Kamikaze Shot

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A party or celebration isn’t complete without offering a refreshing Kamikaze Shot! This crisp and citrusy drink has just the right amount of zing from lime juice, and is very simple to make! 

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Crisp and refreshing shots in shot glasses with lime wedges and curled limes on a marble table.

What is a Kamikaze Shot?

Kamikaze shots were first made on an American naval base during World War II. But the Kamikaze Cocktail didn’t really pick up popularity until later in the 1970s. 

The shot is easy to make, because it’s equal parts vodka, triple sec, and fresh lime juice. But don’t let it’s small size fool you. This shot packs a punch with the vodka and triple sec for alcohol, followed by the zesty lime flavor, which ties it all together. 

Ingredients You Will Need

Ingredients needed to make Kamikaze shots on a marble table, along with a bowl of ice, and a bowl of limes.

The beauty of the Kamikaze shot is how simple it is to make, and you only need three basic ingredients!

  • vodka – The base of this shot. I usually use Tito’s Vodka or Skyy Vodka.
  • triple sec – Triple sec is a delicious orange liqueur that adds a touch of sweetness to complement the tart citrus flavor. 
  • fresh lime juice – Lime juice makes this drink have a tart zing that is very refreshing!

How to Make the Perfect Kamikaze Shots

STEP 1: Add one ounce of each: vodka, triple sec, and lime juice into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Vodka measured out and poured into a cocktail shaker with ice.

STEP 2: Shake well until the shaker is frosty.

STEP 3: Strain the mixture and pour into shot glasses.

Kamikaze shot strained and being poured into shot glass.

STEP 4: Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately. 

Tips and Variations for Kamikaze Shots

For a large party or event, set up a station with a variety of flavored vodka and fruits so guest can customize their shots. For more flavor substitutions, use different flavored juices instead of triple sec. Cranberry juice, pineapple juice, or even grapefruit juice, are all great flavors to try with your shot. 

Besides swapping out juices, you can easily change out the alcohol flavors. Here are just a few of my favorites:

  • Blue Kamikaze: Swap out the triple sec and use blue curacao. This will make the shot a really pretty blue, while it keeps it’s citrus flavor.
  • Raspberry Kamikaze: Use raspberry flavored vodka and then fresh raspberries for garnish. If you want a sweeter shot, use a raspberry liqueur too, like Chambord.
  • Watermelon Kamikaze: Swap out watermelon flavored vodka and then use a small slice of watermelon for a garnish. This is a fun and refreshing summer drink!
  • Tequila Kamikaze: Use tequila instead of vodka for your Kamikaze shot. This almost makes a mini Kamikaze margarita. 
Kamikaze shots on a marble table with lime wedges.

FAQ’S

How strong is a Kamikaze shot?

A Kamikaze shot is actually strong for it’s size. So lightweight drinkers should keep in mind that with vodka and triple sec proving the alcohol content, you definitely get a punch in a shot glass!

Do I serve Kamikaze shots cold?

They are actually BEST when they are served very chilled. To avoid watered down drinks, you can place the shot glasses in the freezer for 15 minutes before filling them. That will help keep the drink nice and cold! Although, shots aren’t meant to be sipped!

More Drink Recipes

Kamikaze Shot

By: Becky
Servings: 2
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Cold Kamikaze shots in shot glasses with lime wedges and lime curls on a marble table in front of a cocktail shaker.
A party or celebration isn't complete without offering a crisp Kamikaze Shot! This citrusy drink is so refreshing and is very simple to make! 
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Equipment

  • 1 Cocktail Shaker
  • Shot Glasses

Ingredients 

  • 1 ounce Vodka
  • 1 ounce Triple Sec
  • 1 ounce Lime Juice

Instructions 

  • Add one ounce of each: vodka, triple sec, and lime juice into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  • Shake well until the shaker is frosty.
  • Strain the mixture and pour into shot glasses.
  • Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately. 

Notes

For a large party or event, set up a station with a variety of flavored vodka and fruits so guest can customize their shots. For more flavor combinations,  try using a variety of flavored juices instead of triple sec. Cranberry juice, pineapple juice, or even grapefruit juice, are all great flavors to try with your shot. 

Additional Info

Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @celebratingsimplyrecipes or tag #celebratingsimplyrecipes!

About Rebecca Abbott

Welcome to Celebrating Simply! I'm Rebecca. Here, you’ll discover a variety of easy and approachable recipes that are perfect for everything from intimate family meals to large gatherings with friends. Let’s make every occasion a little more memorable—one delicious recipe at a time!

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