Cameron's Kick

Name: Cameron's Kick
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 30 ml / 1 ounce Blended Scotch Whisky; 30 ml / 1 ounce Irish Whiskey; 22.5 ml / 0.75 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice; 15 ml / 0.5 ounce Orgeat Syrup

Ingredients Instructions

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 ounce
A smooth, unpeated blend works best to not overpower the Irish whiskey.
Irish Whiskey30 ml / 1 ounce
A classic, smooth blended Irish whiskey is traditional.
Fresh Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 ounce
Freshly squeezed is essential for the bright, sour taste.
Orgeat Syrup15 ml / 0.5 ounce
A 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.