The Penicillin

Name: The Penicillin
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 60 ml / 2 oz Blended Scotch Whisky; 22.5 ml / 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice; 22.5 ml / 0.75 oz Honey-Ginger Syrup; 7.5 ml / 0.25 oz Peated Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky; 1 piece Candied Ginger

Ingredients Instructions

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.

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.