Penicillin Cocktail: A Modern Classic with Smoky, Sweet, and Spicy Notes
The Penicillin Cocktail is a modern whisky-based drink known for its bold, smoky, and complex flavor profile. Created in 2005 by New York bartender Sam Ross, this cocktail is a delightful blend of Scotch whisky, fresh lemon juice, honey-ginger syrup, and a smoky Islay whisky float. The combination of sweet honey, spicy ginger, and the rich, peaty notes of Scotch makes the Penicillin a perfect drink for cooler weather or anytime you’re in the mood for something with depth and warmth.
The Penicillin is often regarded as one of the finest whisky cocktails of the 21st century, bringing together traditional elements in a new and inventive way. Its smooth, balanced, and layered flavors make it a must-try for whisky lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Quick Facts: Penicillin Cocktail
Method: Shaken
Flavor profile: Smoky, sweet, tangy, and spicy
How to serve it: Over ice
Glassware: Rocks glass
Alcohol content: ~ 18-22% ABV, depending on the amount of whisky used
Ingredients
The Penicillin Cocktail is all about balance, with a blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 oz Blended Scotch whisky (A good-quality blended Scotch like Monkey Shoulder works well)
- ¾ oz Fresh lemon juice (Always use freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
- ¾ oz Honey-ginger syrup (Recipe included below)
- ¼ oz Islay Scotch whisky (For the smoky float, such as Laphroaig or Ardbeg)
- Ice (For serving)
- Candied ginger or lemon wheel (For garnish)
Ingredient Notes:
- Blended Scotch Whisky: A blended Scotch like Monkey Shoulder or Famous Grouse provides the smooth, malty base for this cocktail. It balances well with the honey-ginger syrup and lemon juice.
- Islay Scotch: The Islay Scotch is used as a float on top of the cocktail, adding a bold, smoky aroma and flavor. Laphroaig or Ardbeg are popular choices, known for their intense peatiness.
- Honey-Ginger Syrup: This syrup combines the sweetness of honey with the spice of ginger, creating a rich, warming flavor. You can easily make it at home (recipe included below).
Equipment Needed
To make the perfect Penicillin Cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
- Shaker: For mixing and chilling the ingredients.
- Jigger: To measure the whisky, lemon juice, and syrup.
- Strainer: To strain the cocktail into the glass, keeping ice shards out.
- Bar spoon: For gently layering the Islay whisky float.
- Rocks glass: The classic glass for serving whisky-based cocktails.
- Ice: Large cubes or a single large ice cube to keep the drink cold without diluting it too quickly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to create the Penicillin Cocktail and enjoy its bold, layered flavors:
1. Make the Honey-Ginger Syrup (if homemade)
To make your own honey-ginger syrup, combine the following ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat:
- ½ cup Honey
- ½ cup Water
- 2-3 inches Fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
Simmer the mixture for 5-10 minutes, allowing the ginger to infuse the syrup. Remove from heat, strain out the ginger slices, and let the syrup cool before using.
2. Shake the Ingredients
In a shaker, combine 2 oz blended Scotch whisky, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice, and ¾ oz honey-ginger syrup. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, until the mixture is well-chilled.
3. Strain into the Glass
Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with a large ice cube or several smaller cubes. The large ice helps keep the drink cold without diluting the complex flavors too quickly.
4. Float the Islay Scotch
Using a bar spoon, slowly pour ¼ oz of Islay Scotch whisky over the back of the spoon to float it on top of the drink. The smoky whisky will sit on the surface, adding a rich, aromatic layer to the cocktail.
5. Garnish and Serve
Garnish with a piece of candied ginger or a lemon wheel for a bright, citrusy touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your bold and smoky Penicillin Cocktail!
Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes
The Penicillin Cocktail is a beautifully balanced drink with layers of bold flavors. Here’s what to expect from each sip:
- Initial Taste: The first sip offers a bright and tangy hit of lemon juice, balanced by the smooth sweetness of honey. The blended Scotch adds a malty, slightly fruity base that complements the citrus and sweetness.
- Mid-Palate: As the flavors blend, the spicy warmth of ginger comes through, adding depth and complexity. The whisky’s subtle oak and vanilla notes round out the mid-palate, creating a well-balanced drink.
- Finish: The smoky Islay Scotch float comes through on the finish, leaving a lingering smoky, peaty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the honey and the brightness of the lemon. The finish is long, warm, and satisfying.
Overall, the Penicillin Cocktail is a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors, making it a complex and rewarding drink for those who enjoy whisky-based cocktails.
Garnishing and Presentation
The Penicillin Cocktail is a striking drink with its smoky float and golden hue. Here are some ideas for garnishing and enhancing the presentation:
- Candied Ginger: A small piece of candied ginger on a cocktail pick adds a pop of color and a sweet-spicy aroma that complements the ginger in the drink.
- Lemon Wheel: A thin wheel of fresh lemon adds a bright, citrusy garnish that complements the lemon juice in the cocktail. It also enhances the drink’s visual appeal.
- Smoky Aroma: If you want to enhance the smoky experience, you can lightly char the lemon peel with a torch before adding it to the drink. This adds an extra layer of smoky aroma to complement the Islay Scotch.
