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A party or celebration isn’t complete without offering a refreshing Kamikaze Shot! It’s a crisp, citrusy drink that’s always a hit at parties or happy hour. What I love most is how easy it is to make with just three ingredients. The balance of vodka, orange liqueur, and lime juice gives it a refreshing bite that goes down smooth.
“I made these Kamikaze Shots for a girls’ night and they were a total hit! So easy to throw together and the perfect balance of tart and smooth. Definitely keeping this recipe on repeat!”
-Rebecca
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.
If you’re putting together a party spread, these Kamikaze Shots are just the start. Pair them with easy, crowd friendly bites like these smoked jalapeno poppers, slow cooker ribs, savory Pizza Cupcakes or slow cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs for the ultimate backyard gathering!
Ingredients You Will Need
- 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!
A full list of ingredients is in the recipe card below.
Variations
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 Pitcher: Scale up the recipe to serve a crowd.
- Make it a cocktail: Serve in a chilled martini glass for a less rushed version.
How to Make Kamikaze Shots
- 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.
Expert Tips
- Chill the Ingredients: Kamikaze shots taste best when they are cold. Shake them well with ice before straining.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Bottled lime juice works, but fresh lime juice gives the shot a brighter, more refreshing flavor.
- Make a Big Batch: When I’m hosting a party, I just multiply the ingredients and keep stored in the fridge. Just leave the ice out so it doesn’t water down the drink.
- Chill your glass: Especially if you’re making a cocktail version.
Want to keep the fun going with more drinks and sweet treats? Try a fun twist with this smooth Gummy Bear Shot, or end the night on a high note with a chilled slice of no bake Grasshopper Pie. Both are simple to make and always a hit.
Kamikaze Shot FAQ’S
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!
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!
Yes! You can batch the ingredients and store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake before serving.
Yes! For a non-alcoholic mocktail, combine lime juice, orange juice, and a splash of lemon-lime soda. Serve chilled in a shot or rocks glass.
More Drink Recipes
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This recipe is intended for adults 21 and over, when alcohol is added. Please drink responsibly and follow the legal drinking age in your country or region.
Kamikaze Shot
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
- Chill the Ingredients: Kamikaze shots taste best when they are cold. Shake them well with ice before straining.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Bottled lime juice works, but fresh lime juice gives the shot a brighter, more refreshing flavor.
- Make a Big Batch: When I’m hosting a party, I just multiply the ingredients and keep stored in the fridge. Just leave the ice out so it doesn’t water down the drink.
- Chill your glass: Especially if you’re making a cocktail version.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Goodness this is delicious!