An IBA New Era cocktail, the Kamikaze combines vodka, triple sec, and fresh lime juice in equal parts, shaken with ice and strained into a cocktail glass. Sharp citrus acidity and orange-liqueur sweetness balance the vodka's neutral strength, yielding a clean, bright, and deceptively potent drink near 21 percent ABV. In effect it functions as a vodka-based Margarita stripped of the salt rim. Also encountered in shot form as the Kamikaze Shot, it owes its lasting popularity to a straightforward three-part formula that is easy to mix and assertive on the palate.
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Kamikaze
Kamikaze Shot
المكونات
- Vodka 1 oz
- Triple sec 1 oz
- Lime juice 1 oz
التعليمات
Shake all ingredients together with ice. Strain into glass, garnish and serve.
The Kamikaze is an IBA New Era cocktail that combines vodka, triple sec, and fresh lime juice in equal parts, shaken and strained into a cocktail glass. Its sharp citrus acidity and orange-liqueur sweetness balance the vodka's neutral strength, creating a clean, bright, and deceptively potent drink. The result is essentially a vodka-based Margarita without the salt rim.
History & Origins
The Kamikaze is believed to have originated in the post-World War II era among American servicemen stationed in Japan, who combined vodka with lime and triple sec as a play on the Daiquiri format. It rose to widespread popularity in American bars during the 1970s and 1980s disco era, becoming one of the defining cocktails of that period. The IBA formally recognizes it as a New Era drink.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Bright lime zest and orange peel from the triple sec, with a clean vodka spirit note. Palate: Sharp and refreshing — lime's tartness and triple sec's sweet orange bitterness are carried by vodka's neutral spirit, creating a clean, precise sour. Finish: Crisp and citrusy, with a clean vodka warmth and a lingering lime tartness.
Pro Tip
Use freshly squeezed lime juice and shake vigorously with plenty of ice for maximum chill and brightness; serve in a frosted glass.
التقنيات المستخدمة
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the IBA-specified ingredients for a Kamikaze?
The IBA (International Bartenders Association) specifies a Kamikaze made with equal parts vodka, triple sec, and fresh lime juice—typically 3 cl each. This produces a balanced sour cocktail with citrus brightness, orange sweetness, and a clean vodka backbone. Fresh lime juice is preferred over bottled.
How is a Kamikaze served?
The Kamikaze is shaken vigorously with ice and strained into a chilled cocktail glass or coupe. It is served straight up without ice. The drink can also be served as a shooter in a shot glass, which is a popular variation in bar settings.
What is the approximate ABV of a Kamikaze?
Using standard 40% ABV vodka and 40% ABV triple sec in equal proportions with lime juice, a Kamikaze sits at approximately 25–30% alcohol by volume after dilution from shaking. This makes it a moderately strong cocktail, similar in strength to a Margarita.
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