Penicillin
The Penicillin is a classic Cocktail cocktail featuring Blended Scotch, Lemon Juice, Honey syrup. Watch our video tutorial to master this recipe.
About This Cocktail
The Penicillin is a modern cocktail that has gained widespread popularity for its bold, smoky, and complex flavor profile. Created by bartender Sam Ross in the early 2000s at New York's Milk & Honey, the Penicillin is a whiskey-based drink that combines blended Scotch whisky with honey syrup, fresh lemon juice, and a splash of Islay Scotch whisky for an added layer of smokiness. The drink's flavor balance is what makes it stand out. The honey syrup provides a natural sweetness that contrasts with the tartness of the lemon, while the blended Scotch offers a smooth, slightly malty backbone. The Islay Scotch, often chosen for its peaty and smoky notes, adds an intriguing complexity that makes the cocktail feel both warming and refreshing. Typically served shaken and strained into a rocks glass over ice, the Penicillin is garnished with a candied ginger or a lemon wheel, which enhances its spicy and zesty flavor elements. This cocktail is an excellent choice for those who enjoy smoky drinks with a sweet-tart contrast, or for whiskey enthusiasts looking to try a more modern, flavor-forward twist on classic whiskey cocktails. The Penicillin is perfect for fall or winter evenings or for anyone seeking a complex, sipping drink with a comforting, yet bold character.
Ingredients
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How to Mix
Shake blended Scotch, lemon juice, honey syrup and ginger syrup with ice. Strain over large ice in chilled rocks glass. Float smoky Scotch on top (be sure to use a smoky Scotch such as an Islay single malt). Garnish with candied ginger.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are in a Penicillin cocktail?
The Penicillin cocktail combines blended Scotch whisky, honey syrup, and fresh lemon juice, creating its unique smoky and complex flavor.
Who created the Penicillin cocktail?
The Penicillin cocktail was created by bartender Sam Ross in the early 2000s at Milk & Honey in New York.
What is the flavor profile of a Penicillin cocktail?
The Penicillin is known for its bold, smoky, and complex flavor profile, thanks to the combination of whisky and honey syrup.
When did the Penicillin cocktail become popular?
The Penicillin cocktail gained widespread popularity in the early 2000s after its creation by Sam Ross.
Is the Penicillin cocktail whiskey-based?
Yes, the Penicillin cocktail is a whiskey-based drink, primarily using blended Scotch whisky as its base.
Where can I find a Penicillin cocktail?
Many cocktail bars and upscale lounges offer the Penicillin, particularly those that focus on classic and modern cocktails since its rise in popularity.