A Labor Day Weekend Tradition: Kamikazes

Ever since I was young, my dad and one of his work friends have been racing cars as a hobby.  It has become tradition to go to the Labor Day Double at Summit Point in West Virginia.  Another tradition that goes along with going to the racetrack is my Dad’s Kamikazes.  Throughout the long weekend, I’ll tell you all about the lessons I’ve learned about Kamikazes.

Today, we’ll start with the recipe and the proper way to mix them.  It’s a recipe I’ve known for over 10 years (Dad is so proud, I’m sure!).

1 part vodka

1 part triple sec

1 part lime juice

Mix in shaker with ice

Tip 1:  It’s all about the quality of the liquor.  I would recommend Absolut or Smirnoff (or anything triple distilled or more) vodka, Hiram Walker triple sec and Finest Call lime juice.  The vodka is the most important.  Your tastebuds will thank you now and your head will thank you tomorrow.  I’ve made the mistake of ordering a Kamikaze at a bar, and it won’t be quality unless you ask for top shelf liquors.  The worst of the worst comes from a college bar.

Tip 2: If you are the bartender for the night and also drinking, reverse the order of the ingredients (lime juice, triple sec, vodka) and use your own shot glass to measure the ingredients.  Even though it’s miniscule, you’ll end up with just a touch more vodka than everybody else.

Tomorrow, we’ll talk about a few lessons learned over the years!  For now, do you have any Labor Day traditions?