Kamikaze
A citrus and sour vodka cocktail ∙ Shake ∙ 3 min ∙ 19.2% ABV ∙
The Kamikaze is a shot of vodka, triple sec, and fresh lime juice, shaken with ice and strained into a shot glass.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Shake all ingredients with ice: Vodka 30 mlTriple sec 15 mlLime juice 15 ml
- Fine strain into the chilled glass
- Garnish with a lime wedge
Tips
- Squeeze the lime fresh; in a shot this small, tired bottled juice makes the whole thing taste flat.
History
The Kamikaze's origin is disputed. One theory holds that the drink was invented at an American naval base in Japan in the years following World War II, popularized by servicemen stationed there. The name most likely refers to the Japanese kamikaze dive bombers of the war.
Whatever its origin, the Kamikaze is generally agreed to have entered wide American use as a bar shot in the 1970s and become a fixture of disco-era nightlife through the 1980s, prized for its simplicity.
FAQ
What is a Kamikaze drink made of?
Vodka (30 ml), triple sec (15 ml), and fresh lime juice (15 ml), shaken with ice and strained into a shot glass.
What's the difference between a Kamikaze and a Cosmopolitan?
Cranberry juice and size. Both are vodka, triple sec, and lime. A Cosmopolitan adds cranberry juice and is sipped from a cocktail glass; a Kamikaze has no cranberry and is a small shot.
Do people still drink Kamikaze?
Yes. It is still a common order at bars and parties, especially as a quick, cheap group shot, and its three simple ingredients have kept it on casual menus for decades.
Why is Kamikaze blue?
A standard Kamikaze is not blue: vodka, triple sec, and lime juice make a pale, slightly cloudy yellow-green shot. Some bars use blue curaçao instead of triple sec for a blue version, but that is a different recipe.