Serve the Penicillin Cocktail in a rocks glass with a large ice cube, allowing the smoky whisky float to sit on top. The garnish and presentation should highlight the drink’s bold flavors and refined elegance.
Pairing Suggestions
The Penicillin Cocktail pairs well with a variety of savory and spicy foods. Here are some pairing ideas to complement the cocktail’s complex flavor profile:
- Charcuterie Board: Serve the Penicillin alongside a charcuterie board with smoked meats, aged cheeses, and roasted nuts. The smoky, savory flavors of the meats and cheeses enhance the whisky’s rich, peaty notes.
- Grilled or Smoked Meats: Grilled or smoked meats like ribs, brisket, or pork chops pair beautifully with the cocktail’s smoky finish. The drink’s sweetness and citrus balance the richness of the meats.
- Spicy Foods: Spicy dishes like Thai curry, buffalo wings, or spicy grilled shrimp pair well with the Penicillin’s ginger spice and lemon tang. The cocktail’s sweetness helps temper the heat of the dish.
- Seafood: Pair the Penicillin with smoked salmon or grilled seafood. The drink’s smoky, citrusy notes complement the briny, rich flavors of the seafood.
- Dark Chocolate: For a dessert pairing, dark chocolate with a high cocoa content brings out the rich, smoky notes of the Islay whisky while balancing the cocktail’s sweetness.
Cocktail History and Trivia
The Penicillin Cocktail was created in 2005 by bartender Sam Ross at Milk & Honey, a renowned cocktail bar in New York City. Ross was inspired to create a drink that combined the bold, smoky flavors of Scotch whisky with the sweet and spicy warmth of honey and ginger. The cocktail quickly became a modern classic and is now considered one of the best whisky cocktails of the 21st century.
The name Penicillin is a playful nod to the drink’s warming, soothing qualities, as it’s often described as the perfect “cure” for cold weather or a chilly evening. While not actually medicinal, the Penicillin’s balance of whisky, honey, and ginger certainly feels like a comforting remedy.
Serving Suggestions
The Penicillin Cocktail is a great choice for a variety of occasions, especially those that call for a warming, complex drink. Here are some ideas for serving it:
- After-Dinner Drink: The Penicillin’s bold, smoky flavors make it an excellent after-dinner digestif. Serve it as a warming nightcap alongside a dessert or cheese course.
- Cocktail Hour: Impress your guests by serving the Penicillin during cocktail hour. Its complex flavor profile and sophisticated presentation make it a standout drink.
- Cold Weather Gatherings: The Penicillin is perfect for chilly evenings by the fire. Its warming ginger and whisky make it a great choice for winter gatherings or holiday parties.
- Whisky Tasting: Include the Penicillin as part of a whisky-tasting event. Its combination of blended and Islay Scotch showcases different elements of whisky in a balanced, approachable way.
- Mocktail Version: For a non-alcoholic version, use a ginger-honey syrup with a splash of apple cider in place of the whisky. This creates a similarly warming, flavorful drink without the alcohol.
Alcohol Content and Alternatives
The Penicillin Cocktail typically has an ABV of around 18-22%, depending on the amount of whisky used. The combination of blended Scotch and Islay Scotch creates a well-balanced drink with a moderate strength that’s perfect for sipping slowly.
For a lighter version, reduce the amount of whisky or use a lower-proof Scotch. You can also experiment with different types of whisky, such as bourbon or rye, to create variations of the cocktail with different flavor profiles.
For a non-alcoholic alternative, try making a Honey-Ginger Lemonade by combining the honey-ginger syrup with fresh lemon juice and soda water. This creates a refreshing, alcohol-free drink that echoes the flavors of the original cocktail.
Penicillin Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
2 oz Blended Scotch whisky
¾ oz Fresh lemon juice
¾ oz Honey-ginger syrup
¼ oz Islay Scotch whisky (for float)
Ice
Candied ginger or lemon wheel for garnish
Directions
- Shake blended Scotch, lemon juice, and honey-ginger syrup with ice.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Float the Islay Scotch on top using a bar spoon.
- Garnish with candied ginger or a lemon wheel. Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of whisky for the Penicillin?
Yes! While Scotch whisky is traditional for the Penicillin, you can experiment with other whiskies like bourbon, rye, or even Irish whisky. Each type of whisky will bring its own unique flavor to the cocktail.
Can I make the honey-ginger syrup in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the honey-ginger syrup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This makes it easy to prepare Penicillin Cocktails whenever you like.
Is the Islay Scotch float necessary?
The Islay Scotch float adds a signature smoky flavor and aroma to the Penicillin, but if you prefer a less smoky drink, you can omit it. The cocktail will still be delicious with just the blended Scotch.
Conclusion
The Penicillin Cocktail is a modern classic that brings together the bold flavors of Scotch whisky, the sweetness of honey, and the spiciness of ginger. Whether you’re sipping it by the fire on a cold evening or enjoying it after dinner, the Penicillin offers a warming, complex experience that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Cheers to enjoying the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy in every sip!
