Kamikaze Shot Recipe
Learn how to make a Kamikaze Shot with vodka, triple sec, and lime juice, a simple sweet and sour refreshing recipe that rivals the margarita.
Kamikaze Shots are a fun twist on the classic, well-loved margarita cocktail. Instead of tequila, this version swaps in vodka as the base spirit, giving it a smooth yet bold flavor that pairs perfectly with the tang of lime juice and the sweetness of triple sec. The result? A crisp, zesty shot that’s just as refreshing as the original cocktail, but with its own unique kick.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy party drink, the Kamikaze Shot is always a hit. With only three ingredients and minimal prep, you can shake up a round of these shooters in minutes. They’re light, citrusy, and perfectly balanced, ideal for toasting with friends or serving as a lively start to the night.
Whether you’re a margarita fan searching for something new or simply want a simple vodka-based shot recipe, the Kamikaze is a must-try. It’s approachable, flavorful, and guaranteed to bring a burst of energy to any gathering.
The Origins and What Does a Kamikaze Shot Taste Like?
The Kamikaze Shots are a bit sweet, aromatic, potent, and very citrusy. As mentioned before, its flavor is often compared to a margarita. But it also shares similarities with a lemon drop and even a Cosmopolitan. Thanks to the vodka base, it’s crisp and smooth, while the triple sec and lime juice add sweetness and tang. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make. Just pour, shake, and serve. No fancy tools required.
Like many classic cocktails, the Kamikaze’s exact origins are a bit of a mystery. One story traces it back to a U.S. naval base in Tokyo during World War II, which would explain the dramatic name. Another theory places its rise in the disco era of the 1970s, when fun, easy-to-drink cocktails became hugely popular. Wherever it was first mixed, the Kamikaze shot has stood the test of time as a lively, crowd-pleasing classic.
What Ingredients Go Into a Kamikaze Shot Recipe?
- Vodka
- Triple sec
- Fresh lime juice: Fresh is always best and makes all the difference! Bottled lime juice dulls the flavor.
- Lime wedge: Optional for garnish
- Salt: Optional for rimming the glass
How to Make Kamikaze Shots
1 — Rim a shot glass with lime and dip in salt (optional).
2 — In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine vodka, lime juice, and triple sec. Shake well until chilled, about 1 minute.
3 — Strain the mixture into the prepared shot glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Chill your glasses: For an extra-refreshing shot, place shot glasses in the freezer 10 minutes before serving.
- Big batch ready: Making these for a party? Multiply the ingredients and shake in batches for the best flavor balance. Avoid making it more than 1 day ahead, as lime juice loses freshness over time. If making many shots, juice the limes in advance to get the most time-consuming step out of the way.
- For an extra kick: Suck the lime wedge right after you take your shot.
- Customize it: Prefer it sweeter? Add a splash of simple syrup. Want it stronger? Cut back slightly on the lime juice.
More Vodka Shots to Try
Kamikaze Shot Recipe
Equipment
- Shot glasses
- Small bowl optional for salt rim
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 2 oz triple sec
- 2 oz lime juice
- Ice
For the garnish:
- 4 tsp salt
- 4 lime wedge
Nutrition
Instructions
- Option: Rim the shot glasses with lime and dip in salt.
- In a shaker with ice, combine vodka, triple sec, and lime juice. Shake well until chilled, about 1 minute.
- Strain into shot glass and garnish with lime wedge.
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