Kamikaze Cocktail
The kamikaze cocktail, nicely balanced and exceptionally smooth, requires mindful sipping as it can pack a punch. With three ingredients in equal proportions, this drink emerges as both fun and potent, offering a delightful experience for cocktail enthusiasts.
With only three ingredients, this kamikaze cocktail is so easy to make. The hardest part about it is squeezing the juice out of the limes. But as we know, that’s not difficult at all.
Especially if you have the right tool, like this citrus squeezer.
So, you will measure out equal parts vodka, orange liqueur, and lime for this delicious drink.
The kamikaze was one of my sister Nancy’s favorite cocktails. She also loved the frozen mudslide.
When it came to cocktails, my sister was very adventurous. She would sample and enjoy many a cocktail before I’d even hear about it. The kamikaze was one of those drinks. It originated in the 1970s but we enjoyed this cocktail in the 1980’s and beyond.
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Helpful tips
- Since this cocktail is mostly booze, use the best alcohol you can afford. In my opinion, there is a taste difference.
- It’s good practice to wash your citrus before either juicing or using as garnish. Since we’re only using 1 – 2 limes, I wash them by squirting some unscented natural hand soap in my hand and take each lime and rub the soap on the skin. Next, I take a vegetable brush and scrub the skin. I run each piece of fruit under cold water making sure all of the soap has washed off.
- If you’re washing a bunch of limes – fill a bowl with 3 cup of water and add 1 cup of white vinegar and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse the limes under running water and use a brush to scrub the skin.
- Use fresh lime juice because it’s not as acidic and Rose’s lime juice.
- I have since purchased this cloth that is coarse on one side and smooth on the other. You wash and scrub the skin with the coarse side, and if necessary, buff the skin with the other.
- The premium orange liqueur I use is Cointreau, but if you are budget-conscious, you can use triple sec instead.
- I’m using lime wheels as garnish, but you can also add a lime wedge in each glass.
How to make the kamikaze cocktail
Pre-step
Get a cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice. Also get a measuring glass, glassware and citrus squeezer. Cut 4 thin lime wheels for the garnish and set aside.
After measuring out the ingredients, pour them into the cocktail shaker.
Step one
Gather the ingredients – vodka, orange liqueur, and lime. (A)
Step two
Measure 3 ounces of vodka. (B)
Step three
Measure 3 ounces of fresh lime juice. (D)
Step four
Measure 3 ounces of the orange liqueur. (C)
Step five
Place the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Strain, divide, and pour the liquid between the two glasses.
Take two lime wheels and gently float them into each cocktail. Place one lime wheel on each rim of the glasses.
Mmmmmm.
Now for the vertical view.
I hope you enjoyed this kamikaze cocktail recipe! It’s well-balanced and delicious
Other lime based cocktails
And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!
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Kamikaze Cocktail
Ingredients
Yum
- 3 ounces vodka
- 3 ounces Cointreau (or triple sec)
- 3 ounces lime juice (freshly squeezed)
Garnish
- 4 lime wheels (thinly sliced)
Instructions
- Fill cocktail shaker 1/2 way with ice
- Add vodka, Cointreau and lime juice3 ounces vodka, 3 ounces Cointreau, 3 ounces lime juice
- Cap shaker and shake at least 20 times
- Strain into martini glass
- Float lime wheel4 lime wheels
- Sip, smile, and enjoy
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Helpful tips
- Since this cocktail is mostly booze, use the best alcohol you can afford. In my opinion, there is a taste difference.
- It’s good practice to wash your citrus before either juicing or using as garnish. Since we’re only using 1 – 2 limes, I wash them by squirting some unscented natural hand soap in my hand and take each lime and rub the soap on the skin. Next, I take a vegetable brush and scrub the skin. I run each piece of fruit under cold water making sure all of the soap has washed off.
- If you’re washing a bunch of limes – fill a bowl with 3 cup of water and add 1 cup of white vinegar and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse the limes under running water and use a brush to scrub the skin.
- Use fresh lime juice because it’s not as acidic and Rose’s lime juice.
- I have since purchased this cloth that is coarse on one side and smooth on the other. You wash and scrub the skin with the coarse side, and if necessary, buff the skin with the other.
