Whiskey · Modern · IBA official recipe
Penicillin
A smoky and sweet Scotch cocktail with honey and lemon.
- Glass
- Rocks glass
- Technique
- Shaken
- Strength
- 19.2% ABV (estimated)
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- 5 min
The Penicillin is a modern classic that combines the smoky flavor of Islay Scotch with the sweetness of honey and the tang of lemon. Its amber hue and aromatic profile make it a delightful choice for any occasion, especially during colder months or for a cozy gathering.
Ingredients
Method
Place the fresh ginger slices in a shaker and muddle them to release their juices.
Fresh ginger 2–3 slicesAdd the blended Scotch, lemon juice, and honey syrup to the shaker.
Blended Scotch whisky 60 ml2 oz6 cl Lemon Juice 22.5 ml¾ oz2.25 cl Honey Syrup 22.5 ml¾ oz2.25 clFill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
Double strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
Float the Islay Scotch whisky over the back of a bar spoon on top of the drink.
Islay Scotch Whisky 7.5 ml¼ oz0.75 clGarnish with candied ginger slices.
Garnish: Candied ginger slices
The story
The Penicillin was created by New York bartender Sam Ross in the early 2000s at the renowned Milk & Honey bar. Inspired by traditional medicinal tonics, Ross combined blended Scotch whisky, fresh lemon juice, honey-ginger syrup, and a float of smoky Islay Scotch, giving birth to this cocktail that has become a staple in modern cocktail culture.
As commonly told; not independently verified.
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