The Penicillin cocktail is a beloved creation from Sam Ross, the same bartender behind the Paper Plane. First introduced in the mid-2000s at New York's Milk & Honey bar, the Penicillin has become a staple for its unique blend of smoky, sweet, and zesty flavors. This whisky-based drink is perfect for warming up on a cool evening or impressing guests at your next cocktail party.
Ingredients
To make a Penicillin cocktail, you’ll need:
2 oz blended Scotch whisky
¾ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
¾ oz honey-ginger syrup (recipe below)
¼ oz Islay single malt Scotch (for the smoky float)
Ice (for shaking)
Candied ginger (optional garnish)
Honey-Ginger Syrup Recipe
½ cup honey
½ cup water
2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
Combine honey, water, and ginger in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the honey dissolves, then simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, let it steep for 10–15 minutes, and strain. Store in a jar and refrigerate for up to a week.
Equipment
Cocktail shaker
Jigger (or measuring tool)
Hawthorne strainer
Rocks glass
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Tools and Ingredients
Ensure your honey-ginger syrup is ready before you start. Fill your rocks glass with ice to chill it while you mix the drink.
2. Combine Main Ingredients
Add the blended Scotch, lemon juice, and honey-ginger syrup to a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker with ice to chill the drink.
3. Shake Vigorously
Shake well for 10–15 seconds to combine the ingredients and properly chill the cocktail.
4. Strain Over Ice
Discard the ice from your rocks glass. Add fresh ice and strain the cocktail into the glass using a Hawthorne strainer.
5. Float the Islay Scotch
Using the back of a spoon, gently pour the Islay single malt Scotch over the top of the drink to create a smoky float.
6. Garnish and Serve
Garnish with a piece of candied ginger for a sweet, spicy touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the balanced complexity of your Penicillin cocktail!
Why the Penicillin Cocktail Works
The Penicillin is a masterpiece of balance:
Blended Scotch provides a smooth, malty base.
Islay single malt adds a smoky depth.
Honey-ginger syrup introduces sweetness and spice.
Lemon juice brings refreshing acidity.
This combination creates a cocktail that’s both warming and invigorating, perfect for fans of whisky or those looking for something adventurous.
Tips for Perfecting Your Penicillin
Use fresh ginger for the syrup. It makes a big difference in flavor.
Don’t skip the smoky float. The Islay Scotch gives the drink its signature character.
Experiment with Scotch. Choose a blended Scotch that’s smooth and a single malt that’s smoky but not overpowering.
Conclusion
The Penicillin cocktail is more than just a drink—it’s a testament to modern mixology’s creativity and craftsmanship. Its unique blend of flavors makes it a standout addition to any cocktail lineup. Whether you’re a seasoned whisky lover or a curious newbie, the Penicillin is a must-try!
Cheers to discovering new classics! 🥃✨
Watch me make it here.
Have you made a Penicillin cocktail? Share your tips, tweaks, or pairing ideas in the comments below!
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