This kamikaze cocktail is nicely balanced and goes down so smoothly that you have to remember to sip the drink as it can pack a punch. The three ingredients in equal amounts make this a fun and potent cocktail.

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.
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.
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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.
How to make the kamikaze
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.
Step two
Measure 3 ounces of vodka.
Step three
Measure 3 ounces of orange liqueur. I use Cointreau but you can use triple sec if you like.
Step four
Measure 3 ounces of fresh lime juice.
Step five
Cap the shaker and shake it for 15 seconds. Strain and divide the ingredients between the two glasses.
Take two lime wheels and gently float them into the cocktail also place the other two lime wheels on the rim of the glasses.
Mmmmmm.
Now for the vertical view.
I hope you enjoyed this kamikaze cocktail recipe!
Other lime based cocktails
And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!
If you’ve tried this or any other recipe on the blog, I’d love the hear what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
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 ½ 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
- Enjoy
Notes
- 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.
Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy
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!
Elaine
Tina, you are so sweet. Thank you for those kind words! I so appreciate them.
Joyce
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. 🙂
Elaine
Aww. Joyce. Your comment made my day! (by the way, my middle name is Joyce) 😉
Chris
Great recipe, stories, photos!!
Elaine
Thank you Chris!
Rebecca | Let's Eat Cake
Thank you for sharing this recipe and the memory of your sister. It looks beautiful.
Elaine
Thank you Rebecca!
Lindsay Cotter
Thanks for sharing the memories that inspired this cocktail. This sounds like a wonderful cocktail to enjoy over weekend! Happy Friday and Cheers!
Elaine
Thank you Lindsay! Cheers!
Denise
This made me sad reading it because I remember how left out of everything I felt. ?
Elaine
I know. I’m sorry Denise. I feel it too. 🙁
Lisa-Tiny Kitchen Capers
This sounds so refrishing! Citrusy drinks are my fav. I’ll toast your sister when I try it.
Elaine
Thanks Lisa! Very sweet of you!
Laura
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.
Elaine
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.
Beth
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!
Elaine
Oh but I do, Beth! 😉
Bebs
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!
Elaine
Bebs, thanks so much. That was very sweet. I so appreciate your comment!
Mayuri Patel
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.
Elaine
Thank you Mayuri! 🙂 I tell my hubby that ‘hard’ experiences build character. At least that is what my folks told me :).
Patty @pattysaveurs.com
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!
Elaine
Thank you Patty, you are a dear!
Priya Lakshminarayan
It is one of my favorite cocktails! Would love to try this at home!
Elaine
Woohoo! Thanks Priya!
kim
Love this! So easy and tasty… will definitely be making again!
Elaine
I’m so happy to hear that Kim! Thanks so much.
Roxana
I like how beautifully everything is presented. And it such a simple recipe. I love citrus flavors.
Elaine
Thanks so much Roxana! I appreciate it.
Beth
This is perfect for weekends! My husband is going to love this! Can’t wait to give this a try!
Elaine
I hope your husband enjoys it. Thanks for your comment, Beth.
Jersey Girl Cooks
Great cocktail. Cheers to the cocktail and hope you have many fond memories of your sister.
Elaine
I do! Thank you Lisa!