Penicillin Cocktail
The Penicillin cocktail is a modern classic known for its bold, balanced flavor. Smoky Scotch, sweet honey, fresh lemon, and spicy ginger come together for a drink that’s both warming and refreshing, perfect any time of year.
The history of the penicillin cocktail
The Penicillin cocktail is a relatively modern addition to classic cocktails, invented by bartender Sam Ross in the mid-2000s. Sam Ross, an Australian bartender working at the time at Milk & Honey, a renowned cocktail bar in New York City, is credited with creating this innovative drink.
The cocktail was inspired by the classic flavors of some older Scotch drinks but with a unique twist that set it apart. Ross aimed to create a cocktail that was refreshing and appealing to a wide range of palates and could showcase the smoky characteristics of Scotch whisky in a new light. He achieved this by combining blended Scotch with a small measure of smoky Islay single malt, which gives the Penicillin its distinctive smoky flavor.
The name “Penicillin” comes from the drink’s perceived medicinal qualities, with the fresh ginger and lemon juice evoking traditional cold remedies. This association plays into the cocktail’s comforting and restorative feel, making it particularly popular during the colder months or among those seeking a “cure” for what ails them.
Since its creation, the Penicillin cocktail has gained international fame and is now considered a modern classic, appearing on cocktail menus worldwide. Its popularity has also led to numerous variations and inspired other bartenders to create their own medicinal-themed concoctions. One such cocktail is the hot toddy.
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How to make honey, ginger syrup
Add equal parts of water and honey in a saucepan. Also, peel and slice a piece of ginger. I used 1/4 cup water, honey, and an inch-long piece of ginger. Turn the heat under the saucepan to medium heat, and once the honey has melted and the mixture is at a light boil, lower it to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
Remove from the heat, take a muddler, and muddle the ginger. Set aside to cool. You can let it cool in the refrigerator if you like.
How to make the penicillin cocktail
Pre-step
Make the honey, ginger syrup at least 30 minutes before starting the recipe. You want it to have time to cook, steep, and cool before adding it to the rest of the ingredients.
After measuring out the ingredients, add them to the cocktail shaker.
Step one
Get a cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice. Also, get your glassware, either a whiskey mixer glass, rocks glass, or double old-fashioned glass.
Step two
Gather the ingredients – scotch whiskey, fresh lemon, and cooled honey-ginger syrup. (A)
Step three
Measure out 4 ounces of scotch. (B)
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Step four
Measure out 1 ounce of honey syrup. (C)
Step five
Measure out 1.5 ounces of fresh lemon juice. (D)
Step six
Add fresh ice to the glassware. I like to use large ice cubes, but one of the the glasses had a thinner opening, so I had to use smaller cubes.
Place the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Strain, divide, and pour the liquid between the two glasses. Add your garnish. I’m using dehydrated lemon slices.
Doesn’t that look refreshing and delicious?
It’s a satisfying sipping cocktail!
I hope you enjoyed this penicillin cocktail recipe. It’s my favorite scotch drink.
Other whiskey drinks
And as always, may all your dishes/drinks delish!
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Penicillin Cocktail
Ingredients
- 4 ounces scotch whiskey (blended)
- 1.5 ounces lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 ounce honey-ginger syrup (see notes on how to make it)
Garnish
- 2 wheels dehydrated lemon slices (or lemon twists – or candied ginger)
Instructions
- Get a cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice. Get a measuring glass and glassware.
- Add scotch, lemon juice, and honey syrup.4 ounces scotch whiskey, 1.5 ounces lemon juice, 1 ounce honey-ginger syrup
- Add fresh ice to the glassware. Place the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for at least 10 seconds. Strain, divide, and pour the drink between the two glasses
- Add the garnish of your choice.2 wheels dehydrated lemon slices
- Sip, smile, and enjoy.
Equipment
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Here’s how: Add equal parts of water and honey in a saucepan. Also, peel and slice a piece of ginger. I used 1/4 cup water, honey, and an inch-long piece of ginger. Turn the heat under the saucepan to medium heat, and once the honey has melted and the mixture is at a light boil, lower it to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat, take a muddler, and muddle the ginger. Set aside to cool. You can let it cool in the refrigerator if you like.
Helpful tips
- Use a good-quality Scotch, since it’s the backbone of the cocktail. A blended Scotch works well, and adding a smoky Islay Scotch is optional.
- Balance is key. Adjust the lemon juice, honey-ginger syrup, and Scotch to suit your taste.
- Homemade honey-ginger syrup gives the best flavor. Simmer honey, water, and fresh ginger, then strain and store in the fridge.
- If using Islay Scotch, float it on top rather than mixing it in to preserve its smoky aroma.
- Serve over a large ice cube to keep the drink cold without diluting it too quickly.
- A rocks glass works best for this cocktail.
- Garnish with a lemon slice, candied ginger, or a lemon twist for a simple, elegant finish.
This makes a great party drink or a hot afternoon drink because not only it refreshes you, it also gives you a little kick done by the whiskey!
Thank you, Amy. I appreciate your comment.
I love the sweet, spicy, citrus profile and patio season is coming. 👍
It’s a fun cocktail, Loreto. Thanks so much for your comment.
What a great cocktail for when you are feeling under the weather! We loved it, and that honey-ginger syrup would also be great in hot tea. 🙂
Thank you, Carrie. I love the syrup as well.
Loved the honey ginger flavor in this penicillin cocktail. It turned out absolutely delicious. We will definitely make this again.
Thanks, Lauren. And thank you too for your comment.
Talk about perfect timing! I’m sick right now and I have to point out just how AMAZING the honey ginger syrup is! I hadn’t heard of this drink before but am so happy I now have it in my recipe box! Thank you for this!
Thanks so much, Lori! It is a family favorite!
So interesting to read about the cocktail. I have heard many stories from my grandparents about using cocktail blends to help with cold during winter months. The honey ginger syrup is so good in this cocktail and a keeper. I even used it in lemonade and my boys loved it.
Thanks so much, Sandhya. I appreciate it.
A total go-to when you feel a sore throat coming on! And even if you don’t, it’s so good.
Thanks, Eden!