Key Lime Pie Shot Recipe

If you’re craving something fun that feels like both a dessert and a drink, this key lime pie shot recipe is your perfect pick. It has that bold lime kick, sweet graham cracker flavor, and a creamy finish that comes together in one smooth sip.

You don’t need any fancy tools or bartending skills. Just grab a few simple ingredients and you’re good to go. We’ve made these at home and for parties, and they’re always a hit.

Whether you’re hanging out with friends or planning a small get-together, these little treats bring a playful twist to your drinks menu. I’ll walk you through exactly what you need, how to layer the ingredients so they look great, and a few easy tips to serve them up like a pro. The best part is you can make a round in under five minutes using things you probably already have at home.

Why You’ll Love This Key Lime Pie Shot

This key lime pie shot is like sipping your favorite dessert. It’s creamy, tangy, and just sweet enough to keep you coming back for more.

We like adding a graham cracker rim and a swirl of whipped cream. They look amazing and always get a few photos before the first sip.

They’re perfect for summer parties, backyard hangouts, or anytime you want something fun and easy.

Only got five minutes? That’s all you need. A few simple ingredients and you’re ready to go.

No bartending skills required. If we can make them, so can you.

Ingredients and Substitutions

To make our favorite key lime pie shot, we only need a handful of simple ingredients. We’ve also got easy swaps in case you’re missing something.

Whipped Cream Vodka

This gives the shot its creamy, pie-like flavor. It’s sweet, smooth, and ties everything together.

If we don’t have whipped cream vodka, we use vanilla vodka with a splash of simple syrup. Plain vodka works too if we add a little extra sweetness. Chilled vodka always mixes better and makes the shot smoother.

Key Lime Juice

This is where the tart, citrusy flavor comes from. Key lime juice is a bit sweeter and more fragrant than regular lime juice.

If we can’t find key limes, regular lime juice does the trick. We just add a tiny pinch of sugar to balance it out. Bottled key lime juice is another easy option. Just make sure it’s pure and unsweetened for the best flavor.

RumChata

RumChata adds that creamy texture with a touch of cinnamon and vanilla. It blends really well with the lime and vodka.

If RumChata isn’t available, Baileys or another cream liqueur can work. For a lighter version, we sometimes mix half-and-half with a bit of vanilla and cinnamon.

Graham Cracker Crumbs

We use crushed graham crackers to rim the glass. It adds a fun texture and gives that pie crust flavor.

To do this, dip the rim in simple syrup or honey, then roll it in the crumbs. If we’re out of graham crackers, we switch to crushed vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even gingersnaps.

Whipped Cream

A little whipped cream on top makes the shot feel like a mini dessert. It adds a creamy sweetness and looks great too.

We like using homemade whipped cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla. Coconut whipped cream is a great dairy-free option and adds a light tropical twist.

Lime Wedge or Zest

To finish it off, we like adding a lime wedge or a sprinkle of zest. It gives a fresh aroma and hints at the flavors inside.

Running a lime wedge around the rim helps the crumbs stick if you’re doing a crusted edge. Zest adds more citrus flavor and looks nice without adding extra juice.

How to Make a Key Lime Pie Shot

We love turning a classic dessert into a fun little shot. This one has all the creamy, tangy flavors of key lime pie packed into a single sip. It’s quick to make and always a hit.

Here’s how we put it together:

Step 1
Start by prepping the glass. Run a lime wedge around the rim, then dip it into graham cracker crumbs to get that pie crust vibe.

Step 2
Add ice to a cocktail shaker. Pour in the whipped cream vodka, RumChata, and key lime juice.

Step 3
Shake it well for about 20 to 30 seconds. This chills the drink and mixes everything smoothly.

Step 4
Strain the mix into your rimmed shot glass.

Step 5
Add a little whipped cream on top and a sprinkle of lime zest to finish it off.

We like serving these cold, right after mixing. The creamy RumChata and zesty lime taste best that way. For extra chill, we pop our shot glasses in the freezer for about 15 minutes before we start. It keeps the drink icy and refreshing a little longer.

Key Lime Pie Shot Variations

We love putting our own spin on this fun little shot. If you’re looking to switch things up, here are a few easy and tasty variations to try:

• Tropical Twist
  Swap regular rum or vodka with coconut rum for a beachy vibe. It pairs perfectly with the lime and adds a splash of island flavor.

• Cheesecake Version
  For something richer, use cream cheese liqueur or Baileys instead of RumChata. It gives the shot a smooth, dessert-like finish that’s extra satisfying.

• Non-Alcoholic Option
  Mix limeade concentrate, heavy cream, and a splash of vanilla syrup. It still delivers the flavor we love, just without the alcohol.

• Graham Cracker Rim
  Make it feel more like dessert by adding a crushed graham cracker rim. Dip the rim in lime juice, then roll it in the crumbs for that pie crust touch.

We like offering a few of these versions at summer get-togethers so guests can pick their favorite. These little twists always get people curious and ready to try a sip.

More Shot Recipes to Try

If you had fun with our key lime pie shot, you’ll probably enjoy these too. We like keeping things playful with flavors that surprise and delight our friends. Here are some of our go-to shots to mix up next time you’re hosting.

• Lemon Drop Shot

• Gummy Bear Shot

• Polar Bear Shot

• Mexican Candy Shot

• Cheesecake Shot

• Birthday Cake Shot

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Key Lime Pie Shot?

A Key Lime Pie Shot is a sweet, creamy cocktail that tastes just like the classic dessert. We mix whipped cream vodka, RumChata, and key lime juice to create this delicious treat. The Key Lime Pie Shot recipe is perfect for parties and celebrations.

You can rim the glass with crushed graham crackers for an authentic pie experience. Top it with a dollop of whipped cream to complete the dessert-in-a-glass effect.

Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?

Yes, regular lime juice works great if you can’t find key lime juice. The flavor will be slightly different, as key limes have a more intense, aromatic taste.

We’ve made this shot both ways and guests rarely notice the difference. For the closest flavor match, add a tiny bit more sweetness when using regular limes.

What’s the best substitute for RumChata?

Baileys Irish Cream makes the best substitute for RumChata in this recipe. It provides the creamy texture that balances the tart lime flavor perfectly.

Other options include half-and-half mixed with a dash of cinnamon and vanilla extract. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

The creamy element is key to making this shot taste like actual pie!

Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes, we often mix the liquid ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just combine everything in a sealed container up to 24 hours before your event.

Wait to add the graham cracker rim and whipped cream until serving time. Give the mixture a good shake before pouring since the ingredients may separate while sitting.

This easy-to-mix cocktail lets you enjoy the party instead of playing bartender all night!