• Vodka
  45 ml (1.5 oz)

  Use a good-quality, smooth vodka
• Triple sec
  30 ml (1 oz)

  Cointreau or another orange liqueur works great
• Fresh lime juice
  30 ml (1 oz)

  Freshly squeezed for the best flavor

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Chilled cocktail glass (or shot glasses)
• Citrus juicer (optional, for fresh lime juice)

1. 1

   Fill your cocktail shaker with ice to chill the ingredients thoroughly.

2. 2

   Pour in 1.5 oz vodka, 1 oz triple sec, and 1 oz fresh lime juice.

3. 3

   Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled.

4. 4

   Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini or coupe glass. (For shooters, strain into two shot glasses.)

5. 5

   Garnish with a lime wheel on the rim or a twist of lime peel.

• Strikingly simple with only three ingredients
• Perfectly balanced sweet-tart flavor profile
• Fantastic as both a cocktail and a shooter
• Easy to make at home with minimal tools
• A crowd-pleaser at any party or gathering

The Kamikaze cocktail traces its roots back to post-World War II Japan, where American bartenders stationed at military bases began experimenting with vodka, a then-novel spirit. Its name, meaning 'divine wind,' is a nod to the fearless and daring Japanese pilots of the era. The drink gained massive popularity in the United States during the 1970s and '80s, becoming a mainstay at bars and nightclubs as both a cocktail and a shooter. Its simple, three-ingredient recipe made it an instant classic, beloved for its balance and brightness.