There’s something about the Flying Kamikaze that just brings the party with it. It’s bright, sharp, and citrusy with a smooth finish-basically, the kind of cocktail that’s always up for a good time. Whether you’re serving it as a shot or sipping it from a chilled cocktail glass, it’s got that perfect balance of tart lime and orange sweetness with a bold vodka backbone.
Flying Kamikaze
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio with friends. It’s super easy to mix up, and once you get the hang of it, you can tweak it all kinds of ways to make it your own.
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1 (can be scaled up easily for a crowd)
Equipment: Cocktail shaker, jigger or measuring spoons, strainer, chilled cocktail or shot glass
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) vodka
– 1 oz (30 ml) triple sec (or any orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
– Ice
Method
- Fill your cocktail shaker about halfway with ice.
- Pour in the vodka, triple sec, and fresh lime juice.
- Shake it like you mean it-about 15 seconds-until the outside of the shaker feels icy cold.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or a shot glass, depending on how you want to serve it.
- Optional: Garnish with a lime wheel or a twist of lime zest for a little extra flair.
Tips for the Best Flying Kamikaze
– Always use fresh lime juice. Bottled just doesn’t have the same zing.
– Chill your glass ahead of time by popping it in the freezer for 10 minutes-it helps keep the drink crisp.
– If you prefer it a little sweeter, add a tiny splash of simple syrup.
– Want to turn this into a batch cocktail? Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings, mix everything in a pitcher (without ice), and store it in the fridge until ready to serve. Shake with ice right before pouring.
Storage
If you’re making a big batch, keep it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Don’t add ice until you’re ready to serve-it’ll water things down.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs beautifully with foods that have bold or spicy flavors. Here are some of my favorite pairings:
– Sushi: The clean, citrusy notes cut through rich fish like tuna and salmon.
– Grilled chicken skewers: The smoky, savory flavors play nicely with the lime and orange liqueur.
– Spicy snacks: Think jalapeño poppers or spicy wings-the drink cools the heat while keeping things lively.
Make It Your Own
I’ve made this drink countless times, and here are some fun twists I’ve tried while perfecting the recipe:
- Blue Kamikaze: Swap out the triple sec for blue curaçao. Same flavor, but with a bold, electric blue color.
- Raspberry Kamikaze: Add a splash of raspberry liqueur or muddle a few fresh raspberries in the shaker before adding the other ingredients.
- Elderflower Kamikaze: Replace triple sec with elderflower liqueur for a floral twist. Garnish with an edible flower if you’re feeling fancy.
- Virgin Version: Mix fresh lime juice, a splash of orange juice, and a bit of simple syrup. Shake with ice and serve over crushed ice in a small glass.
Common Questions
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Yes! Just mix the vodka, triple sec, and lime juice ahead of time and store in the fridge. Shake with ice right before serving to keep it fresh and cold.
What kind of vodka works best?
Any clean, smooth vodka will do. If you want to get a little adventurous, try a citrus-flavored vodka for an extra punch.
Can I tone down the alcohol?
Absolutely. Use less vodka or swap in a lower-proof orange liqueur. You can even stretch it with a splash of soda water for a lighter drink.
What’s the best way to make it look great?
Strain through a fine mesh to catch any ice shards, serve in a frosty glass, and garnish with a lime twist or cherry. It’s all in the little touches.
Can I use lemon instead of lime?
You can! It’ll give the drink a slightly different citrus flavor-less zippy, more mellow-but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
The Flying Kamikaze is one of those drinks that’s deceptively simple but always delivers. It’s bright, bold, and easy to love. Whether you’re mixing one up for yourself or a tray of shots for your friends, it brings a splash of fun to any gathering.
Try a variation, pair it with your favorite snacks, and don’t be afraid to make it your own. Cheers!
