Key Lime Pie Daiquiri

Guess what? I’m on my way to somewhere tropical. Somewhere warmer than 5 degrees. Somewhere I will likely drink rum. Not to rub it in, of course.Tim and I are heading toward sun and sand to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary, Thanksgiving, and to generally warm up again before we hunker in at home to brave the cold north. In honor of our tropical getaway and to toast 5 fantastic years of wedded bliss, I made a Key Lime Pie Daiquiri.

This tastes like sunshine in a glass. When I made these last weekend it was snowing and gray outside but I felt instantly brighter and warmer while drinking these. And that’s not just the rum talking. They were the perfect thing to hold me over for a few more days until I could fly south.I made a simple syrup first and chilled it for a while. The syrup will keep in the fridge for several weeks and make many drinks. And just so you know, I did not use fresh key lime juice. Key limes can be hard to come by near me. I substitute bottled key lime juice with good results. Fresh would, undoubtedly, be better. Brighter and cleaner tasting. But I had no issue with the bottled version and thought the daiquiri went down very easy. VERY easy. Be careful!

The simple syrup has vanilla paste in it. I always use paste when I really want the vanilla to stand out. You could substitute good quality vanilla extract if you prefer. When using the paste you will get those lovely black specks of vanilla in the drink. The vanilla is what lends the key lime pie flavor to the drink. It gives it that graham cracker crust-ish flavor undertone so be sure you use a good quality vanilla in whatever form you choose.I’m a lucky girl to be whisked away for a vacation by my darling husband. Talk about feeling loved and worshiped. I couldn’t ask for a better guy. Cheers to five years, Tim! You’re my favorite!

Key Lime Pie Daiquiri

2 oz key lime juice

2 oz Rum

2 oz vanilla simple syrup

ice

2-3 oz Seltzer or Sparkling water

Put juice, rum & simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add ice. Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass. Top with 2-3 ounces sparkling water or seltzer.

Makes 1 cocktail.

Vanilla Simple Syrup

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

1 tsp vanilla paste (or good quality vanilla extract)

In a large microwave safe container combine the sugar, water & vanilla. Microwave 3 minutes or until sugar begins to dissolve. Remove from microwave. Stir well. Refrigerate in a sealed container until chilled. Will keep in the refrigerator for 3 weeks and make many daiquiri!