Kamikaze

The KAMIKAZE was designed for good-time shooters in the ’70’s & ’80’s, but became respectable as a cocktail later. Fans of the Lemon Drop or the Cosmo should enjoy this limey orange-liqueur-&-vodka mix. What pushes the Kamikaze into respectable territory is the use of premium vodka, quality orange liqueur and fresh-squeezed lime juice. Made well, it’s got all the refreshing qualities of a classic daiquiri, though shooters shouldn’t be ruled out.

Requirements: Vodka, orange liqueur (prefer Cointreau or high-end Triple Sec), freshly squeezed lime juice, lime wheel for garnish

• 2 oz. vodka
• .75 oz. orange liqueur
• .75 oz. lime juice

Shake ingredients in an ice-filled shaker for 10-15 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass (or shot glasses). Garnish the cocktail glass with a lime wheel.

Comments: The recipe above is on the “dryer” side and is recommended when using premium vodka. For a richer and slightly sweeter cocktail, I’d recommend this mix: 1.5 oz. vodka, 1 oz. orange liqueur, .75 oz. lime juice. You should adjust the proportions to suit your taste. The orange liqueur can be a higher-end triple sec or a good orange curacao. Turn the Kamikaze into a pretty blue color by pouring blue curacao instead of orange liqueur. The better the individual ingredients, the better the Kamikaze.

History: The Kamikaze was invented on an American naval base in Japan after WWII. The word kamikaze is a Japanese word which means “divine wind,” referring to the typhoon which the Mongols ran into while trying to invade Japan in the 13th century. The word was incorrectly applied by the Japanese military for its pilots and their sometimes impossible or suicidal missions. The drink probably took on its name due to its Japanese origins, it’s bold yet simple flavors and its kick. The Cosmo was created afterward as a cranberry-added spin-off of the Kamikaze.

For the sake of accuracy, the correct Japanese word to use before drinking is Kanpai.

Similar Cocktails:

Cosmo: https://keetscocktails.com/cosmopolitan-cosmo-2/

Flying Dutchman: https://keetscocktails.com/flying-dutchman/

Maiden’s Prayer: https://keetscocktails.com/maidens-prayer-2/