I grew up in Florida, so the Florida Citrus Martini hits close to home. The citrus harvests, the beach days, the family trips down to Orlando—this martini is a nod to all of that.
When I started bartending, I wanted to bottle up what Florida feels like and pour it into a glass.
The combination of fresh orange, lime, and tropical notes takes me right back. And that garnish?
That was inspired by watching families light up when they saw that shape, especially the kids at the bar waiting for their parents’ drinks to arrive. It’s a cocktail rooted in sunshine, flavor, and a little touch of wonder.
Flavor Profile
Taste: Bright and citrusy with subtle tropical sweetness
Texture: Smooth, crisp
Sweetness: Medium—balanced by fresh lime acidity
Food Pairings
I recommend pairing it with:
Coconut shrimp – The crispy, slightly sweet crust brings out the tropical notes in the drink.
Key lime pie – This dessert mirrors the lime in the martini and adds a creamy contrast.
Mini Cuban sandwiches – The salty ham and pickles balance the citrusy brightness.
Grilled mahi mahi tacos – Light and zesty, they highlight the cocktail’s lime and orange flavors.
Similar Drinks
Some of my favorites that share a similar vibe:
Sunshine State Mule – Bright citrus with the kick of ginger beer
Magic Hour Martini – Peach, orange, and golden-hour vibes
Tangerine Vanilla Fizz – Creamy citrus soda in a glass
Tropical Grove Gimlet – Tart lime meets tropical liqueur
Orange Cream Piña Martini – Creamy coconut meets citrus
Florida Citrus Martini
The Florida Citrus Martini is a bright, refreshing tribute to the Sunshine State. Fresh orange and lime juice meet tropical fruit liqueur and a hint of vanilla, bringing together everything that makes Florida special—from its citrus groves to its coastal breezes. The playful garnish of an orange slice with two lime wheels forms a familiar shape that pays subtle homage to the magic rooted in the heart of the state.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Florida orange vodka (or any orange vodka)
- 1 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz passion fruit syrup or mango syrup
- ½ oz vanilla simple syrup
- Ice
- Orange slice and two lime wheels (for Mickey-inspired garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the orange vodka, triple sec, lime juice, passion fruit or mango syrup, and vanilla syrup.
- Shake vigorously until chilled (about 15 seconds).
- Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
- Garnish with an orange slice on the rim and two lime wheels behind it to resemble Mickey Mouse ears.
FAQ
How do I get the garnish to look like Mickey ears?
Use a toothpick to anchor the lime wheels behind the orange slice on the rim. It’s simple and super effective.
Can I make this into a frozen version?
Yep! Just blend all the ingredients with a cup of ice for a slushy, sunshine-ready version.
What if I don’t have passion fruit syrup?
Mango syrup works just as well. Even guava can be a fun twist—Florida’s got options.
Is this drink best for day or night?
I like it best in the afternoon or around golden hour. But honestly, it shines anytime you want a sip of sunshine.