Penicillin
The Penicillin is a masterful creation that revitalized the use of Scotch in cocktails. It is essentially a Scotch-based Whiskey Sour with the addition of a sweet and spicy honey-ginger syrup. A float of peated Islay Scotch whisky is added at the end, which gives the drink its signature smoky aroma and complex flavor profile. The result is a perfectly balanced drink that is simultaneously soothing, refreshing, and invigorating.
Preparation
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Penicillin is a contemporary alcoholic beverage, firmly categorized as a Modern Classic Cocktail. It was created in the 21st century but has achieved the status and recognition of older, more established classic cocktails. It is considered a new standard in the world of mixology.
Serving
The Penicillin is served cold in a rocks glass, ideally over a single large ice cube to minimize dilution. It is a spirit-forward cocktail with a notable alcohol content, delivering a complex and satisfying experience.
Serving size
Approximately 120-150 ml (4-5 oz)
Alcohol content
Approximately 25-30% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Rocks Glass
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
The Penicillin was created in the mid-2000s by Australian bartender Sam Ross while working at Milk & Honey, a legendary speakeasy in New York City. Ross conceived it as a variation on the Gold Rush cocktail, itself a riff on the Whiskey Sour. The name is a nod to the supposed medicinal properties of its ingredients like honey, lemon, and ginger, making it a "cure" for all that ails you.
Origin
Created by Sam Ross in New York City, USA, around 2005.
Penicillin
The drink is almost universally known by its original name, Penicillin. Sometimes it is attributed to its creator, Sam Ross, to distinguish it from other drinks that might share the name. However, there are no widely accepted alternative names for this modern classic.
Original name
Penicillin
Alternative name
Sam Ross's Penicillin
Characteristics overview
This drink boasts a complex flavor profile where smoky peat from the Islay Scotch meets the spicy kick of ginger, balanced by honey's sweetness and lemon's tartness. Its aroma is distinctly smoky and its texture is smooth, providing a long, warming finish suitable for any season.
Flavor
Smoky, Spicy Ginger, Sweet Honey, Tart Lemon, Peaty
Aroma
Peat Smoke, Ginger, Lemon Zest
Taste balance
Sweet, Sour, Smoky
Aftertaste
Long, Warming, Smoky
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Hazy, Pale Golden, Translucent
Texture
Smooth, Rich, Silky
Seasonality
Warming, Refreshing, All-Season
Flavor intensity & Experience
The Penicillin is a flavor-intensive drink, characterized by a strong sourness from lemon and a noticeable spicy kick from ginger. Its sweetness is moderate, and it possesses a powerful alcohol presence without being harsh.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
The core of this drink consists of a blended Scotch base, complemented by fresh lemon juice and a homemade honey-ginger syrup. A small amount of peated Islay Scotch is essential for the signature smoky finish.
- Blended Scotch Whisky60 ml / 2 ozA good quality, smooth blended Scotch is recommended as the base.
- Fresh Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 ozMust be freshly squeezed for best results.
- Honey-Ginger Syrup22.5 ml / 0.75 ozTo make, combine equal parts honey, water, and several slices of fresh ginger in a saucepan. Heat gently until honey dissolves, then let steep for 30 minutes before straining.
- Peated Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky7.5 ml / 0.25 ozUsed as a float for its distinctive smoky aroma. Laphroaig or Ardbeg are common choices.
Ice type
- Cubed (for shaking), Large Cube or Sphere (for serving)
Mixing equipments
You will need a standard cocktail shaking set, including a shaker tin, a jigger for measuring, and a Hawthorne strainer. A fine mesh strainer is also recommended to remove small ice chips and ginger particles.
- Cocktail shaker to chill and combine ingredients.
- Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions.
- Strainer (Hawthorne and fine mesh) to ensure a smooth texture.
Instructions
Preparation involves shaking the blended scotch, lemon, and syrup with ice, then straining into a glass over a large ice cube. The final, crucial step is floating a small amount of peated Islay scotch on top for aroma.
1. Add the blended Scotch, lemon juice, and honey-ginger syrup to a cocktail shaker.
2. Fill the shaker with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Place a large ice cube or sphere into a chilled rocks glass.
5. Double strain the contents of the shaker into the glass.
6. Gently pour the Islay single malt Scotch over the back of a bar spoon to float it on top of the drink.
7. Garnish with a piece of candied ginger.
Garnishing
The traditional and most fitting garnish is a piece of candied or crystallized ginger. It complements the flavors of the drink and adds a pleasant sweet and spicy bite.
- Candied ginger, placed on the rim or directly in the drink.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten (as distillation removes gluten proteins). However, it is not vegan due to the inclusion of honey.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This cocktail contains a moderate amount of calories, primarily from the alcohol and the honey-ginger syrup. Its sugar and carbohydrate content is relatively high due to the syrup component.
Calories
Averagely 200-240 kcal / 837-1004 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
15-20 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
14-18 grams
Sugar level
Occasions
This versatile cocktail is perfect for a sophisticated cocktail hour or a cozy evening by the fire. Its warming properties also make it a popular choice when one is feeling a bit under the weather, living up to its medicinal name.
- Cocktail Hour
- Cozy Night In
- Sophisticated Gatherings
- When Feeling Under the Weather
Pairing suggestions
The smoky and robust character of the Penicillin pairs wonderfully with foods that have similar or complementary profiles. Smoked fish or meats, sharp and aged cheeses, and spicy snacks all enhance the drinking experience by matching the cocktail's intensity.
- Smoked Salmon
- Charcuterie Boards
- Aged Cheeses like Smoked Gouda or Cheddar
- Spicy Nuts
Penicillin: The Modern Cure-All Cocktail
The Penicillin is a celebrated modern classic that brilliantly combines the richness of Scotch whisky with the invigorating zest of ginger and lemon. Its genius lies in the balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, crowned with a captivating smoky aroma from a float of peated Islay whisky. This cocktail is both a comforting remedy and a sophisticated sipper, demonstrating the versatility of Scotch in a contemporary setting. It is a must-try for any fan of whisky or well-crafted cocktails.
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