The History of the Kamikaze

The Kamikaze cocktail is a straightforward yet potent concoction that offers a beautifully balanced drink that epitomizes everything that you would want in a cocktail. It includes two sources of alcohol, requires a shaker and is presented in an elegant cocktail glass.

With just three main ingredients—vodka, triple sec, and fresh lime juice—the drink follows a simple formula: equal parts of each component. This balance ensures that every sip is perfectly mixed, providing a smooth blend of sweetness, citrusy tartness, and a kick of alcohol.

The simplicity of the Kamikaze is what makes it so appealing to both seasoned bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts. There’s no need for elaborate preparation; just combine the ingredients in a shaker with ice, give it a good shake, and strain into a cocktail glass. This ease of preparation makes it an ideal choice for a quick drink at home or in a busy bar setting.

Despite its simplicity, the Kamikaze packs a punch, living up to its name with a bold flavor profile that leaves a lasting impression.

However, as the name might suggest, it was born from a rather dark place.

TL;DR

• Simple Yet Potent: The Kamikaze cocktail is a straightforward blend of vodka, triple sec, and fresh lime juice, offering a perfect balance of sweetness, citrus, and alcohol.
• Uncertain Origins: Believed to have been created on an American naval base in Japan post-World War II, the Kamikaze's exact origins are debated, with some tracing it to the 1950s or even the 1970s disco scene.
• Versatile and Adaptable: The Kamikaze is a year-round favorite due to its refreshing flavor profile and can be served as a shot or cocktail, making it suitable for any occasion.
• Fun Variations: From a Blue Kamikaze to a SoCo Kamikaze, the drink's simplicity allows for numerous creative twists, provided fresh, quality ingredients are used.

Who Invented the Kamikaze Cocktail?

It is thought that this drink was created within an American Naval base in Japan during World War II. It was actually originally a shot, but it became so popular that it was adapted into cocktail form. Today, bartenders may serve it either way.

The WW2 soldiers named it after the Japanese kamikaze bombers. These bombers were trained to fly their adapted planes directly into enemy warships, which would then create an explosion and kill the occupants of both vehicles. It was effectively a suicide mission, first deployed in October 1944 in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The tactic was supposed to swing the war result in the favour of the Japanese, but it was unsuccessful.

The Japanese translation of Kamikaze is ‘divine wind’, which could also be a reference to the potent sweet-sour mix of ingredients within the cocktail. And since its popularity did not really kick off until the 1970s, some insist that it was created within the disco scene that ensued in this era.

While the Kamikaze cocktail is believed to have originated on an American naval base in Japan following World War II, some sources suggest that it might have been invented as early as the 1950s, a period marked by American military occupation and cultural exchange in post-war Japan. During this time, American soldiers and expatriates stationed in Japan were often eager to experiment with local ingredients and flavors, leading to the creation of several hybrid cocktails, including the Kamikaze. The combination of vodka, triple sec, and lime juice—ingredients easily accessible to the American military—made the Kamikaze an ideal drink for those seeking a strong, yet refreshing libation.

All this speculation means that we don’t really know who invented the drink!

Kamikaze

Recipe card

4.41 / 5

Cocktail glass

Microbadges

IBA Official Drink

15 key ingredients

Cocktail Of The Day

Base ingredient

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Vodka

Calories

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194 calories

Garnish

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Lime

Alcohol content

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26.67% | 2.4 units of alcohol ^*

It is thought that this drink was created within an American Naval base in Japan during World War II. It was actually originally a shot, but it became so popular that it was adapted into cocktail form. Today, bartenders may serve it either way. An incerdibly tasty drink epitomizes everything that you would want in a cocktail. It includes two sources of alcohol, requires a shaker and is presented in an elegant cocktail glass.

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Ingredients

Vodka

Lime juice

Triple Sec

Method

How to make a Kamikaze

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes

Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice

Shake well then strain into chilled cocktail glass

Garnish with a lime wheel and serve

Makers mode

View the full recipe

A Drink for Every Occasion: Versatility of the Kamikaze

One of the most appealing aspects of the Kamikaze cocktail is its versatility. Whether you're hosting a party, enjoying a quiet evening at home, or looking to impress at a gathering, the Kamikaze fits any occasion. Its refreshing citrus profile makes it a great summer drink, while its strong vodka base keeps it relevant for colder weather, ensuring it remains a year-round favorite.

Variations of the Kamikaze Cocktail

Although this drink is widely recognized as a cocktail in its own right, it is also often referred to as a variation on several other classic cocktails. It is similar to a Margarita, simply substituting vodka for tequila. It is also often referred to as a Cosmopolitan without cranberry juice.

You can have a lot of fun with the Kamikaze. You can adjust the quantities of each ingredient to create something that better suits your palate. You can add blue curacao in the place of triple sec to make a Blue Kamikaze or you can switch your plain vodka for a flavoured one, adding a new element to the taste. You can even replace the vodka for Southern Comfort, to create a SoCo Kamikaze.

Whether you shot it or sip it, all mixologists agree that this is a drink that requires premium ingredients. Don’t be tempted to use premixed lime juice in place of the fresh stuff. The drink might be simple, but it is the quality of each part that ensures it stands out as a classic cocktail.

Kamikaze Shot

Recipe card

4.61 / 5

Shot glass

Invented

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circa 1940's

Base ingredient

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Vodka

Calories

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72 calories

Garnish

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Lime slice

Alcohol content

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17.1% | 0.51 units of alcohol ^*

It is thought that this drink was created within an American Naval base in Japan during World War II. With just three main ingredients—vodka, triple sec, and fresh lime juice—the drink follows a simple formula: equal parts of each component. This balance ensures that every sip is perfectly mixed, providing a smooth blend of sweetness, citrusy tartness, and a kick of alcohol.

Ingredients

Vodka

Lime juice

Triple Sec

Method

How to make a Kamikaze Shot

Serves 1 · Takes 2 minutes

Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice

Shake well then strain into chilled shot glass

Garnish with a lime slice and serve

Makers mode

View the full recipe