Penicillin Cocktail – A Scotch Cocktail that’s a Modern Classic

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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Cranberry Old Fashioned

Spiced Maple Old Fashioned

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Maple Apple Cider Margarita

If you make this Penicillin Cocktail please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for my latest recipes. Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making!