Make a Kamikaze

Kamikazes first appeared in the mid-1970s right in the middle of the disco era. The kamikaze is traditionally served as a single shot, but the drink later developed into a cocktail on ice. The three ingredients of a kamikaze are vodka, triple sec, and lime. The three ingredients are added in equal proportions. Modern kamikaze adaptations have become a popular challenge for bartenders.

Steps

Crafting a Kamikaze Cocktail

  1. Gather your supplies. You’ll need ice, vodka, triple sec, and limes to make the drink. Ice is an ideal addition to the cocktail version of the kamikaze. You could use a shaker or use a cup and spoon. Some people enjoy using lime concentrate for convenience sake, while many argue that you need to use fresh limes.
    • A good tool for an aspiring bartender or home entertainer is a double jigger. These come in two sizes: 1 ounce and ½ ounce or 1 ½ ounce and ¾ ounce.[1]
    • For a medium to large party, buy a liter of vodka and triple sec. For this size, you'll need about a dozen fresh limes or a liter of lime juice.
  2. Add ice to a cocktail shaker. You can also mix your ingredients in a large cup. Larger cubes of ice add a nicer presentation to the drink. You can purchase ice trays that specifically make large ice cubes made for cocktails.[2]
    • Shake your drink in a cup by placing a small plate over the opening. Apply pressure to the plate and shake the drink for five seconds. Strain the mixture by allowing a small opening for the liquids with the plate.
  3. Measure and add the liquids. Use the double jigger to measure out the liquors. The cocktail version of the kamikaze is usually stronger than the shot version. Add one ounce of vodka and one ounce of triple sec to the container. If you want a milder cocktail, you could use ½ ounce or even ¾ ounce of each liquor. Add equal parts of each ingredient, or a proportion of 1:1:1.
    • The quality of the liquors depends purely on your tastes and price range. A simple rule is the more you spend on the liquor, the better your drink will be.
    • You can also use a shot glass as a measuring device.
    • Three tablespoons will give you a 1 1/2 ounce shot.[3]
    • It isn't advised to eyeball the drink unless you're experienced mixing liquors properly.
  4. Add lime juice. Traditional kamikazes are served with same portions of lime juice as with the liquors. If you added 1 ½ ounce of vodka and triple sec, add 1 ½ ounce of lime juice. The key is for all the ingredients to be around the same parts.[4]
    • Use a lemon or orange strainer to create fresh juice out of limes. You could also use store bought lime juice.
  5. Mix the ingredients. Traditionally, kamikazes are shaken in a cocktail shaker vigorously for about five seconds. You could instead stir the ingredients for about 10 seconds. Yes, James Bond would say, “shaken, not stirred,” but you can use whatever you have.
  6. Serve the drink. Strain the drink into a glass with ice. Some prefer kamikazes served straight, or without ice. Ask your guests before serving the drink, but the default is over ice, or on the rocks.

Making a Kamikaze Shot

  1. Gather your supplies. You’ll also need ice, vodka, triple sec, and limes to make the shot. Ice is good for mixing the kamikaze. Use a shaker to best make the kamikaze shot. Some people enjoy using lime concentrate for convenience sake, while many argue that you should use fresh limes.
    • A good tool for an aspiring bartender or home entertainer is a double jigger. These come in two sizes: 1 ounce and ½ ounce or 1 ½ ounce and ¾ ounce.[1]
    • For a medium to large party, buy a liter of vodka and triple sec. For this size, you'll also need about a dozen fresh limes or a liter of lime juice.
  2. Measure and add the alcohol. For the shot version of the drink, you’ll use less liquid to fit into a shot glass. You can measure either ½ ounce or ¾ ounce of vodka and triple sec. Again, a double jigger will help you measure out these portions equally.
    • Pour the two alcohols into the shaker.
  3. Add lime juice. Use the portion used for the vodka and triple sec for the lime juice. It is best to squeeze fresh limes, instead of using store bought lime juice. Everyone has their own tastes and you should follow yours. Add the lime juice to the shaker.
  4. Add ice and shake. Add a scoop of ice to the shaker. Right after adding the ice, cap the shaker, and shake. Shake the concoction vigorously for about five seconds or more. It’s important to shake the mixture quickly so the ice doesn’t melt.
  5. Strain and serve. Strain the mixture directly into a shot glass. Add a slice of lime to the edge of the shot glass for added presentation. It is best to take the shot right after being made because the drink is chilled just right.

Adapting the Kamikaze

  1. Create simple syrup. Traditional kamikazes weren’t served with simple syrup, but the “traditional days” are over. Heat half a cup of water with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Stir often as the mixture heats up to prevent the sugar from caramelizing. Take the saucepan off the heat once the sugar is fully dissolved.
    • Add ½ ounce of simple sugar to your shaker or cup for a sweeter taste.[5]
  2. Infuse with herbs. Bartenders are getting more and more creative with infusing cocktails with herbs. Common herbs that mix well with limes are rosemary, basil and lavender. Only use fresh herbs when infusing into a cocktail. Mince the herbs with a sharp blade and add to the shaker before being mixed.
    • Another popular herb that could be used is mint.
  3. Infuse your alcohol. Instead of buying flavored alcohol, flavor it yourself. Infuse your vodka by mixing it with a chopped produce, like ginger. Let the combination sit for about a week before straining and using in the recipe.[6] Make sure the container is capped and stored in a dry location. Here are some other ingredients you can use to infuse your booze:
    • Poblano peppers will add some heat and savoriness to your cocktail.
    • Tart apples will add a sweet and sour taste to your drink.
    • For the sweet tooth, infuse the vodka with raspberries, cantaloupe, or blueberries depending on your taste buds.


Warnings

  • Drink alcoholic beverages responsibly.

Ingredients

  • 1 oz (30 ml) vodka
  • 1 oz (30 ml) triple sec
  • 1 oz (30 ml) lime juice or sweet and sour mix
  • Ice

Things You'll Need

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Cocktail strainer
  • Glasses
  • Double jigger or measuring cup

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2010/07/measure-like-a-mixologist-a-guide-to-jiggers/60688/
  2. ↑ http://www.thekitchn.com/whats-the-best-way-to-make-rea-131411
  3. ↑ http://forknplate.com/2015/08/01/measure-shot-without-shot-glass/
  4. ↑ http://www.drinknation.com/drink/kamikaze
  5. ↑ http://www.cookincanuck.com/2010/06/kamikaze-cocktail-or-shot-recipe/
  6. ↑ http://www.marthastewart.com/903322/infuse-your-booze-liquor-and-cocktail-recipes#903056
Retrieved from "https://kipkis.com/index.php?title=Make_a_Kamikaze&oldid=360162"