You’ve probably heard of or had Kamikaze shooters, but, before the shooters were invented, there was the Kamikaze cocktail. It’s a classic and sophisticated drink that’s fairly easy to create because it consists of equal parts vodka, Triple Sec and lemon or lime juice. It’s a crisp, citrusy drink that’s reminiscent of the 40’s. It’s a good apertif that pairs well with lots of different types of food and can be served any time of the day. Kamikaze cocktails are also great for those who don’t like tequila because they’re pretty similar to a margarita that’s made with vodka in the tequila’s stead. It’s as much fun to make as it is to drink, and you’ll quickly see why so many people love it.
The drink has an interesting, dark and complex origin story. The cocktail was invented by Americans in Japan. Its creation occurred at a bar in an American military base in Tokyo during the American occupation of Japan after WWII. The word “Kamikaze”, other than referring to a particular type of Japanese fighter aircraft, means “divine wind” in Japanese. The shooters first came about in 1976, are associated with the disco era, and may have actually been the first shooter cocktail. Whether you prefer your drink in a cocktail glass or a shot glass, you’ll love these cocktails!
Kamikaze Cocktail
This recipe is pretty versatile, and it can be served any time of day (well, maybe don’t drink too many of them with breakfast before going to work), and will fit in at any party. They’re great either with food, before or after eating, as well.
Ingredients
- 1 oz. Vodka
- 1 oz. Lime juice
- 1 oz. Triple Sec
- Lime wedge (garnish)
Directions
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add all the ingredients except the garnish
- Shake until chilled
- Strained into cocktail glass
- Garnish
- Serve
Kamikaze Shooters
This is a great shooter recipe for parties. It makes 8 shots. Make more than one batch though, because your guests will definitely want more!
Ingredients
- 6 oz. Vodka
- 3 oz. Lime juice
- 3 oz. Triple Sec
Directions
- Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice
- Shake until chilled
- Strain into 8 shot glasses
- Serve
Blue Kamikaze
This recipe is great for the summer months. It has lots of fruity and citrus flavors because it substitutes blue curacao for the Triple Sec. These shots would be a hit at pool parties, surprising guests because they’ve got an orange-y taste and a blue color.
Ingredients
- 1/2 oz. Ketel One vodka
- 1/2 oz. Lejay Blue Curacao Liqueur
- 1/2 oz. Freshly squeezed lime juice
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice
- Shake until chilled
- Strain into shot glasses
- Serve
Purple Hooter
This is also called a Purple Kamikaze or a Raspberry Gimlet. It is essentially a raspberry flavored Kamikaze shooter. It’s a great way to introduce people to Kamikazes, but put a playful and fruity twist on the original shooter.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz. Vodka
- 1/2 oz. Lime juice
- Dash blackberry liqueur
Directions
- Add the ingredients to a mixing glass with ice
- Stir to combine
- Strain into shot glass
- Serve
Cranberry Kamikaze Cocktail
This is a great way to get a fruity Kamikaze in cocktail form, rather than shooters. The sweetness from the sugar-rimmed glass cuts the sourness from the cranberry juice, as well as adds to the aesthetic quality of the drink. With tons of fruity flavor, and a red-orange color, it would be a festive drink to serve at parties this Summer.
Ingredients
- 1 oz. Vodka
- 1 oz. Orange liqueur
- 1/2 oz. Sweetened lime juice
- 1/4 cup cranberry juice
- Sugar (to rim glass)
Directions
- Pour some water onto a plate and dip just the rim of the glass into it. Pour some sugar on another plate, then dip the rim of the glass into it, twisting. Set aside
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the ingredients
- Shake until chilled
- Strain into glass
- Serve
Red Death
This is a Kamikaze mixed with an Alabama Slammer, and whoever created it is a genius. There’s lots of alcohol in it, but it goes down easy due to all of the fruit juice in it. It’s got a fun red-orange color to it and it’s delicious. The only problem is that people are likely to want to drink a lot of them because they’re good, and forget about the alcohol content in the drinks, thus the name.
Ingredients
- 1/2 oz. Vodka
- 1/2 oz. Southern Comfort
- 1/2 oz. Amaretto
- 1/2 oz. Triple Sec
- 1/2 oz. Sloe gin
- 1/2 oz. Lime juice
- Orange juice
Directions
- In a shaker with ice, add all of the ingredients except the orange juice
- Shake until chilled
- Strain into a collins glass filled with ice
- Top off with orange juice
- Serve
Raspberry Kamikaze Cocktail
This is a fruity cocktail with lots of flavor and color that would make a great addition to any party, or an indulgent cocktail after dinner. The combination of raspberry vodka, Chambord liqueur and Triple Sec makes it pack an alcoholic punch, without the alcoholic taste. So, take it easy with these!
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Raspberry vodka
- 1 oz. Chambord liqueur
- 1 oz. Triple Sec
- 1 oz. Sweetened lime juice
- Lime wedge (garnish)
Directions
- In a cocktail shaker with ice, add the ingredients
- Shake until chilled
- Strain into a cocktail glass
- Garnish
- Serve
Grapefruit Kamikaze Shooter
These shooters are a great twist on the original. Rather than using the traditional lemon or lime juice, grapefruit juice is used. The result is a tart, citrusy shot that fans of sour drinks and fans of grapefruit are sure to adore.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Citrus vodka
- 2 oz. Triple Sec
- Juice from half of a grapefruit
Directions
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the ingredients
- Shake until chilled
- Strain into shot glasses
- Serve
It doesn’t matter whether you prefer the cocktail version of the Kamikaze or the shooters, either one is a refreshing and flavorful drink. And these recipes take the original to the next level. With the variety of colors and flavors on this list, you’re sure to find something to please everyone. And, since there’s currently a movement to bring back classic drinks, such as the Kamikaze, it’s a great time to serve it at a party or gathering and get people introduced to it.