The Penicillin Cocktail: A Whisky Elixir with a Twist

If you're a fan of whiskey and looking for a cocktail that combines the rich, smoky notes of this beloved spirit with a hint of sweetness and zesty citrus, the Penicillin Cocktail is your perfect sip. In this blog, we'll take you on a journey through the enticing world of the Penicillin, exploring its origins, ingredients, and the steps to craft this delightful concoction.

A Whisky Classic with a Twist

The Penicillin Cocktail is a modern classic that was created by Sam Ross in New York City. It pays homage to the classic whiskey sour while adding a contemporary twist. This cocktail brings together the bold flavors of Scotch whiskey with the comforting sweetness of honey and the zing of ginger and lemon.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 2 oz blended Scotch whiskey
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 oz honey syrup (a mixture of equal parts honey and hot water)
• 1/4 oz ginger syrup
• Islay single malt Scotch whiskey (for float)
• Ice cubes
• Lemon wheel or candied ginger for garnish

Crafting the Penicillin

Now, let's dive into crafting this enticing cocktail:

Step 1: The Base - Blended Scotch Whiskey

In a cocktail shaker, start with 2 oz of blended Scotch whiskey. Blended Scotch whiskey is the foundation of the Penicillin, providing a smooth and harmonious base for the cocktail.

Step 2: The Citrus Zing - Fresh Lemon Juice

Add 3/4 oz of fresh lemon juice to the shaker. The lemon juice brings a zesty, citrusy kick that perfectly complements the whisky's depth.

Step 3: Sweeten with Honey Syrup

Pour in 3/4 oz of honey syrup. To make honey syrup, mix equal parts honey and hot water, dissolve, and let it cool. This addition brings a comforting sweetness to the cocktail.

Step 4: The Ginger Twist - Ginger Syrup

Add 1/4 oz of ginger syrup to the mix. The ginger syrup adds a spicy and slightly sweet twist to the Penicillin, providing depth and complexity.

Step 5: Shake with Ice

Fill the cocktail shaker with ice cubes and shake the mixture until well-chilled. The ice not only chills the cocktail but also helps meld the flavors.

Step 6: Strain and Float

Strain your Penicillin into a rocks glass filled with ice. To add a final layer of complexity, float a small amount of Islay single malt Scotch whisky on top. Islay whisky contributes a smoky, peaty note that gives the cocktail its unique character.

Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy

Garnish your Penicillin with a lemon wheel or a piece of candied ginger. These additions not only enhance the cocktail's visual appeal but also offer a hint of aroma and flavor.

Sip and Savor the Twist

As you lift your glass to take that first sip of the Penicillin, you'll experience a symphony of flavors. The blended Scotch whiskies depth, the zing of fresh lemon juice, the comforting sweetness of honey, and the spicy twist of ginger create a balanced and intriguing cocktail.

The Penicillin Cocktail is a delightful elixir that combines the classic charm of whisky with contemporary creativity. Craft this cocktail at home, and you'll not only enjoy its enticing flavors but also appreciate the modern twist it brings to the world of whiskey cocktails. Cheers!