Try our simple Penicillin Cocktail recipe, where Scotch meets a burst of lemon and the sweet warmth of honey-ginger syrup.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
2 minutes
Servings:
1
Calories:
212
Ingredients
- 2 oz Blended Scotch whisky
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz honey-ginger syrup
- ¼ oz Islay single malt Scotch
- Ice cubes
- Candied ginger or lemon twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Rocks Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Cocktail Shaker
- Strainer
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill your rocks glass with ice cubes to chill.
- Combine Ingredients: In the cocktail shaker, combine ¾ oz fresh lemon juice, ¾ oz honey-ginger syrup, and 2 oz Blended Scotch whisky.
- Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake it well until the mixture is sufficiently chilled.
- Strain: Replace the ice in your rock glass with fresh ice cubes and strain the shaken mixture.
- Float the Scotch: Gently pour ¼ oz Islay single malt Scotch that it floats atop the drink.
- Garnish: Add candied ginger or a lemon twist to the glass for garnish.
- Serve: Enjoy your Penicillin Cocktail right away. Cheers!
Notes
Substitutes:
If you don't have Scotch or want a different flavor profile, consider using bourbon or rye whiskey. They alter the taste but create an interesting twist. I've tried a drop of liquid smoke or a smoked sea salt rim on the glass for a smoky undertone without Islay Scotch. As for the honey-ginger syrup, a simple ginger syrup or even a dash of ginger liqueur combined with honey syrup can do the trick if you're in a pinch.Making a Pitcher of Penicillin Cocktail:
- Scale: To create a pitcher serving 8 people, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That's 16 oz of blended Scotch, 6 oz of lemon juice, 6 oz of honey-ginger syrup, and 2 oz of Islay Scotch.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the blended Scotch, lemon juice, and honey-ginger syrup. Stir thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the mixture into ice-filled rocks glasses, float the Islay Scotch on top, garnish as desired, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
For a non-alcoholic version, I recommend using non-alcoholic whisky alternatives available in the market for the Scotch. They don't replicate the flavor perfectly but can offer a similar complexity. Instead of Islay Scotch, you might use a few drops of smoky tea (like Lapsang Souchong) to introduce that signature smokiness. Follow the rest of the recipe as is, substituting only these components.Making it Vegan:
Honey is not vegan, so for a vegan Penicillin, I substitute the honey in the honey-ginger syrup with agave nectar or a vegan honey alternative, which are plant-based and have a similar sweetness profile. The rest of the cocktail is typically vegan, but it's always good practice to check the labels of your spirits to ensure they're free of animal products.What is a Penicillin Cocktail?
A Penicillin Cocktail blends Scotch whisky, fresh lemon juice, and honey-ginger syrup. The drink owes its name to its soothing and comforting qualities, reminiscent of the healing nature of the antibiotic named after. Listed under ‘New Era Drinks,’ this cocktail has earned recognition from the International Bartender Association (IBA).
What is in a Penicillin Cocktail – The ingredients
Ready to mix your Penicillin Cocktail? Start by assembling these ingredients:
- Blended Scotch Whisky: Provides a strong, smooth base that carries the distinct flavors of the cocktail.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh, zesty tang, balancing the whisky’s richness.
- Honey-Ginger Syrup: Infuses the drink with a sweet yet spicy kick, complementing the Scotch’s smoky notes.
- Islay Single Malt Scotch: Floats on top for an aromatic, smoky finish that enhances the cocktail’s complexity.
- Ice Cubes: Chills and slightly dilutes the mixture for a refreshing, sippable experience.
- Candied Ginger or Lemon Twist (optional): Serves as a garnish, adding a decorative touch and an extra hint of ginger or citrus.
