The kamikaze cocktail is nicely balanced and exceptionally smooth, so sip it slowly — it can pack a punch. With just three ingredients in equal parts, this classic drink is both simple and potent, making it a favorite for cocktail lovers.
This kamikaze cocktail uses only three ingredients, so it’s very quick and easy to make. The only real effort is squeezing fresh limes, which is simple with the right tools.
Measure equal parts vodka, orange liqueur, and freshly squeezed lime juice for a bright, tart, and balanced drink.
The kamikaze became popular in the 1970s and remained a staple through the 1980s and beyond. It was one of my sister Nancy’s favorites — she enjoyed trying adventurous cocktails like frozen mudslides as well.
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Helpful tips
- Since this cocktail is mostly alcohol, choose the best spirits you can afford — there’s a noticeable difference in taste.
- Wash citrus before juicing or garnishing. For one or two limes, rub unscented soap on the skin, scrub with a vegetable brush, then rinse well under cold water.
- For larger batches of citrus, soak the fruit in a bowl of 3 cups water with 1 cup white vinegar for 10 minutes, then rinse and scrub each piece.
- Always use fresh lime juice — it tastes brighter and less artificial than bottled mixes.
- If you prefer a premium orange liqueur, use Cointreau; triple sec works as a budget-friendly alternative.
- Garnish with thin lime wheels or a lime wedge on each glass for a clean, attractive finish.
How to make the kamikaze cocktail
Pre-step
Prepare a cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice. Have a measuring glass, martini or coupe glassware, and a citrus squeezer ready. Slice four thin lime wheels for garnish and set them aside.
Measure the ingredients and add them to the shaker over the ice.
Step one
Gather the ingredients: vodka, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice.
Step two
Measure 3 ounces vodka.
Step three
Measure 3 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice.
Step four
Measure 3 ounces orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec).
Step five
Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds to chill and slightly dilute the mixture. Strain the cocktail into two chilled martini glasses or coupes.
Float one lime wheel in each cocktail and place a second lime wheel on the rim of each glass as garnish.
Serve immediately and enjoy the bright, refreshing balance of tart lime, sweet orange liqueur, and clean vodka.
I hope you enjoy this kamikaze cocktail — it’s well balanced, refreshing, and easy to make.
Other lime-based cocktails
- Gin Rickey
- Cucumber Mint Martini
- French Gimlet
And as always, may your dishes and drinks be delish!
If you try this recipe, please share your thoughts in the comments. I love hearing from readers and learning how recipes turned out for you.
Kamikaze Cocktail
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Ingredients
Yum
- 3 ounces vodka
- 3 ounces Cointreau (or triple sec)
- 3 ounces lime juice (freshly squeezed)
Garnish
- 4 lime wheels (thinly sliced)
Instructions
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Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
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Add vodka, Cointreau (or triple sec), and fresh lime juice.3 ounces vodka, 3 ounces Cointreau, 3 ounces lime juice
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Cap the shaker and shake at least 20 times until well chilled.
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Strain into chilled martini glasses.
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Float a lime wheel in each glass and garnish the rim with another.
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Sip, smile, and enjoy.
Equipment
Notes
Helpful tips
- Use good-quality alcohol for the best flavor.
- Wash citrus before juicing or garnishing; scrub with a brush and rinse thoroughly.
- Soak larger batches of citrus in a water-vinegar solution, then rinse and scrub.
- Fresh lime juice is preferred over bottled mixes.
- Cointreau gives a premium orange flavor; triple sec is a suitable substitute.
- Garnish with lime wheels or wedges to taste.