Penicillin
A modern classic cocktail featuring Scotch whisky, fresh lemon juice, ginger syrup, honey syrup, and a smoky Islay Scotch float.
SUGGESTED GLASSWARE
Rocks Glass
Recipe
- Blended Scotch Whisky60 ml
- Single Malt Scotch7.5 ml
- Lemon Juice22.5 ml
- Ginger Syrup11 ml
- Honey Syrup (3:1)11 ml
- Candied Ginger1 piece
Instructions
Equipment
Description
The Penicillin is a contemporary whisky sour that balances the warmth of blended Scotch with the medicinal spice of ginger, the sweetness of honey, and the tartness of fresh lemon juice. Topped with a float of peated Islay Scotch, this cocktail delivers layers of complexity with smoke, spice, and citrus in perfect harmony.
Nutritional information
1 cocktail (140ml)Tips & Notes
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and homemade syrups for optimal flavor and mouthfeel. Store-bought syrups lack the complexity and freshness of homemade versions.
When making ginger syrup, juice fresh ginger rather than boiling slices for a more vibrant and spicy flavor profile that better balances the honey sweetness.
Double straining is essential for a smooth texture, especially when using fresh ginger syrup which may contain pulp that would otherwise make the cocktail gritty.
Choose a quality blended Scotch like Monkey Shoulder for the base, and use a heavily peated Islay Scotch like Laphroaig for the float to achieve the signature smoky profile.
Float the Islay Scotch gently using the bar spoon technique to create distinct layers and preserve the aromatic impact of the peat smoke on the nose.
Can I use regular simple syrup instead of honey syrup?
While possible, honey syrup is essential to the Penicillin’s character. Honey provides a richer mouthfeel and complementary flavor that pairs perfectly with the ginger and Scotch. Use a 3:1 honey to water ratio for best results.
What's the best way to make ginger syrup at home?
Peel fresh ginger, process into pulp, then squeeze through cheesecloth to extract pure juice. Combine with superfine sugar in a 1:1 ratio, shake to dissolve, and add a splash of vodka for preservation. This method yields more intense flavor than simmering ginger slices.
Is the Islay Scotch float necessary?
The smoky Islay float is crucial to the Penicillin’s signature character. It provides aromatic complexity and balances the sweetness of the honey and spice of the ginger. Without it, the cocktail loses its distinctive smoky medicinal quality that gives it its name.
Can I batch make this cocktail for parties?
You can pre-batch the base ingredients (blended Scotch, lemon juice, and syrups) and store chilled, but add the Islay float individually to each serving for the proper aromatic effect. Batch the base at 5x recipe quantities and dilute with 20% water to account for missing ice dilution.
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