Some drinks are classy. Some drinks are bold. Then, there are Kamikaze shots—the perfect mix of fun, punch, and just the right amount of bite to keep the party going.
No fancy syrups, no overcomplicated prep. Just a clean, crisp shooter with enough citrusy kick to make you say, “Alright, let’s do another.”
It’s the shot that doesn’t demand attention but always delivers. Simple, strong, and dangerously smooth.
If you’re looking to get the party started without spending half the night mixing drinks, this is the one.
Classic Kamikaze Recipe
(Makes 1 shot – easily scalable for a full round!)
- 1 oz vodka – Smoothness is key. Cheap vodka burns in a way you don’t want, so go for something mid-range like Tito’s, Absolut, or Ketel One.
- ½ oz triple sec – A splash of orange liqueur balances the sharpness of the lime. Cointreau brings a premium touch, but basic triple sec does the job.
- ½ oz fresh lime juice – Fresh is always better. Bottled lime juice works in a pinch, but squeezing it straight from the fruit gives a brighter, more natural flavor.
How to Make It
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. You want the drink to be ice-cold, so don’t be stingy with the cubes. More ice = better chill and less dilution.
- Pour in vodka, triple sec, and lime juice. The order doesn’t matter—just get everything in the shaker.
- Shake it like you mean it. Give it a solid 10-15 seconds of vigorous shaking. The goal is to mix everything while also chilling it to perfection. The colder it is, the smoother it tastes.
- Strain into a shot glass. No need for fancy glassware—a standard shot glass does the trick. If you want to get extra, serve it in a chilled glass for an even crisper sip.
- Take the shot. It’s citrusy, a little sweet, a little tart, and just strong enough to remind you why it’s a classic. Try not to make that “whoa” face, but no judgment if you do.
Kamikaze Variations
Great drinks are like great ideas—there’s always room to experiment.
The Kamikaze is already a no-fuss classic, but a few tweaks can completely transform its character.
Whether you want something colorful, fruitier, smoother, or with a bit of heat, there’s a version for you.
1. Blue Kamikaze
This one’s a showstopper. Swapping out triple sec for blue curaçao keeps the same citrusy orange profile but adds a vibrant, electric blue hue.
It’s basically the same great Kamikaze shot, just with a flashier look and a touch more sweetness. If you’re making shots for a crowd, this one is guaranteed to stand out.
How to Make It
- 1 oz vodka
- ½ oz blue curaçao (replacing triple sec)
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
Follow the same shaking and straining method as the classic Kamikaze, and you’ve got a drink that looks like a poolside vacation in a shot glass.
2. Raspberry Kamikaze
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The Kamikaze, but with a slightly fruitier, more elegant vibe.
A splash of raspberry liqueur (like Chambord) replaces half of the triple sec, giving the shot a rich berry note while still keeping that crisp lime bite.
It’s smoother, a little more sophisticated, and dangerously drinkable.
How to Make It
- 1 oz vodka
- ¼ oz triple sec
- ¼ oz raspberry liqueur (Chambord or similar)
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
Shake, strain, and sip. This one plays well at fancier gatherings, but let’s be honest—it’s just as good at any party.
3. Green Tea Kamikaze
Not actually green tea, but named for its resemblance to the popular Green Tea Shot (which, ironically, doesn’t have green tea in it either).
This version swaps vodka for whiskey, adds peach schnapps, and tones down the lime for a smoother, slightly sweeter experience.
Think of it as the Kamikaze’s laid-back cousin, perfect for those who prefer a less citrus-forward shot.
How to Make It
- 1 oz whiskey (Jameson or your favorite light whiskey)
- ½ oz peach schnapps
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
Shake, strain, and enjoy a mellower take on the classic.
4. Spicy Kamikaze
@borincon Jalapeño Kamikaze Shot Syrup de jalapeño para cocteles ▪️1 jalpeño cortado en trozos, sin semillas ▪️1 Taza de agua ▪️2 Tazas de Azucar Jalapeño Kamikaze Shots ▪️2 Oz de Vodka ▪️1 Oz de Triple Sec ▪️1/2 Oz de jugo de limón ▪️1/2 Oz de Syrup de Jalapeño #shot #chupitos #vodka #cocteles #cocteleria #kamikaze #drinkstok #gracias ♬ sonido original – BEBA OSUNA makeup artist💄
For those who like their shots with an extra punch.
Muddling a slice of jalapeño in the shaker before mixing adds just the right amount of heat to complement the lime and orange flavors.
The result? A bold, slightly fiery twist that hits you with citrus first, then sneaks up with a little burn.
How to Make It
- 1 oz vodka
- ½ oz triple sec
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- 1 thin slice of jalapeño (muddled before shaking)
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, rim the shot glass with Tajín or chili powder for an added spicy-salty kick.
Best Vodkas for Kamikaze Shots
Since a Kamikaze shot is all about clean, crisp flavors, the quality of your vodka matters more than you think.
For another smooth option, try a Vodka Press drink—it’s a refreshing and light cocktail that also benefits from a high-quality vodka.
While it’s a mixed drink that doesn’t require top-shelf spirits, picking something smooth makes a big difference.
The last thing you want is that harsh, throat-burning aftertaste that cheap vodka brings.
Smooth & Affordable Picks
These vodkas are budget-friendly but still smooth enough to take as a shot. No need to break the bank, but avoid the rock-bottom shelf stuff.
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka – Reliable, easy-drinking, and widely available.
- Smirnoff No. 21 – A solid choice that balances affordability with decent smoothness.
- Absolut Vodka – Clean and slightly sweet, making it a great mixer.
Premium Options for a Cleaner Finish
If you want zero burn and a silky-smooth experience, upgrading your vodka is worth it. These are good enough to sip straight, which means they’ll make an ultra-smooth Kamikaze shot.
- Grey Goose – French, ultra-refined, and ridiculously smooth.
- Belvedere – A Polish vodka with a crisp, clean taste.
- Ketel One – A great middle ground between premium and affordable.
Bottom Line
I made a kamikaze. It’s massive. Blurry hand for scale. There are only 2 shots of lime juice in here, the rest is vodka, triple sec and Cointreau (I ran out of triple sec). pic.twitter.com/2jNb9oQdPJ
— sarah (@sarah_church) February 23, 2025
They’re the kind of drink that brings people together—no complicated mixing, no fancy bar tools, just a perfect balance of crisp, citrusy, and smooth flavors that go down way too easily.
If you’re hosting a party, heading out with friends, or just in the mood for something with a little kick, this shot delivers every time. And the best part? You can tweak it to match whatever vibe you’re going for—bold and blue, fruity and smooth, or even spicy if you’re feeling adventurous.
So, grab your shaker, pour yourself a round, and let the good times roll. Just be warned: once you start making these, you might be on permanent bartender duty.
