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Make Me a Cocktail

Kamikaze
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.41 / 5

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The Kamikaze is a crisp, equal-parts vodka sour that sits in the same family as other simple, spirit-forward citrus cocktails.... ... more

The Kamikaze is a crisp, equal-parts vodka sour that sits in the same family as other simple, spirit-forward citrus cocktails. While its exact origin story isn’t firmly pinned down, you’ll most often see it associated with late-20th-century bar culture, when vodka-based drinks and clean, punchy sours became staples on cocktail lists. Served up in a cocktail glass, it’s designed to be direct, bright, and unapologetically sharp.

With vodka as the neutral backbone, the triple sec brings a clear orange sweetness that softens the edges without turning the drink candy-like. Lime juice drives the profile: tart, zesty, and mouthwatering, pulling the whole mix into a tight, refreshing snap. Because the measures are balanced, you’ll find the citrus stays front and centre, with the orange notes rounding out the finish.

This is the kind of drink you reach for when you want something brisk and no-nonsense—ideal as a pre-dinner opener or a quick, palate-waking serve at a party. If you enjoy Margaritas but prefer vodka to tequila, or you like your cocktails clean, citrus-led, and not overly sweet, this one lands perfectly.
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
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

4/5

Vodka lays down a clean, neutral base while triple sec brings bright orange sweetness, and lime juice snaps everything into a sharp, mouthwatering sour that finishes dry and zesty. The equal parts balance because the lime’s acidity reins in the triple sec and keeps the vodka from feeling flat, making it ideal for drinkers who like brisk, no-fuss citrus cocktails.

Method
How to make a Kamikaze

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Vodka 30ml, Triple sec 30ml, Lime juice 30ml
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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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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