Kamikaze

The Kamikaze is a vibrant and potent cocktail known for its clean, tart flavor profile. Combining equal parts vodka, triple sec, and freshly squeezed lime juice, it delivers a powerful citrus punch balanced by the spirit's neutrality. It can be enjoyed either as a small, bracing shot or as a sophisticated cocktail served chilled in a martini glass. The simplicity of its ingredients makes it a versatile and enduringly popular choice.
Kamikaze

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Kamikaze is a cocktail, often served as a shot but equally popular as a "straight up" drink in a cocktail glass. It is considered a modern classic, gaining immense popularity in the latter half of the 20th century. Its simple, sharp profile places it in the sour family of cocktails.

Serving

This is a small, potent drink served very cold in a chilled cocktail glass. Its alcohol by volume is relatively high, around 25-30%.
Serving size
Approximately 90 ml / 3 oz
Alcohol content
Around 25-30% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Cocktail glass
Glass treatment
Chilled glass

Backstory

The origin of the Kamikaze is somewhat disputed, but it is widely believed to have been created in Japan after World War II, at an American military base in Tokyo. The name "Kamikaze," which means "divine wind" in Japanese, was famously associated with Japanese suicide pilots during the war. The drink's potent and quick-acting nature likely inspired its name. It rose to prominence in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, becoming a staple of the disco era.
Origin
Believed to have originated at an American naval base in Tokyo, Japan, post-WWII, around the mid-20th century.

Kamikaze

The drink is primarily known as the Kamikaze. It is sometimes referred to as a Kamikaze Cocktail to distinguish it from the shot version. Due to its simple recipe of vodka, lime, and orange liqueur, it's often considered a variation or close relative of the Vodka Gimlet.
Original name
Kamikaze
Alternative names
  • Kamikaze Cocktail
  • Vodka Gimlet

Characteristics overview

The Kamikaze boasts a sharp, citrus-forward flavor profile dominated by lime and a hint of sweet orange, with a clean, crisp finish. Its appearance is a hazy, pale white, and it offers a smooth, refreshing texture suitable for any season.
Flavor
Tart, citrusy, sharp, clean, orange, lime
Aroma
Citrus, lime, hint of orange
Taste balance
Sour, sweet
Aftertaste
Short, clean, crisp
Fizziness
Still, not fizzy
Color appearance
Hazy, pale white, translucent
Texture
Smooth, crisp
Seasonality
Refreshing, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The Kamikaze's flavor is dominated by a strong sourness from the lime, balanced by moderate sweetness and fruitiness from the orange liqueur. It has a medium alcohol strength and no carbonation, resulting in a sharp, intense taste.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This simple cocktail requires only three ingredients in equal parts: vodka, triple sec (or another high-quality orange liqueur), and freshly squeezed lime juice. Fresh juice is crucial for the best flavor.
  • Vodka30 ml / 1 ounce
    A good quality, neutral vodka works best.
  • Triple Sec30 ml / 1 ounce
    Cointreau or another high-quality orange liqueur is recommended.
  • Fresh Lime Juice30 ml / 1 ounce
    Freshly squeezed juice is essential for the best flavor.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a shaker tin and a strainer, to prepare this drink. A jigger is also essential for measuring the ingredients accurately.
  • Cocktail shaker to chill and combine ingredients.
  • Strainer (Hawthorne or fine mesh) to pour without ice.
  • Jigger or measuring cup for accurate portions.

Instructions

To make a Kamikaze, simply shake equal parts vodka, triple sec, and fresh lime juice with ice. Then, strain the chilled mixture into a cocktail glass and garnish with a lime wedge.
1. Chill your cocktail glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Add the vodka, triple sec, and fresh lime juice to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker about two-thirds full with ice cubes.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels very cold.
5. Discard the ice from your chilled glass.
6. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared cocktail glass.
7. Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel on the rim of the glass and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple lime wedge or wheel is the classic garnish for a Kamikaze cocktail. It complements the drink's primary flavor and adds a touch of visual appeal.
  • Lime wedge or wheel, placed on the rim of the glass.

Dietary Information

This drink is alcoholic and naturally free from caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten (when using pure, distilled spirits). It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A standard Kamikaze contains approximately 160-190 calories, with around 8-10 grams of carbohydrates and sugar, primarily from the orange liqueur. The nutritional content can vary based on the specific ingredients used.
Calories
Averagely 160-190 kcal / 670-795 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 8-10 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 8-10 g
Sugar level

Occasions

The Kamikaze is a versatile drink perfect for lively social gatherings like parties and nights out. Its sharp, clean taste also makes it an excellent pre-dinner drink or a happy hour favorite. It is often served as a shot for a quick, celebratory toast.
  • Party
  • Night Out
  • Pre-dinner Drink
  • Happy Hour

Pairing suggestions

The Kamikaze's sharp, citrusy profile pairs well with salty snacks and light appetizers. It can cut through the richness of fried foods and complements the fresh flavors of seafood, such as sushi or grilled shrimp. Its acidity makes it a great companion to dishes with a bit of fat or oil.
  • Salty snacks like pretzels or nuts
  • Light appetizers like spring rolls or sushi
  • Seafood dishes, especially grilled fish or shrimp

The Kamikaze: A Swift and Sharp Classic Cocktail

The Kamikaze is a sharp, citrus-forward cocktail with a reputation for its potency and refreshing taste. Made from a simple, balanced mix of vodka, triple sec, and lime juice, it's an icon of the late 20th century. Its versatility allows it to be served as either a sophisticated sipper or a lively party shot. The name, meaning "divine wind" in Japanese, aptly describes its swift and powerful effect.

You May Also Like

Improved Amaretto Sour

A sophisticated and balanced reinvention of the classic, this cocktail marries the nutty sweetness of amaretto with the bold character of bourbon, creating a rich, velvety, and complex sour.

Watermelon Margarita

A wonderfully refreshing and fruity twist on the classic Margarita, blending sweet watermelon with tangy lime and tequila.

Paloma

A refreshing and simple tequila-based highball cocktail made with grapefruit soda and lime.

Black Manhattan

A rich, dark, and bittersweet modern twist on the classic Manhattan, using amaro instead of sweet vermouth.

Have You Tried These Yet?

Stork Club Cocktail

A refreshing and elegant gin-based cocktail with bright citrus and a hint of orange liqueur, created at the legendary Stork Club in New York.

Guns of the Free

A complex and nutty Irish whiskey sour variation featuring pistachio, apricot, and a hint of anise.

Blood Orange Elderflower Gin Cocktail

A vibrant and refreshing gin cocktail that beautifully balances the sweet-tartness of blood orange with the floral notes of elderflower liqueur.

The Business

A crisp and refreshing gin sour sweetened with honey and given depth by a hint of aromatic bitters.