There’s something to be said about a classic cocktail, whether that cocktail was created in the 1900s or 2000s. With honey, ginger and lemon the penicillin cocktail is the cure for what ails you and with two different kinds of scotch this cocktails is nuanced and balanced. Equal parts sweet, sour and smoky it’s no wonder the Penicillin Cocktail has become a modern classic.
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History of the Penicillin Cocktail
The Penicillin Cocktail was created in 2005 by bartender Sam Ross at Milk & Honey, a popular Manhattan cocktail bar. During the craft cocktail renaissance of the 2000s the penicillin gained popularity in bars across the country spawning a number of riffs and variations.
A Bit About Scotch
This cocktail utilizes two different kinds of scotch. The first is a blended scotch, which is comprised of malt and grain whiskeys from two or more distilleries resulting in a smoother, sweeter scotch. The second scotch is a peated scotch, which typically come from the island of Islay in Scotland. Here malted barley is roasted using peat moss fires which result in a smokier whisky. Using both types of scotch results in a cocktail that is smooth and balanced with a slightly smoky finish.
How to Make to Penicillin Cocktail
To make a penicillin cocktail you’ll have to start with making a batch of honey ginger simple syrup (you’ll have way more than you need for this cocktail but you can store it in the fridge for up to a month. Use this to sweeten other cocktails, tea or drizzle over pound cake!)
For the cocktail add the blended scotch, lemon juice and honey ginger simple syrup into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for 30 seconds or until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass with ice. Top with the peated scotch and garnish with a piece of candied ginger.
If you like this Penicillin Cocktail be sure to take a look at some of my other recipes!
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Penicillin Cocktail
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- rocks glass
Ingredients
For the Cocktail
- 2 oz blended scotch
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz honey ginger simple syrup recipe below
- 1/4 oz peated scotch
- candied ginger for garnish
For the honey ginger simple syrup
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup water
- 4 inches fresh ginger peeled and chopped
Instructions
For the Cocktail
- Add the blended scotch, lemon juice and honey ginger simple syrup into a shaker with ice. Shake for 30 seconds or until well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass with ice. Top with the peated scotch and garnish with a piece of candied ginger.
For the honey ginger simple syrup
- In a medium saucepan combine honey, water and ginger and bring to a boil ensuring the honey fully dissolves.
- Remove the pan from the heat allowing the simple syrup to steep for 30 minutes (or up to a day if you like a stronger ginger flavor). Strain out the ginger and transfer the simple syrup to a clean glass jar.
- This simple syrup can be stored at room temperature for 1 week or in the refrigerator for a month.
nancy says
thanks for this lovely cocktail! so tasty! adding to my home bar menu!
Uma Raghupathi says
With two kinds of scotch, ginger, lemon, and honey the Penicillin cocktail sounds very interesting. Thanks for this recipe!
Mikayla says
Wow what a special adult beverage. I love trying new things and was pleased with the great flavors here.
veenaazmanov says
Thanks for such a lovely recipe of Cocktail. Love the combination of ginger and lemon too.A must try one.
Amy Liu Dong says
This is so easy, delicious, and refreshing drink to make. I will share this recipe with my sister, and I am sure she will love this!
Jere Cassidy says
This drink sounds like it has some great flavor. I have never heard of peated scotch and now I am intrigued. This is a must try.
Katie Crenshaw says
Made this for some friends last night and the cocktail turned out PERFECT! It is so tasty and refreshing. Love the ginger in it.
Annie says
The flavors in this cocktail are amazing, and refreshing! Nothing beats a classic!
GUNJAN says
I made this cocktail over the weekend for my friends and it was an instant hit. It is on my menu now and will be making it more often.
Moop Brown says
This cocktail seems very refreshing and like it is easy to make as well. Thank you for sharing
Cathleen says
I love how simple this recipe is to make, even I can’t screw this one up haha! So excited to give this a go tomorrow! 🙂