Kamikaze
A sharp and refreshing classic cocktail that emerged during the disco era of the 1970s. Essentially a vodka margarita, this equal-parts drink balances the clean taste of vodka with tart lime and sweet orange liqueur.
What it tastes like
The aroma is dominated by fresh lime zest and clean alcohol. On the palate, sharp citrus acidity provides an immediate bite, tempered by the sugary orange notes of the liqueur. The mouthfeel is light and brisk, leading to a short, tart finish that leaves the palate feeling cleansed.
Flavour profile
Ingredients
- Vodka1 oz
- Triple Sec1 oz
- Fresh Lime Juice1 oz
- Lime1 wedge
Preparation
- 1
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- 2
Add the vodka, triple sec, and fresh lime juice to the shaker.
- 3
Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
- 4
Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- 5
Garnish with a wedge of lime.
Substitutions
- Triple SecCointreau — This creates a more robust orange flavor and a slightly drier finish.
- VodkaGin — This adds botanical notes like juniper and coriander, making the drink more aromatic.
- Fresh Lime JuiceLemon Juice — The profile becomes slightly sweeter and less sharp than the original lime version.
- Triple SecAgave Syrup — This removes the orange component and results in a Vodka Gimlet profile.
Variations
Blue Kamikaze
Replace the triple sec with blue curaçao to change the color to a deep azure while maintaining the citrus profile.
Spicy Kamikaze
Muddle a slice of jalapeño in the shaker before adding the liquid to introduce a sharp heat that cuts through the sugar.