Cut loose and let your hair down with the popular party-starter, the Kamikaze Cocktail.
Similar to a classic Margarita, but with the vibes of a crisp and clean Vodka Martini, the Kamikaze cocktail has been one of the most popular adult beverages on the scene since the 1970s and 1980s. Named after the Japanese word for “divine wind”, presumably because of its potent, boozy power, this long and tall tipple is also popular as a shot. With numerous origin stories attached to the lime-and-orange-flavored sipper, tonight’s concoction is one that will continue to be around for a long time.
Why, you may wonder to yourself? For starters, it’s an easy and tart take on the historic Gimlet, which is a combination of sugar, gin and lime juice. And the Gimlet’s simplicity inspired various offshoots, including the Vodka Gimlet. And if you take the latter elixir and swap out the simple syrup for an orange-infused blast of triple sec, you get a powerful and tasty Kamikaze cocktail.
Like I mentioned above, this drink has a few different histories attached to it, with some saying that it first began to appear on U.S. naval bases after World War II. It is certain, however, that the Kamikaze did gain in popularity during the disco era in the dance clubs and neon-lit bars of that time. And because of its simplicity and ease of mixing, it still remains a mainstay of many a night out.
Or night in.
What is the best vodka to use in a Kamikaze Cocktail?
You can opt for a flavorless spirit, such as a Grey Goose, Belvedere or Chopin vodka. All are clean-tasting and will meld nicely with the other ingredients, resulting in a balanced beverage. If you crave a tarter, more citrusy sipper, you can make yours with a lime-infused vodka, like Absolut Lime or Smirnoff Lime.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1 ounce triple sec
- 1 ounce lime juice freshly squeezed
- Lime wedge or wheel for garnish
Instructions
- Pour the vodka, triple sec, and fresh lime juice into your cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with a fresh lime wedge or a thin lime wheel on the rim.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Chill a coupe or martini glass in your freezer for up to 30 minutes before serving your Kamikaze, to ensure an extra-cold and smooth sipping experience. Garnish the rim with a fresh lime wedge or wheel.
What is the best triple sec to use?
After much experimentation with orange-tinged liqueurs, I’ve settled on two as my favorites, these being Cointreau and Grand Marnier. Cointreau has a smooth texture and nice heat on the finish, along with a robust orange flavor. Grand Marnier is blended with a grape-infused cognac, which adds some nice complexity.
Similar cocktails to the Kamikaze
If you have an overabundance of vodka and triple sec at your home bar—and hey, who doesn’t?—then you’re in luck… in case you ever have to serve a large number of people who suddenly crave a few different tipples that include those specific ingredients, that is. Below are a handful of well-known and popular drinks that feature said spirits.
- Orange Crush – An East Coast invention, both bubbly and boozy.
- Lemon Drop Martini – A candy-like treat for grown-ups that crave a sweet, citrusy bite.
- Cosmopolitan – The classic and trendy cocktail that never goes out of style.
- Vodka Margarita – A crisp twist on the summertime favorite.
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