The Cameron’s Kick is a mixological paradox, a curio and an oddity. By rights the drink’s proportions simply should not work – they defy what we think we know about mixing cocktails. It goes to show that Harry Craddock and the barkeeps who preceded him at London’s Savoy Hotel could still teach us a thing or two about slinging drinks. You see The Cameron’s Kick implausibly combines both Irish and Scotch whisk(e)y, and not only does the drink succeed, but does so admirably. Combined with lemon and orgeat the Scotch provides dryness and plenty of back bone with a lightness and sweetness being provided by the Irish.
The drink first appears in Craddock’s The Savoy Cocktail Book, but whilst we’ve been left with an undeniably tasty tipple, Harry didn’t oblige us in providing the origin of the drink’s provocative name.
Cameron’s Kick
- 30 ml Irish whiskey ((Like Tullamore D.E.W.))
- 30 ml scotch whisky ((like Aberfeldy 12))
- 20 ml lemon juice
- 15 ml MONIN orgeat
- Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
Equal parts Scotch and Irish whiskey, the Cameron’s Kick is a classic mix for Irish whiskey.
What’s in the drink?
Aberfeldy 12
Aberfeldy is the heart of the Dewar’s blend and a great single malt in its own right. Full of bright orange citrus and rich honey notes, it’s aged in a variety of casks (both European and American oak) and offers complex honey, buttery sweetness, juicy sultanas and soft spice flavours.
Bacardi-Martini