Creamy, zesty, and tropically delicious, the Lime & Coconut Cream Shot is the perfect blend of tart citrus and smooth coconut. This tiny yet mighty shooter delivers big flavor in a silky, chilled format that tastes like a vacation in a glass. Whether you’re lounging poolside, hosting a summer gathering, or just craving a refreshingly indulgent nightcap, this shot hits every note—cool, creamy, sweet, and tangy. This recipe captures the essence of tropical desserts like key lime pie and coconut flan, but in liquid form. It’s fun, fancy enough to impress guests, and easy to whip up on the fly. Plus, the presentation possibilities are endless—from lime wheel garnishes to toasted coconut rims, it’s a visual and flavor stunner.
Why is this recipe so popular?
The Lime & Coconut Cream Shot taps into a flavor combination people can’t resist—citrus and cream. It’s the same reason key lime pies, coconut cream cakes, and tropical cocktails are so loved. This shooter brings that same creamy citrus indulgence in a tiny, satisfying package.
Its rise in popularity is also thanks to its smooth texture, easy drinkability, and bright tropical flavor. The lime cuts through the richness of the coconut, creating a perfect harmony that’s sweet without being cloying. It’s often seen at beach-themed parties, tropical weddings, and bar menus where dessert-style shots are in high demand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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🌴 Tropical flavor—it tastes like lime pie on a beach.
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💚 Perfectly balanced—tart lime meets silky coconut.
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🥥 Creamy and rich, yet refreshing.
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🧊 Best served cold—ideal for warm evenings or after-dinner treats.
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🎉 Party favorite—looks impressive, easy to sip.
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🍸 Customizable—make it more citrusy, sweeter, or boozier.
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✨ Visually stunning with greenish hues and creamy swirl.
Ingredients:
These ingredients come together to form a powerhouse of flavor:
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🥥 1 oz coconut rum (e.g., Malibu) – creamy, tropical base
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🍋 ½ oz lime juice (freshly squeezed) – tart, vibrant kick
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🍶 ½ oz heavy cream or coconut cream – adds rich, smooth body
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🍸 ½ oz vanilla vodka (optional) – for added sweetness and depth
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🧊 Ice cubes – for shaking and chilling
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🍬 Simple syrup (optional, to taste) – for sweetness adjustment
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🌿 Lime wheel or zest, for garnish – adds aroma and beauty
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🥥 Toasted coconut flakes (optional rim) – enhances tropical presentation
Preparation:
Step 1:
Prepare your shot glass. If desired, run a lime wedge around the rim and dip in toasted coconut flakes for a textured, flavorful edge.
Step 2:
In a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice, add 1 oz coconut rum, ½ oz lime juice, ½ oz cream or coconut cream, and ½ oz vanilla vodka (if using). For a sweeter touch, add ¼ oz of simple syrup.
Step 3:
Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well chilled and slightly frothy.
Step 4:
Strain the mixture into the prepared shot glass.
Step 5:
Garnish with a thin lime wheel or a sprinkle of lime zest. Serve immediately while chilled.
Variation:
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🍍 Pineapple Lime Cream Shot: Add ½ oz pineapple juice for a citrus-tropical medley.
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🍫 Coconut Lime Pie Shot: Add a splash of vanilla liqueur or white chocolate liqueur to mimic dessert flavors.
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🍸 Frozen Shot: Blend the ingredients with crushed ice for a slushy-style shooter.
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🍃 Mint Infused: Add a dash of mint syrup or fresh muddled mint for a mojito-style twist.
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🌱 Vegan Version: Replace cream with full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free whipped topping if desired.
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🔥 Spicy Lime Coconut Shot: Add a tiny splash of jalapeño-infused tequila for a spicy contrast.
COOKING Note:
These shots are quick and easy, but for the best results:
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Use freshly squeezed lime juice—it adds brightness and balances the cream.
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Shake with ice thoroughly to properly chill and integrate the cream.
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Always strain—no one wants lime pulp in a creamy shot.
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Avoid low-fat cream, which can cause separation. Use full-fat coconut cream or heavy cream.
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For a visually layered look, pour the cream slowly at the end for a gentle float.
