Penicillin
The Penicillin is a vibrant cocktail that artfully blends smoky Scotch whisky with fresh lemon juice and honey-ginger syrup, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Served over ice and often garnished with a lemon twist, this drink offers a warming, soothing experience reminiscent of a comforting remedy. Its unique combination makes it a favorite among whisky lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 2 ozBlended Scotch
- 3/4 ozLemon Juice
- 2 tspHoney syrup
- 2 tspGinger Syrup
- 1/4 ozIslay single malt Scotch
Pairs Well With
- Roasted lamb with ginger and garlic
- Honey-glazed ham
- Spiced gingerbread
- Beef stew with root vegetables
Preparation
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.
Best Enjoyed
Pro Tips
Use a blended Scotch as the base to provide approachable flavor without the heavy peat that can overwhelm the ginger-honey combination
Invest in quality ginger beer or make your own ginger syrup to ensure spice character and proper flavor balance
The Islay Scotch float is essential—a small pour of heavily peated whisky provides aromatic complexity without overpowering the balanced drink
Serve hot or at room temperature in a rocks glass with large ice, expressing lemon peel for brightness.
History & Origins
The Penicillin emerged in the early 2000s as part of the craft cocktail renaissance, created at New York's Employees Only bar to showcase Scotch whisky in a warming, medicinal context. Named for its purported healing properties and the cocktail's amber-honey hue, this modern classic brilliantly demonstrates how traditional whisky cocktails can embrace contemporary ingredients like ginger and honey while maintaining classical structure. It has become the definitive template for Scotch-based warm cocktails.
Variations
Spicy Penicillin
Adds jalapeño slices and increases ginger intensity for a hotter, more assertive variation suitable for cold weather
Modern Penicillin
Incorporates lemon juice and simple syrup to create a sour-style structure with retained ginger-honey warmth
Smoky Penicillin
Uses heavily peated Islay Scotch as the base instead of blended Scotch for a smoky, medicinal intensity.
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