very cold to the touch and well-chilled.

Strain and serve

Double-strain the cocktail into the prepared chilled coupe or rocks glass. The double-strain (through the primary strainer and a fine mesh) removes ice shards and any pulp for a smooth drink.

Float a thin key lime wheel on top of the cocktail or skewer it and rest on the rim. If you rimmed the glass with graham cracker crumbs, serve immediately.