Kamikaze
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Kamikaze
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.41 / 5
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.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail

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 *

Tags

Vodka ingredient icon
Vodka cocktails

Cocktail glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Vodka cocktail ingredient icon for the Kamikaze cocktail
Vodka
Lime juice cocktail ingredient icon for the Kamikaze cocktail
Lime juice
Triple Sec cocktail ingredient icon for the Kamikaze cocktail
Triple Sec
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

4/5

The Kamikaze cocktail is a study in balance, as the punchy tartness of lime juice cuts through the potent, clear bite of vodka, while Triple Sec brings a welcoming sweetness that ties it all together. This drink is a delightful sharp shock to the senses, best enjoyed by those who appreciate a robust, citrus-forward cocktail that doesn’t shy away from showcasing its spirited constitution.

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

Power tips
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Use fresh lime juice instead of bottled; the fresh acidity will significantly boost the cocktail's overall flavor.
Double strain the cocktail to remove any small ice shards, ensuring a smoother drinking experience.
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Kamikaze masterclass

Master the craft of the Kamikaze cocktail with one of our cocktail deep dive masterclasses

The History of the Kamikaze

The Kamikaze cocktail is a straightforward yet potent concoction that offers a beautifully balanced...

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Shake  ·  Strain  ·  Garnish  · 

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Comments

Ariel avatar
Ariel

Delicious! I actually made a shot version of this!

👍 1
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Make me a cocktail

Did you just mix up the ingredients for the shot, or try some fancy layering / just tip them in? :)

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FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the origin of the Kamikaze cocktail?

The Kamikaze cocktail is believed to have originated in the late 1970s to early 1980s. It's named after the Japanese word 'kamikaze', meaning 'divine wind', which refers to the suicide attacks by military aviators from the Empire of Japan against Allied naval vessels in World War II. The cocktail likely gained popularity in the United States as a shooter before becoming a well-known cocktail served in bars around the world.

Non alcoholic variations icon

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Kamikaze?

Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of the Kamikaze by substituting the alcoholic components with non-alcoholic alternatives. For example, instead of vodka, you can use a non-alcoholic spirit or seedlip. For the Triple Sec, consider using a non-alcoholic orange-flavored syrup. The lime juice remains the same, keeping the characteristic citrus flavor of the cocktail.

Preparation techniques icon

What is the best way to serve the Kamikaze?

The best way to serve a Kamikaze is chilled, in a cocktail glass. The ingredients should be shaken with ice and then strained into the glass to ensure it is cold and refreshing. Traditionally, it is also served as a shooter, meaning the entire drink is downed in one gulp, but enjoying it from a cocktail glass allows for a more leisurely consumption.

Faq icon

What variations of the Kamikaze are there?

Several variations of the Kamikaze exist, altering either the ingredients or the proportions. Common variations include the Blue Kamikaze, where blue curacao replaces Triple Sec for a fruity flavor and a vibrant blue color. Another popular variation is the addition of cranberry juice, which adds a tart sweetness and a reddish hue to the drink. Experimenting with different citrus juices besides lime, like lemon or grapefruit, is also a popular way to create variations.

Alcohol content comparison icon

How does the alcohol content in a Kamikaze compare to other cocktails?

With an alcohol content of 26.67%, the Kamikaze is considered to be on the stronger side among classic cocktails. This is due to it being composed entirely of alcoholic ingredients, unlike other cocktails that may include non-alcoholic mixers to dilute the strength. It's comparable to other strong cocktails like the Martini or Manhattan but is more potent than many highball drinks or cocktails with a significant amount of mixer.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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