3-Ingredient Kamikaze Shots
These kamikaze shots pack a serious punch with their bold combination of vodka and triple sec, balanced by just a hint of lime tartness. Ready in just 2 minutes, this classic party shot is perfect when you want something strong and straightforward that gets the party started without any fuss.
The beauty of kamikaze shot recipe lies in its simplicity and customizable sweetness level. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to recreate that classic bar experience at home, these shots deliver the perfect balance of strength and flavor that makes them a crowd favorite.
Looking for more party-ready shots and cocktails? Try my Blue Kamikaze Shot for a colorful twist, or explore my Lemon Drop Shots for something citrusy. For more party drinks, check out my collection of easy jello shots or browse my New Year’s Eve cocktails for celebration inspiration.
Table of Contents
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lightning Fast: These kamikaze shots come together in just 2 minutes with only three ingredients, making them perfect for last-minute party prep or when guests arrive unexpectedly.
- Classic Bar Favorite: This traditional shot recipe brings authentic bar-quality drinks to your home, giving you that professional taste without needing special equipment or techniques.
- Customizable Strength: You can easily adjust the lime juice to suit different taste preferences, making these shots as tart or smooth as your crowd prefers.
- Perfect for Groups: This recipe makes 4 shots at once, so you can easily scale up for larger parties or scale down for intimate gatherings.
Kamikaze Shot Ingredients
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
- Vodka – Six ounces of quality vodka provides the strong foundation for these shots, delivering that signature kick that makes kamikaze shots so popular at parties and bars.
- Triple Sec – Two ounces of triple sec adds orange flavor and sweetness that balances the vodka’s strength while contributing to the shot’s smooth finish.
- Sweetened Lime Juice – About half an ounce of sweetened lime juice brings the essential tartness that defines kamikaze shots, though you can adjust this to taste for perfect balance.
Substitutions and Additions
- Vodka Alternatives – Use your favorite premium vodka for the best taste, or substitute with silver tequila for a different flavor profile that still works well with the other ingredients.
- Triple Sec Options – Cointreau or Grand Marnier can replace triple sec for a more sophisticated orange flavor, though they’ll make the shots slightly more expensive.
- Lime Juice Variations – Fresh lime juice mixed with simple syrup works as a substitute for sweetened lime juice, giving you more control over the sweetness level.
- Rim Sugar Enhancement – Add granulated sugar to the rim of shot glasses for those who prefer a sweeter experience that tames the shot’s intensity.
How to Make Kamikaze Shots (step-by-step directions)
STEP 1. Add the vodka, triple sec, and sweetened lime juice to a cocktail shaker. If your ingredients aren’t already chilled, add a few ice cubes to the shaker to ensure the shots are properly cold when served. (Photos 1, 2, 3, & 4)
STEP 2. Gently shake the mixture for just a few seconds to combine all ingredients without creating too many bubbles, which can affect the appearance when serving to guests.
STEP 3. Pour the mixture evenly into four shot glasses, filling each one completely. If desired, garnish each shot with a small piece of fresh lime on the rim for presentation and an extra burst of citrus. (Photos 5 & 6)
STEP 4. Serve immediately while cold for the best taste and experience, encouraging everyone to take their shots together for maximum party impact.
Recipe Tips
- Temperature Control – Keep your vodka and triple sec in the freezer for perfectly chilled shots without needing ice that can water down the drink.
- Lime Juice Balance – Start with less sweetened lime juice and add more to taste, as some prefer these shots more tart, while others like them smoother.
- Sugar Rim Technique – For sugar-rimmed glasses, dip the rim in lime juice first, then roll in granulated sugar before pouring the shot mixture.
- Serving Style – These shots are meant to be consumed quickly, so have lime wedges ready for guests who want to chase the shot with citrus.
Storing Tips
- Storage: Kamikaze shots are best made fresh and consumed immediately, but you can prepare the mixture up to 2 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated.
- Refrigerator: If making ahead, store the mixed shot in a covered container in the refrigerator and stir gently before pouring into glasses.
- Freezing: The alcohol content prevents these shots from freezing solid, but storing in the freezer will make them extra cold and smooth.
- Reheating: No reheating needed – these shots are meant to be served ice cold for the best flavor and experience.
Serving Suggestions
These kamikaze shots work perfectly as party starters alongside other finger foods and appetizers. Serve them with Spicy Alabama Fire Crackers or Jalapeño Popper Crescent Rolls for a spicy kick that complements the strong shots.
For a complete party spread, pair these shots with Meatball Party Appetizer and other easy summer appetizers. If you’re mixing up multiple shot options, serve alongside Dirty Shirley Vodka Cocktail or Three Wise Men Shot for variety.
Recipe FAQs
Kamikaze shots are quite strong since they’re primarily vodka and triple sec with just a splash of lime juice. They’re similar in strength to other classic shots like lemon drops, but with a more tart flavor profile.
Yes, you can reduce the vodka slightly and increase the lime juice for a milder shot, or add sugar to the rim to help balance the alcohol intensity with sweetness.
The blue version adds blue curaçao in place of or in addition to triple sec, giving it a bright blue color while maintaining similar flavors with a slightly different orange liqueur profile.
Absolutely! Simply multiply the recipe by the number of servings you need. A good rule is 6 ounces of vodka and 2 ounces of triple sec per 4 shots, plus lime juice to taste.
No special equipment needed! A basic cocktail shaker works best, but you can also mix the ingredients in any container with a lid or simply stir them together in a pitcher if necessary.
Need More Shot Recipes? Try These:
3-Ingredient Kamikaze Shots
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 Ounces (170 g) Vodka
- 2 Ounces (56 ⅔ g) Triple Sec
- Sweetened Lime Juice to taste (I use ½ ounce)
Instructions
- Add the vodka, triple sec, and sweetened lime juice to a cocktail shaker. If your ingredients aren’t already chilled, add a few ice cubes to the shaker to ensure the shots are properly cold when served.6 Ounces Vodka,2 Ounces Triple Sec,Sweetened Lime Juice
- Gently shake the mixture for just a few seconds to combine all ingredients without creating too many bubbles, which can affect the appearance when serving to guests.
- Pour the mixture evenly into four shot glasses, filling each one completely. If desired, garnish each shot with a small piece of fresh lime on the rim for presentation and an extra burst of citrus.
- Serve immediately while cold for the best taste and experience, encouraging everyone to take their shots together for maximum party impact.
Notes
- Temperature Control – Keep your vodka and triple sec in the freezer for perfectly chilled shots without needing ice that can water down the drink.
- Lime Juice Balance – Start with less sweetened lime juice and add more to taste, as some prefer these shots more tart while others like them smoother.
- Sugar Rim Technique – For sugar-rimmed glasses, dip the rim in lime juice first, then roll in granulated sugar before pouring the shot mixture.
- Serving Style – These shots are meant to be consumed quickly, so have lime wedges ready for guests who want to chase the shot with citrus.
Nutrition Information
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