Kamikaze
The Kamikaze is a vibrant and zesty cocktail that combines equal parts vodka, triple sec, and fresh lime juice, creating a refreshing and tangy drink.
- 5 min
- Easy
- Cocktail glass
- 3 ingredients
Kamikaze
Ingredients
- Vodka1 oz
- Triple sec1 oz
- Lime juice1 oz
Method
- Shake all ingredients together with ice.
- Strain into glass, garnish and serve.
What you need
Nothing fancy. Here is what to look for. We earn a small cut if you buy through these links, at no cost to you.
A shaker that seals
Two weighted tins beat three-piece shakers. They chill faster and never jam.
See on Amazon ↗A hand citrus press
Fresh juice is the biggest upgrade you can make to any sour drink.
See on Amazon ↗The hero bottle
Vodka stands as the ultimate blank canvas in the spirits world, offering mixologists and home bartenders unparalleled versatility. Unlike whiskey's oak complexity or gin's botanical symphony, vodka's neutral character allows other ingredients to shine while providing a clean, smooth alcoholic backbone.
See 113 Vodka drinksWhere it comes from
The Kamikaze emerged in the 1980s as a sharp, citrus-forward shot designed for rapid consumption, gaining popularity in college bars and party settings where potent, easy-to-drink libations were valued. The name evokes the Japanese concept of dramatic, sacrificial action, matching the drink's aggressive flavor profile and party-focused positioning. It represents the trend toward shot-based drinking culture and the emphasis on simplicity and strength over sophistication, becoming ubiquitous in nightlife establishments worldwide.
Tips from the bar
- Use fresh lime juice rather than bottled sour mix for superior brightness and authentic flavor
- maintain equal parts ratio for balanced citrus-forward profile without excessive sweetness
- shake vigorously with ice before straining into a shot glass for proper chill and dilution
- serve ice-cold for optimal taste and rapid consumption
Twists worth trying
- Spicy Kamikaze
- Adds jalapeño or spicy bitters for heat and complexity beyond simple citrus
- Melon Kamikaze
- Substitutes melon liqueur for triple sec, creating a sweeter, more approachable variation
- Premium Kamikaze
- Uses premium vodka and Grand Marnier instead of standard ingredients for elevated sophistication
What to eat with it
- Spicy appetizers
- Lime-flavored snacks
- Citrus desserts
- Spicy nuts
The finished drink
Questions
What is in a Kamikaze?
A Kamikaze is made with vodka, triple sec, lime juice.
What glass do you use for a Kamikaze?
Serve a Kamikaze in a cocktail glass.
What does a Kamikaze taste like?
Expect sharp, tangy, refreshing.
What can I make with Vodka?
We have 113 drinks built around Vodka. See them all on the Vodka page.
More with Vodka
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