Kamikaze Cocktail Recipe
Kamikaze Nutrition Facts
Calories:169
Fat:0g
Protein:0.1g
Carbohydrates:11g
Alcohol:14%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Kamikaze cocktail is believed to have originated in the 1970s, during the disco era. It was named after the Japanese word for 'divine wind,' which referred to the suicide missions carried out by Japanese pilots during World War II. This cocktail quickly gained popularity and became a staple in bars and clubs around the world.
- The Kamikaze is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed by many generations.
- It is often served as a shot, but can also be enjoyed as a sipping cocktail.
- The Kamikaze is a favorite among those who enjoy a balance of sweet and sour flavors.
How Kamikaze Tastes?
The Kamikaze cocktail has a refreshing, tangy taste with a hint of sweetness. It is a well-balanced mix of sour, sweet, and strong flavors, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy citrus-based cocktails.
Interesting facts about Kamikaze
- The Kamikaze is sometimes referred to as a 'shooter' because it is often served in a shot glass.
- The cocktail was named after the Japanese kamikaze pilots, but there is no direct connection between the drink and Japan.
- The Kamikaze is a versatile cocktail that can be easily customized by adding different fruit juices or flavored liqueurs.
Ingredients
- Vodka: 1 oz(30ml)
- Triple sec: 1 oz(30ml)
- Fresh lime juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Ice: As needed
- Lime wheel: 1 (for garnish)
A few good options for Kamikaze are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
Vodka
Vodka is the foundation - the canvas if you will. It's a neutral spirit, so it carries the flavors of the other ingredients without overwhelming them. Using less vodka could make your Kamikaze too sweet, while too much could turn it into a boozy hammer - and at that point, it's less 'flying gracefully' and more 'crashing and burning'.
Mary Mitkina
Triple Sec
Triple sec is the zesty bestie in this trio. It gives you sweetness and a hit of orange that balances out the lime's tartness. If you skimp on this, you'll end up with a pucker-worthy potion. Excess could lead to a cloying cocktail, and who wants that?
Emma Rose
Fresh Lime Juice
This is the citrus squeeze that gives the Kamikaze its wings! Not enough lime, and your drink is grounded in blandville. But overpower it with lime, and you might as well be biting into the fruit itself - brace for impact!
Alex Green
Ice
Ice is the cool character that chills the show. If you forget the ice, think of a summer without a pool - not cool, my friends. No one wants a lukewarm Kamikaze. It's like a skydive without the parachute - thrilling but ill-advised.
Mary Mitkina
Lime Wheel
Lastly, the lime wheel is your aesthetic ace. It's the garnish that whispers 'I'm fancy' without trying too hard. Forget the lime wheel, and your Kamikaze is flying naked - still effective, but lacking in presentation.
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Kamikaze Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the vodka, triple sec, and fresh lime juice to the shaker.
- Shake well until chilled and combined.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass or shot glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel on the rim of the glass.
Pro Tips
- Chill your glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cool longer.
- Use fresh lime juice for a more vibrant and refreshing flavor.
- Shake the cocktail vigorously to properly mix the ingredients and chill the drink.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Sushi: The citrus notes can complement the flavors of sushi, especially those with a bit of heat or citrus. Think of spicy tuna or a lemony yellowtail.
- Fried Foods: The acid in the lime juice can cut through the richness of fried appetizers like calamari or tempura veggies.
Main Courses
- Grilled Seafood: The Kamikaze's brightness pairs well with grilled shrimp or fish, letting the charred flavors shine.
- Citrusy Salads: A salad with orange segments or a citrus vinaigrette aligns with the cocktail's profile.
Desserts
- Lemon Sorbet: A dessert with similar citrus profiles, like a lemon or lime sorbet, would be a refreshing complement.
- White Chocolate: The sweetness of white chocolate can pair nicely with the sharpness of the lime in the cocktail.
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What you could change in Kamikaze
- Vodka: Can be replaced with white rum or gin for a different flavor profile.
- Triple Sec: If unavailable, you can use other orange liqueurs like Cointreau or Grand Marnier.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Lemon juice can be used as a substitute, but it will alter the taste slightly.
Explore all drinks starting with K here
And of course - twists🍹
Blue Kamikaze
Replace triple sec with blue curaçao, and suddenly, you've got a vibrant azure drink that'll make you feel like you're zipping through a clear sky. It's basically the same flavor but with a snazzy blue suit on.
Spicy Kamikaze
Add a small slice of jalapeño to the shaker before you mix it all up. After shaking, you've got a fiery twist on your hands. This version isn't just flying; it's soaring with a bit of a kick!
Elderflower Kamikaze
Substitute triple sec with elderflower liqueur for a touch of floral sweetness. The elderflower's subtle grace will make your Kamikaze delicately powerful, like a ballet dancer with a black belt in karate.
In case you forgot basics how to make Kamikaze
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Kamikaze
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh lime juice?
While it's certainly possible to use bottled lime juice, fresh juice is usually recommended for the best flavor.
What's the best way to serve the Kamikaze cocktail at a party?
It's versatile! You can prepare a large batch in advance or set up a build-your-own cocktail station with the ingredients.
What type of glass is best for serving the Kamikaze cocktail?
It can be served in a cocktail glass or a shot glass, depending on how it's consumed.
What are some popular variants of the Kamikaze cocktail?
You can experiment with the base spirits or add colored liqueurs for a visual pop. Some also add a splash of cranberry juice.
What non-alcoholic alternatives are there for a Kamikaze?
You can replace the vodka and triple sec with non-alcoholic substitutes or dilute the cocktail with club soda.
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