Cameron's Kick
The Cameron's Kick is a delightful and somewhat unusual classic cocktail that harmoniously blends two distinct styles of whiskey. By combining the gentle sweetness of Irish whiskey with the subtle complexity of blended Scotch, it creates a unique and layered base. The addition of orgeat syrup lends a creamy, nutty sweetness that perfectly complements the tartness of fresh lemon juice. This results in a balanced, sophisticated, and memorable sour that stands out from its more common relatives.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Cameron's Kick is classified as a classic cocktail from the Prohibition era. It belongs to the 'sour' family of drinks, characterized by a base spirit, citrus, and a sweetener. It is typically enjoyed as an aperitif or an all-evening sipper.
Serving
The Cameron's Kick is served 'up' (without ice) in a pre-chilled coupe or cocktail glass. It is a moderately strong but refreshing cold drink ideal for sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz (before dilution)
Alcohol content
Approximately 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
The drink first appeared in writing in Harry MacElhone's 1922 book, "ABC of Mixing Cocktails." Its exact origin is a bit murky, but it is often attributed to a London bartender of the same era. The name "Cameron's Kick" suggests a Scottish influence, which is fitting given its use of Scotch whisky as a key component.
Origin
United Kingdom (likely London), circa 1920s. The recipe was first published in 1922, placing it firmly in the Prohibition era, a time of great cocktail creativity.
Cameron's Kick
The drink is consistently known as the Cameron's Kick. It sometimes has "Cocktail" appended to its name in older recipe books, but this is less common today. There are no other widely recognized alternative names for this specific recipe.
Original name
Cameron's Kick
Alternative name
Cameron's Kick Cocktail
Characteristics overview
This drink has a complex flavor profile balancing whiskey notes with bright citrus and nutty almond from the orgeat. It presents a silky, smooth texture and a clean, warming finish, making it a sophisticated sipper year-round.
Flavor
Whiskey, nutty, almond, citrusy, tart, complex
Aroma
Lemon zest, whiskey grain, subtle almond, hint of smoke
Taste balance
Sour, sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, smooth, nutty, warming
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Pale gold, hazy, straw-colored
Texture
Silky, smooth
Seasonality
Refreshing, suitable for all seasons
Flavor intensity & Experience
This drink is primarily sour and spirit-forward, with a noticeable sweetness and nutty creaminess from the orgeat balancing the moderate alcohol strength. It is a still drink with a medium-high flavor intensity.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This cocktail requires a unique split base of Blended Scotch and Irish whiskey. These are balanced by the acidity of fresh lemon juice and the nutty sweetness of orgeat syrup.
- Blended Scotch Whisky30 ml / 1 ounceA smooth, unpeated blend works best to not overpower the Irish whiskey.
- Irish Whiskey30 ml / 1 ounceA classic, smooth blended Irish whiskey is traditional.
- Fresh Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 ounceFreshly squeezed is essential for the bright, sour taste.
- Orgeat Syrup15 ml / 0.5 ounceA quality almond syrup, often with a hint of orange blossom water.
Ice type
- Cubed ice for shaking
Mixing equipments
As a shaken cocktail, a standard shaker tin set is required. You will also need a jigger for measuring and two types of strainers for a clean, professional pour.
- Cocktail shaker to chill and combine ingredients.
- Jigger for accurate measurement.
- Hawthorne strainer to hold back ice after shaking.
- Fine-mesh strainer for double-straining to remove small ice chips.
Instructions
To prepare a Cameron's Kick, simply combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, shake until well-chilled, and double-strain into a chilled coupe. Finish with the oils from a fresh lemon twist.
1. Place your coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer to chill.
2. Pour the Blended Scotch, Irish whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and orgeat syrup into a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosted and very cold.
5. Double-strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into your pre-chilled glass.
6. Take a fresh lemon peel, twist it over the surface of the drink to express its oils, and then drop it into the glass as a garnish.
Garnishing
A simple lemon twist is the traditional garnish for a Cameron's Kick. Expressing the citrus oils over the finished drink adds a vibrant aromatic layer that complements the flavors.
- Lemon Twist - Express oils over the drink's surface and drop it in.
Dietary Information
This cocktail contains alcohol and is not suitable for those with nut allergies due to the almond-based orgeat syrup. While the distillation process typically removes gluten from whiskey, individuals with severe celiac disease should exercise caution.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This cocktail has a moderate calorie count, with its carbohydrates and sugars coming primarily from the orgeat syrup. The exact nutritional values will vary based on the specific brands of spirits and syrup used.
Calories
Approximately 180-210 kcal / 753-879 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 10-12 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 9-11 grams
Sugar level
Occasions
This cocktail is versatile enough for a sophisticated cocktail party or for a quiet, contemplative night in. Its balanced flavor profile makes it an excellent pre-dinner aperitif to awaken the palate.
- Cocktail Party
- Pre-dinner Drink
- Whiskey Tasting
- Quiet Evening In
Pairing suggestions
The Cameron's Kick pairs wonderfully with light, savory snacks that complement its nutty and sour profile. Consider serving it with a cheese plate, charcuterie, or a bowl of high-quality salted nuts. The almond notes in the drink make it a particularly good match for almond-based snacks or even shortbread.
- Salted Almonds
- Mild Cheeses (like Gruyère or a mild Cheddar)
- Charcuterie Board
- Shortbread Cookies
Cameron's Kick: A Tale of Two Whiskies
The Cameron's Kick is a Prohibition-era classic that stands out for its unique split base of Scotch and Irish whiskey. This combination creates a complex yet approachable flavor profile, beautifully balanced by the tartness of fresh lemon and the sweet, nutty character of orgeat syrup. It's a sophisticated sour, perfect for whiskey lovers looking to try something different from the usual suspects. Served up in a coupe, it's an elegant and timeless cocktail with a memorable name and taste.
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