The Penicillin

The Penicillin is a globally acclaimed modern classic known for its sophisticated and layered flavor profile. It starts with a base of blended Scotch whisky, brightened by fresh lemon juice. A homemade honey-ginger syrup adds sweetness and a pungent, spicy kick, while a float of peated Islay single malt Scotch provides a distinctive smoky aroma and finish. This perfectly balanced sweet, sour, spicy, and smoky drink is a true testament to modern mixology.
The Penicillin

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Penicillin is a contemporary cocktail that has achieved modern classic status. It is typically served as a sour, enjoyed in the evening, and has become a staple on craft cocktail menus worldwide since its invention.

Serving

The Penicillin is served cold over a large ice cube in a chilled rocks glass. Its moderate alcohol content and complex profile make it an excellent sipping cocktail.
Serving size
Approximately 120-150 ml (4-5 oz)
Alcohol content
Approximately 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Rocks Glass
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Penicillin was created in the mid-2000s by Australian bartender Sam Ross at Milk & Honey, a legendary speakeasy-style bar in New York City. Ross conceived it as a variation on the Gold Rush cocktail, itself a twist on the Whiskey Sour. He wanted to incorporate the flavors of Scotch whisky, and the combination of blended Scotch, ginger, honey, and a smoky Islay float proved to be an instant success, earning its name for its soothing, almost medicinal qualities.
Origin
New York City, USA, circa 2005. Created by Sam Ross at Milk & Honey bar.

The Penicillin

The drink is most commonly known simply as the Penicillin. The full name, "Sam Ross's Penicillin," is sometimes used to credit its creator. "Scotch Penicillin" is a descriptive alternative, highlighting its primary spirit base.
Original name
Penicillin
Alternative names
  • Sam Ross's Penicillin
  • Scotch Penicillin

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a delightful interplay of smoky peat aroma and spicy ginger flavor, balanced by sweet honey and tart lemon. The texture is smooth, with a long, warming, and smoky aftertaste, making it feel both refreshing and comforting.
Flavor
Smoky, Spicy, Sweet, Sour, Gingery, Honeyed
Aroma
Peat Smoke, Ginger, Lemon, Honey, Malt
Taste balance
Sweet, Sour, Smoky
Aftertaste
Long, Warming, Smoky, Spicy
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Cloudy, Pale Gold, Translucent
Texture
Silky, Smooth
Seasonality
Warming, All-Season, Autumn, Winter

Flavor intensity & Experience

The Penicillin boasts a pronounced flavor intensity, marked by a balance of sweetness, sourness, and a noticeable spicy kick from the ginger. Its alcohol strength is present but well-integrated, and it has no carbonation or creaminess.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You'll need a blended Scotch as the base, complemented by a smoky Islay Scotch for a float. Fresh lemon juice and a homemade honey-ginger syrup provide the essential sweet, sour, and spicy elements.
  • Blended Scotch Whisky60 ml / 2 oz
    A good quality, non-peated blended Scotch like Monkey Shoulder or Compass Box Great King Street Artist's Blend works well.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for best results.
  • Honey-Ginger Syrup22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    To make, combine equal parts honey, hot water, and fresh ginger juice (or finely chopped ginger steeped in the mix). Strain before use.
  • Peated Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky7.5 ml / 0.25 oz
    Used as a float. Laphroaig 10 or Ardbeg 10 are classic choices for their intense smoky character.
  • Candied Ginger1 piece
    For garnish.

Ice type

  • Cubed (for shaking), Large Cube or Sphere (for serving)

Mixing equipments

This is a shaken cocktail, so a shaker set is required. A fine-mesh strainer is recommended to remove small ice chips and ginger particles for a smoother texture.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions.
  • Fine-mesh strainer to double-strain the drink.
  • Juicer for fresh lemon juice.

Instructions

The method involves shaking the main ingredients with ice, straining into a glass with a large ice cube, and then carefully floating the peated Scotch on top. Don't forget the candied ginger garnish to complete the experience.
1. Chill your rocks glass by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice water.
2. Add the blended Scotch, fresh lemon juice, and honey-ginger syrup to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice, seal it, and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Place one large ice cube or sphere into your chilled rocks glass.
5. Double-strain the contents of the shaker into the glass over the large ice cube.
6. Gently pour the peated Islay Scotch over the back of a bar spoon to float it on top of the drink.
7. Garnish with a piece of candied ginger and serve immediately.

Garnishing

The standard garnish is a piece of candied or crystallized ginger. It adds a complementary aroma and provides a sweet, spicy bite.
  • Candied ginger slice, placed on top of the large ice cube or on a cocktail pick.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. However, it is not considered vegan due to the common use of honey; a vegan version can be made with agave or maple syrup.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie count, primarily from the alcohol and honey-ginger syrup. The sugar content is noticeable but balanced by the acidity of the lemon juice.
Calories
Averagely 200-240 kcal / 837-1004 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 14-18 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This sophisticated drink is perfect for cocktail parties or as a warming nightcap on a cool evening. Its complex flavors make it a favorite for connoisseurs to savor slowly at a well-stocked bar.
  • Cocktail Party
  • Evening Sipping
  • Bar or Lounge Visit
  • Cool Weather Drink

Pairing suggestions

The smoky and spicy notes of the Penicillin pair wonderfully with bold flavors. Consider serving it alongside smoked cheeses like Gouda, a spicy nut mix, or a rich charcuterie board to complement its complex character.
  • Smoked cheeses
  • Spicy nuts
  • Charcuterie boards
  • Ginger snaps or shortbread

The Penicillin: A Modern Cure for the Common Cocktail

The Penicillin is a triumph of modern cocktail creation, a perfectly balanced drink that hits all the right notes: sweet, sour, spicy, and smoky. It takes the classic Whiskey Sour template and elevates it with the warmth of ginger and the alluring aroma of peated Scotch. Its reputation as a "cure-all" comes from its comforting yet invigorating nature. A must-try for any fan of whisky or complex, flavor-forward cocktails, the Penicillin has rightfully earned its place in the pantheon of great drinks.

Variations

Medicina Latina

Replaces the Scotch base with tequila and mezcal, and the lemon juice with lime juice.

Similar Cocktails

Gold Rush

The direct inspiration for the Penicillin; it uses bourbon, lemon juice, and honey syrup, but lacks the ginger and smoky float.

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