The Balalaika vs. The Kamikaze
If you’re anything like me you spent plenty of your college days (or nights) at bars pounding your fair share of Kamikaze shots. They were waaaaay better than tequila shots and had the same effect – quick intoxication. But I’ve long since left my college days behind me and with them the shots. I don’t need a quick buzz anymore. With age comes wisdom and these days I prefer to sip my drinks. Since I don’t normally do shots as part of my classic cocktails, you’re probably wondering why I’m talking about the Kamikaze. Well, it turns out this drink wasn’t always a shot.
The Kamikaze is a recent creation (it’s from the mid-70’s!) but it was originally conceived as a cocktail you sipped. While I don’t know how it went from a cocktail to a shot, I do know that the reason behind it’s original form is because it’s a close relative to the mid-century Balalaika. The Balalaika is pretty much the same cocktail as the Kamikaze with one exception: the juice. The Kamikaze uses lime juice, but the Balalaika uses lemon. Other than that, these two cocktails are identical.
It’s interesting what a difference in flavor a little juice makes. The lime-flavored Kamikaze is definitely more subtle (which is probably why it’s become such a popular shot). That’s not to say that you can’t taste the citrus juice, believe me you can, it just doesn’t hit you over the head the way the Balalaika does. Since lime juice isn’t as tart as lemon juice, the Kamikaze tastes significantly sweeter even though there isn’t an ounce of sugar or simple syrup in there.
Both are obvious choices during the spring and summer months because of the bright citrus that each uses. But unlike the margarita or gin rickey (also good spring and summer options) the citrus really shines in the Balalaika and Kamikaze because it’s being paired with vodka instead of tequila or gin. Those other liquors have very distinct flavors which is why the citrus often takes a back seat. But in both the Kamikaze and the Balalaika the citrus takes center stage because vodka has such a neutral flavor. It’s that neutrality that allows the citrus to be magnified and so enjoyed in a completely different way. And oh, how I enjoy them.
There’s no question, I prefer to experience all those delicious flavors that I was missing simply because I chose a shot over a cocktail glass. Never again. Try the Balalaika or even the more recent Kamikaze as a cocktail. Like me, I guarantee you’ll never go back.
Balalaika
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. vodka
- 3/4 oz. Cointreau
- 3/4 oz. lemon juice
Directions:
- Place all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass and serve.
Kamikaze
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. vodka
- 3/4 oz. Cointreau
- 3/4 oz. lime juice
Directions:
- Place all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass and serve.
