Cameron’s Kick Cocktail Recipe

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The perfect summer cocktail for any Irish whiskey or Scotch lover, Cameron’s Kick is one of the original cocktails of the roaring twenties. While the origin of Cameron himself is unknown, this cocktail was created by Harry MacElhone and published in his 1922 book, Harry’s ABC of Making Cocktails.

Cameron's kick cocktail recipe

Table of Contents

Cameron’s Kick Cocktail History

A staple of the modern cocktail library, Cameron’s Kick helped bring Irish whiskey from a shot to essential cocktail for any bartender’s repertoire.

Pioneered in London at the Savoy Hotel, one rumor of the cocktail’s origin comes from a connection between the well know Scots clan the Camerons whose chief Donald Dubh, XI Captain and Chief of Clan Cameron were exiled to Ireland after the battle of Inverlochy in 1431. However, the cocktail did not appear for another 500 years.

Both Irish whiskey and Scotch whisky are infamously difficult to balance and use in cocktails. This incredible combination of ingredients creates an exceptionally vibrant cocktail with the perfect amount of tartness.

I tried this cocktail with a few different ratios, and without different ingredients, and each one is absolutely needed to elevate each ingredient to the perfect balance. Slightly tart, the orgeat’s flavor becomes a hidden yet essential ingredient in bringing the two whiskeys together.

Tip for success: Make sure the orgeat you use uses real ingredients and not corn syrup or fake flavors. These are my two favorites, available online or at your local liquor store:

[amazon box=”B074SR31FJ,B01MXUHZJS” grid=”2″ button=”none” link_icon=”none”]

Get the original book this cocktail recipe was published in:

[amazon box=”1684221013″ template=”horizontal” grid=”1″ button=”none” link_icon=”none” description_items=”3″ value=”last_update”]

Cocktail Equipment Used to Make This:

[amazon box=”B01MSYTA76″ template=”horizontal” grid=”1″ button=”none” link_icon=”none” description_items=”3″ value=”last_update”]

Peeling orange for garnish
Michael Kahn

Cameron’s Kick Cocktail Recipe

5 from 4 votes
A refreshing summer cocktail for any Irish whiskey or Scotch lover, Camerson’s Kick will transport you back to the roaring twenties.
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Cocktail
Cuisine: American
Calories: 145

Ingredients
 
 

Cocktail
  • 1 oz Whiskey Irish whiskey
  • 1 oz Whisky Blended Scotch whiskey
  • 1/2 oz Lemon juice Freshly squeezed
  • 1/2 oz Orgeat syrup
  • 1 Orange twist For garnish

Method
 

  1. Combine all ingredients (except garnish) into a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Shake for 20 seconds or to chill, and strain into a cocktail glass.
  3. Garnish with orange twist.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 145kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 1mgSugar: 1gVitamin C: 5mg

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Cameron's kick cocktail recipe
Michael Kahn

About the Author

Michael Kahn

Founder & Editor

I write about the things I actually spend my time on: home projects that never go as planned, food worth traveling for, and figuring out which plants will survive my Northern California garden. When I'm not writing, I'm probably on a paddle board (I race competitively), exploring a new city for the food scene, or reminding people that I've raced both camels and ostriches and won both. All true. MK Library is where I share what I've learned the hard way, from real costs and real mistakes to the occasional thing that actually worked on the first try. Full Bio.

If you buy something from a MK Library link, I may earn a commission.

5 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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