Jalapeño Kamikaze Shot Recipe

If you're looking for a quick, party drink with a spicy kick, this jalapeño kamikaze shot recipe from recipe developer and food photographer Cecilia Ryu is just what you need. If you've ever enjoyed a spicy margarita, you will probably enjoy this drink. It contains some standard cocktail ingredients, but for its concentrated spicy kick, it includes some homemade jalapeño simple syrup. "I've had many kamikaze shots before, but never a spicy one," Ryu says. "Spicy cocktails are very popular these days, and I thought it would be nice to try with this recipe."

Does the kamikaze shot have anything to do with Japanese kamikaze pilots in World War II? It's certainly possible, even though the drink also has origins in early days of the disco era (via Taste Atlas). Regardless of where this drink originates, it's a fun and easy way to add a little spice to your next party. 

To make the jalapeño simple syrup, you'll need granulated sugar, water, and 1 sliced jalapeño. To make the kamikaze shots, you'll need vodka, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and optional sliced jalapeños and sliced limes to garnish. Ryu prefers Grey Goose vodka, but says that any vodka of your choice will work just fine.

Stir the sugar, water, and sliced jalapeños together in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Keep stirring until all of the sugar has been dissolved, and the water comes to a boil. Reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain the peppers, and then transfer the syrup into a heat-proof container. Let your jalapeño simple syrup cool completely before serving.

This recipe yields a lot more simple syrup than you'll need to make 2 kamikaze shots. Fortunately, this jalapeño simple syrup should last for several weeks in the refrigerator. "Store [the simple syrup] in a jar in the refrigerator," Ryu says. "You can also make the syrup spicier by adding more jalapeño, or adding different types of spicy peppers."

Combine the vodka, triple Sec, 1 ounce of jalapeño simple syrup, and lime juice together in a cocktail shaker, along with a few ice cubes. Shake well, until the cocktail shaker is cold to the touch. Strain the kamikaze shots into 2 shot glasses, and garnish them with sliced lime and jalapeño, if desired.

And that's all there is to it! Serve your jalapeño kamikaze shots immediately, while they are still cold. "I would definitely serve this cocktail at parties," Ryu says. "It could definitely get the party started. It pairs well with any type of food or appetizer."