Kamikaze recipe
A sharp, citrus-forward sour balancing clean vodka with crisp lime and orange liqueur.
Method: Shake ·
Glass: Coupe glass ·
Time: 3 min ·
Difficulty: Beginner ·
Family: The Sidecar Family
Ingredients
- 2 oz Vodka
- 0.75 oz Triple Sec
- 0.75 oz Fresh lime juice
How to make a Kamikaze
- Chill a coupe glass in the refrigerator or fill it with ice water.
- Combine vodka, triple sec, and fresh lime juice in a shaker tin.
- Fill the shaker with quality ice cubes.
- Shake vigorously for 10 to 12 seconds until thoroughly chilled and diluted.
- Double strain the liquid into the prepared coupe glass.
- Attach a fresh lime wheel on the rim for garnish.
Garnish
Lime wheel
Pro tip
Use 100-proof vodka if you want a bolder spirit backbone that stands up cleanly against the tart citrus profile.
History of the Kamikaze
Though widely popularized across American bars during the disco era of the 1970s and 1980s, origin accounts are divided, with some attributing its creation to bartenders at the Tokyo American Club in Japan post-World War II. Modern bartenders still keep Kamikaze in circulation because the recipe shows a clear point of view without needless decoration.
Flavour profile
Citrusy, Crisp, Tart, Refreshing
Variations
- Blue Kamikaze — Substitute blue curaçao for triple sec to impart a vibrant azure hue and slightly sweeter orange profile.
- Raspberry Kamikaze — Add 0.5 oz of raspberry liqueur or fresh raspberry syrup to temper the tartness with berry fruitiness.
- Basil Kamikaze — Muddle three fresh basil leaves in the shaker before adding the liquids for an herbaceous botanical finish.
Practise making the Kamikaze in the free Virtual Bar game.