Kamikaze Shot Recipe + 5 variations! (Video)

The Kamikaze Shot is one of the most popular shots to order at a bar. This easy three-ingredient cocktail shooter made with vodka, triple sec, and lime juice takes a minute to make and tastes fantastic.

Kamikaze Shot Recipe

This cocktail shot has been a staple in US bars since the 1970s and 80s. It is still super popular today.

This quick and easy shot tastes good and only takes a minute to prepare. This is one of the most popular vodka shots and can also be made into a Kamikaze Cocktail.

Rumor has it this shot was first developed in Japan during World War II.

If you are hosting a party this is an easy cocktail shot to make multiple shots at one time. Just double, triple, or more the recipe when making it.

The Kamikaze Shooter is very similar to the lemon drop shot. The only real different is the lime juice versus lemon juice.

While the ingredients only change a bit the flavor and taste are totally different.

Ingredients

This is a quick overview of the simple ingredients that you'll need to make an epic Kamikaze Shot! Specific measurements and step by step instructions are included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Vodka - You can use your favorite brand of vodka for this cocktail.

Triple Sec Orange Liqueur - You can use your favorite brand

Lime Juice - If you want a sweeter cocktail you can switch out the fresh lime juice for Rose's Lime Juice which has sweetener in it. You can also use sour mix.

Equipment Needed

Cocktail Shaker

2 oz Shot Glasses

OXO angled jiggers - these are our go-to measuring tools for cocktails. They work perfectly for pouring in layers for cocktails.

How to make a Kamikaze Shot

I've included complete instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post but here's a quick version.

Add vodka, triple sec, and a dash of lime juice to the cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Shake until the liquid is thoroughly chilled.

Strain into a 2oz shot glass and garnish with a lime wedge.

 

Kamizake Shot Variations

Blue Kamikaze Shot- Switch out the triple sec for Blue Curacao

Green Kamikaze Shot - Switch out the triple sec for Green Curacao or a splash of Midori Melon Liqueur

Raspberry Kamikaze Shot - Switch out the regular vodka for Raspberry vodka. This can be done with any flavored vodkas.

SoCo Kamikaze - Switch out the vodka for Southern Comfort.

Cranberry Kamikaze - Use raspberry flavored vodka

Recipe Variations

Substitutions - Change up the plain vodka for flavored vodka

Vegetarian Option - This recipe is vegetarian

Vegan Option – This recipe is vegan-friendly

Gluten Free - This recipe is Gluten Free

Alcohol Free Option – Make this a mocktail with alcohol free triple sec and non-alcoholic vodka

Smaller Serving Size – The recipe currently makes a 2 ounce shot. You can half the recipe to make a one ounce shot.

Larger Group/More servings – To make this for a group setting I would do a few shots at a time to make sure that they are cold. The recipe card below can be adapted to a larger serving size.

Recipe Tips

Fresh Lime juice adds a tart flavor to this shot. You can use Rose's Lime or sour mix to sweeten the shot.

This can be served as a single 2 oz shot or divided into two 1 oz shot glasses to make 2 drinks.

A Kamikaze Shot has a 29 percent ABV (60 proof) alcohol content. This cocktail shot has an alcohol kick!

Printable recipe card instructions are below.

Nutrition information, including calories, protein, calcium, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin c, potassium, cholesterol, sodium, trans fat, monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, and more, will vary depending on the products used.

When to serve a Kamikaze Shot

• Popular Bar Shot
• 1980's Throwback Party
• House Party
• New Year's Eve

Great Cocktail Shot Recipes

Peppermint Patty Shot - The perfect fun winter cocktail. The perfect combination of Crème de Cacao, Peppermint Schnapps, and Bailey's Irish Cream.

Blow Job Shot - Layered shot made famous during the 1980s and 90s. This layered shot is made with Kahlua, Bailey's, and/or Amaretto topped with whipped cream.

Mind Eraser Shot -Great layered shot made with Kahlua, Vodka, Club soda, or Sprite. This unique shot is a great party shot.

Brain Hemorrhage Shot - This fun shot looks creepy but tastes fantastic.

Washington Apple Shot - The perfect Fall cocktail recipe! Crown Royal, Sour Apple Schnapps, and Cranberry Juice combine to make a tart delicious cocktail

Red Snapper Shot -  Delicious red cocktail great for the holidays! All you need is Canadian Whiskey, Amaretto Liqueur, and Cranberry Juice to make this sweet cocktail.

Funny Drink Names - Check out our entire collection of cocktails and mocktails with funny names.

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