- The premium orange liqueur I use is Cointreau, but if you are budget-conscious, you can use triple sec instead.
- I’m using lime wheels as a garnish, but you can also add a lime wedge to each glass.
Nutrition
From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.
I myself was my grandmother’s girl much like your youngest sister, although I was the oldest in the family.
What a lovely memory and story behind this drink! Thinking of Nancy, may she rest in peace!
Tina, you are so sweet. Thank you for those kind words! I so appreciate them.
I love the dynamics of your family! I giggled at the “cleaning the room” party haha 🙂 I was an only child, and apparently was a chatterbox which is quite strange since I am borderline mute and a HUGE introvert as an adult. Weird how we grow up to different people. This cocktail sounds wonderful and I will be cheers’ing Nancy for this lovely creation. 🙂
Aww. Joyce. Your comment made my day! (by the way, my middle name is Joyce) 😉
Great recipe, stories, photos!!
Thank you Chris!
Thank you for sharing this recipe and the memory of your sister. It looks beautiful.
Thank you Rebecca!
Thanks for sharing the memories that inspired this cocktail. This sounds like a wonderful cocktail to enjoy over weekend! Happy Friday and Cheers!
Thank you Lindsay! Cheers!
This made me sad reading it because I remember how left out of everything I felt. ?
I know. I’m sorry Denise. I feel it too. 🙁
This sounds so refrishing! Citrusy drinks are my fav. I’ll toast your sister when I try it.
Thanks Lisa! Very sweet of you!
Lovely recipe, especially for summer. Sorry to hear about your sister Nancy, she must have been very young so much time has passed already. I will think of her when I make it.
We are 4 but the other way around my brother last, and I am the third. I have always been the most independent, So while my sisters are still close to my mom, I am the only one who left Italy right after my studies (which is when my dad passed away) and live abroad since. But I do speak with her every morning via Skype.
Thank you Laura! And thank you for sharing your family dynamic. I always like hearing about others! Yes, my sister was 41 when she passed away and had two young children.
I must have been the Nancy! I was the “bad” one too! I could tell you some stories regarding kamikaze shots! No you don’t want to know!
Oh but I do, Beth! 😉
This cocktail recipe sounds great! Thanks for sharing it and your memories of your family. It is funny how siblings, having same roots and growing up together, can be so different from one another. I also have a brother (eldest) and 3 younger sisters so I can relate. Cheers to families and happy memories..and to Nancy!
Bebs, thanks so much. That was very sweet. I so appreciate your comment!
Elaine I too grew up in a family where kids were seen but not heard. I lived in a joint family as most Indians did back then. However, not complaining at all as I realise that it made us pretty level headed. That’s a ‘mean’ cocktail, would love to try it.
Thank you Mayuri! 🙂 I tell my hubby that ‘hard’ experiences build character. At least that is what my folks told me :).
Thank you so much for sharing your family stories, so sorry to hear about Nancy’s demise, she must have been such a lovely sister and friend to have. I only have one younger brother and he always was so full of all the best qualities that I could only be the wicked one, but I did all the time get in trouble too :), we get along very well and he’s the kindest brother ever. Your cocktail looks wonderful, Vodka, Cointreau and lemon, perfection for me!
Thank you Patty, you are a dear!
It is one of my favorite cocktails! Would love to try this at home!
Woohoo! Thanks Priya!
Love this! So easy and tasty… will definitely be making again!
I’m so happy to hear that Kim! Thanks so much.
I like how beautifully everything is presented. And it such a simple recipe. I love citrus flavors.
Thanks so much Roxana! I appreciate it.
This is perfect for weekends! My husband is going to love this! Can’t wait to give this a try!
I hope your husband enjoys it. Thanks for your comment, Beth.
Great cocktail. Cheers to the cocktail and hope you have many fond memories of your sister.
I do! Thank you Lisa!
Very yummmmy! I had a prickly pear kamikaze that was outstanding in Arizona. Is there a substitute for an ingredient or addition (other than the prickly pear syrup) to your recipe?
Such a nice memory.
Kathryn, thanks for your question. I’ve made this with pear vodka (not homemade as of yet as I’m not fond of that fruit) but absolut is a great brand. Let me know how it goes.