If you love the playful zing of key lime pie and dream of sipping something icy-cool under palm trees, the Key Lime Colada is about to become your new happy place in a glass. This irresistible drink marries the lush creaminess of a piña colada with the bright, tart kick of key limes, creating a frozen concoction that’s pure sunshine for your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or simply looking for a way to transport yourself to the tropics after a long week, this is the cocktail you’ll want to whip up again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the Key Lime Colada:
- 2 ounces white rum
- 1 ounce key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 ounce cream of coconut
- 1 ounce pineapple juice
- ½ ounce triple sec (optional)
- 1 cup ice
For Garnish:
- whipped cream
- crushed graham crackers or lime zest
How to Make Key Lime Colada
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Start by assembling all your ingredients on the counter. Grab your rum, key lime juice, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, triple sec (if you’re using it), and plenty of ice. Make sure your blender is clean and ready, because you’re about to make magic happen in just minutes!
Step 2: Add Everything to the Blender
Pour the white rum, key lime juice, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, and triple sec into your blender. Add in the ice (measuring out a generous cup for that signature frozen feel). The beauty here is simplicity – with everything in one vessel, you’re already halfway to your own personal tropical getaway.
Step 3: Blend Until Creamy
Secure the lid and blend on high until the mixture is smooth and perfectly creamy. You’re looking for that thick, milkshake-like consistency where the ice is fully pulverized but the drink is still light and sippable. Take a moment to bask in the fragrance of lime and coconut – it’s pure summer.
Step 4: Pour and Top
Pour the luscious Key Lime Colada into a chilled glass, letting it swirl up to the brim. Top with a generous puff of whipped cream. This is your moment to get whimsical – let the cream peak high!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or a dash of fresh lime zest over the top. Not only does it look festive, it’s a delicious throwback to key lime pie. Add a straw, step back, and admire your handiwork. Enjoy right away while it’s wonderfully frosty!
How to Serve Key Lime Colada
Garnishes
The way you finish your Key Lime Colada takes it from simple to stunning. Whipped cream gives luxurious height, while a scattering of crushed graham crackers calls to mind everyone’s favorite pie. For a burst of color, lime zest or even a thin wheel of lime perched on the rim makes the drink pop. If you have edible flowers or a pineapple leaf, they’re welcome show-stopping additions for parties!
Side Dishes
Treat your Key Lime Colada like a mini tropical vacation and serve it with snacks that complement the drink’s flavors. Light, salty bar nuts or coconut shrimp are fantastic. If you’re feeling a bit extra, offer fresh pineapple wedges, chocolate-dipped pretzels, or a platter of chilled fruit – they all play well with the tangy-sweet notes of your cocktail.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to think outside the traditional glass! Try serving your Key Lime Colada in a coconut half or a hollowed-out pineapple for an island-inspired wow factor. Mason jars with fun straws make for a playful, casual vibe, while vintage cocktail glasses exude charm. Mini versions in shot glasses are a hit at parties, especially paired with a graham cracker rim!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Key Lime Colada (as rare as that may be), simply pour it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The texture will become more liquid over time, but a quick stir and a fresh handful of ice can revive its frosty qualities.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your Key Lime Colada in individual portions using freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready for a treat, scrape with a fork to create a slushy consistency, or re-blend with a splash of pineapple juice to make it creamy and smooth again. It’s a fantastic way to have tropical refreshment at the ready during hot weather!
Reheating
While there’s no need to “reheat” a frozen colada, letting it thaw gently at room temperature for 10–15 minutes will loosen it up before blending or serving. If it’s still a bit icy, pulse it in the blender with a bit more juice or coconut water until you achieve the desired texture.
FAQs
Can I make a Key Lime Colada without alcohol?
Absolutely! For a non-alcoholic Key Lime Colada, just leave out the rum and triple sec. Replace them with a little extra pineapple juice or even coconut water for that classic texture and flavor, so everyone can enjoy a taste of the tropics.
What can I use if I can’t find key lime juice?
If fresh key limes are unavailable, reach for bottled options like Nellie & Joe’s Key West Lime Juice, which captures the unique tartness perfectly. Regular lime juice will work in a pinch, but the authentic pie-like kick comes from key lime.
Can I prepare a big batch of Key Lime Colada for parties?
Definitely! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need, blend in batches, and keep the finished drinks in the freezer. Give each serving a good stir or quick re-blend for that perfect slushy consistency, and relax knowing you’ve got the ultimate crowd-pleaser ready to go.
What’s the best way to make a graham cracker rim?
To create an easy and delightful graham cracker rim for your Key Lime Colada glasses, simply dip the rim of your glass in a shallow plate of key lime juice, then into another plate with finely crushed graham crackers. Gently twist to ensure even coverage for that key lime pie-inspired touch!
Is there a dairy-free version of this drink?
Yes! Just skip the whipped cream topping or use a dairy-free whipped cream option. Since the creaminess comes from cream of coconut (which is already dairy-free), it’s simple to enjoy the lush texture even on a dairy-free diet.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving a sip of summer or looking to dazzle friends with a unique and playful twist on the classic colada, the Key Lime Colada is your ticket to instant tropical joy. No special occasion needed – try it once and you’ll be dreaming of seconds!
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Key Lime Colada Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the refreshing tropical flavors of a Key Lime Colada. This frozen cocktail combines the zesty kick of key lime juice with creamy coconut and sweet pineapple, perfect for a summer day by the pool or a relaxing evening on the patio.
Ingredients
For the Key Lime Colada:
- 2 ounces white rum
- 1 ounce key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 ounce cream of coconut
- 1 ounce pineapple juice
- ½ ounce triple sec (optional)
- 1 cup ice
For Garnish:
- whipped cream
- crushed graham crackers or lime zest
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the white rum, key lime juice, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, triple sec (if using), and ice.
- Pour into a chilled glass.
- Top with whipped cream and garnish with crushed graham crackers or a sprinkle of lime zest.
- Serve immediately with a straw.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum and triple sec and add extra pineapple juice or coconut water.
- Use bottled Nellie & Joe’s key lime juice if fresh isn’t available.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