Serving Suggestions:
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Serve in tall, slender shot glasses for a chic, clean look.
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Add a lime sugar rim by mixing lime zest with fine sugar.
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Garnish with a mini lime wedge pierced with a cocktail pick.
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Serve as a dessert shot with a side of toasted coconut cookies.
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Set out on a tray with tropical flowers and palm leaves for an island-inspired vibe.
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Perfect for luaus, bridal showers, spring break, and rooftop soirées.
Tips:
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If you want a thicker, dessert-like texture, use coconut cream over heavy cream.
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Don’t skip the shaking—it emulsifies the cream with the citrus to prevent curdling.
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If batching, make the base mix ahead (rum, lime, syrup, vodka) and add cream + shake right before serving.
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For a layered effect, pour the cream over the back of a spoon last.
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Want it extra cold? Chill your shot glasses in the freezer before pouring.
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Always garnish—presentation matters with creamy shots.
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cooking Time:
0 minutes
Total Time:
5 minutes
Nutritional Information (per shot):
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Calories: 130 kcal
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Protein: 0.6 g
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Sodium: 8 mg
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Carbohydrates: 8 g
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Sugars: 6 g
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Fat: 4.5 g
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can mix the base ingredients in advance (rum, vodka, lime, syrup) and store in the fridge. Add cream and shake fresh for each serving to prevent curdling.
Q: What if I don’t have coconut rum?
A: You can use white rum and add ½ tsp coconut extract, or use coconut liqueur instead.
Q: Can I use bottled lime juice?
A: Fresh lime juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
A: Yes! Use canned full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream as a non-dairy alternative.
Q: What’s the best way to serve a large group?
A: Multiply the recipe and pour into a shaker in batches. Chill and serve freshly shaken shots to keep that smooth texture.
Q: Can this be turned into a full-size cocktail?
A: Absolutely! Just double or triple the amounts and serve in a coupe or rocks glass over ice.
Conclusion:
The Lime & Coconut Cream Shot is proof that big flavors can come in small packages. Sweet, tart, creamy, and entirely tropical, this shooter transports you to a beachy paradise with just one sip. Whether you’re craving a taste of summer or need a dessert-like nightcap, this little shot will wow your guests, elevate your events, and become a new favorite in your boozy arsenal. With easy ingredients and endless customization options, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Dress it up with garnishes or keep it minimal, the flavor speaks for itself. So go ahead, shake up some island vibes and treat yourself to a Lime & Coconut Cream Shot that’s anything but ordinary.
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Lime & Coconut Cream Shot
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
These ingredients come together to form a powerhouse of flavor:
-
🥥 1 oz coconut rum (e.g., Malibu) – creamy, tropical base
-
🍋 ½ oz lime juice (freshly squeezed) – tart, vibrant kick
-
🍶 ½ oz heavy cream or coconut cream – adds rich, smooth body
-
🍸 ½ oz vanilla vodka (optional) – for added sweetness and depth
-
🧊 Ice cubes – for shaking and chilling
-
🍬 Simple syrup (optional, to taste) – for sweetness adjustment
-
🌿 Lime wheel or zest, for garnish – adds aroma and beauty
-
🥥 Toasted coconut flakes (optional rim) – enhances tropical presentation
Instructions
Step 1:
Prepare your shot glass. If desired, run a lime wedge around the rim and dip in toasted coconut flakes for a textured, flavorful edge.
Step 2:
In a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice, add 1 oz coconut rum, ½ oz lime juice, ½ oz cream or coconut cream, and ½ oz vanilla vodka (if using). For a sweeter touch, add ¼ oz of simple syrup.
Step 3:
Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well chilled and slightly frothy.
Step 4:
Strain the mixture into the prepared shot glass.
Step 5:
Garnish with a thin lime wheel or a sprinkle of lime zest. Serve immediately while chilled.
Notes
These shots are quick and easy, but for the best results:
-
Use freshly squeezed lime juice—it adds brightness and balances the cream.
-
Shake with ice thoroughly to properly chill and integrate the cream.
-
Always strain—no one wants lime pulp in a creamy shot.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 8 mg
- Fat: 4.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Protein: 0.6 g