Penicillin Cocktail Recipe

The Penicillin cocktail was created in 2005 by bartender Sam Ross at the famous Milk & Honey bar in New York City. It is a modern classic that has gained popularity worldwide. The cocktail is inspired by the classic Whiskey Sour and Gold Rush cocktails, with the addition of ginger and Islay Scotch whisky for a unique twist.

• The name 'Penicillin' comes from its soothing, medicinal qualities
• It is often enjoyed by those who appreciate whiskey-based cocktails with a balance of sweet, sour, and smoky flavors
• The Penicillin has become a staple in many high-end bars and is considered a modern classic

The Penicillin cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, spicy, and smoky flavors. The honey and lemon provide a bright, refreshing sweetness, while the ginger adds a warm, spicy kick. The blended Scotch whisky gives the drink a smooth, rich base, and the Islay Scotch lends a distinct smoky, peaty finish.

• The Penicillin is often referred to as a 'gateway' cocktail for those who are new to Scotch whisky, as it showcases the spirit's versatility and complexity
• Sam Ross, the creator of the Penicillin, has also invented other popular cocktails such as the Paper Plane and the East Side
• The Penicillin has inspired numerous variations and riffs, with bartenders around the world putting their own spin on the recipe

1. Prepare honey-ginger syrup:
   • Combine equal parts honey and water in a saucepan
   • Add thinly sliced ginger and simmer for 10 minutes
   • Strain and let cool
2. Build the cocktail:
   • In a shaker, combine blended Scotch whisky, lemon juice, and honey-ginger syrup
   • Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds
3. Strain and serve:
   • Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice
   • Float the Islay Scotch on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon
   • Garnish with a piece of candied ginger on a cocktail pick

• Use fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice will give a brighter, more vibrant flavor than bottled juice.
• Chill your glass: A chilled glass will keep your cocktail cooler for longer, enhancing the overall experience.
• Don't skimp on the Islay Scotch: The smoky, peaty flavor of Islay Scotch is a key component of this cocktail. Use a good quality Scotch for the best results.

Appetizers

• Grilled seafood: The smokiness of the grilled seafood complements the peaty notes from the Islay Scotch.
• Sushi: The clean flavors of raw fish can be a nice counterbalance to the Penicillin's zesty and spicy notes.
• Aged cheeses: The complexity of aged cheeses works well the depth of the Scotch whisky.

Main Courses

• Roast pork: The sweet and savory mix of the honey-ginger syrup will go excellently with the flavors of roast pork.
• Spiced duck: The rich and aromatic duck meat pairs splendidly with the zing of lemon and the zesty taste of ginger.

Desserts

• Lemon tart: The citrus in both the cocktail and the dessert will echo each other, for an enchanting palate experience.
• Ginger biscuits: This pairing will enhance the ginger notes in the cocktail.

• Ginger Ale: If you don't have time to make honey-ginger syrup, you can substitute it with ginger ale. However, this will alter the taste of the cocktail.
• Bourbon: If you're not a fan of Scotch, you can use bourbon instead. This will give the cocktail a sweeter, smoother flavor.
• Lime Juice: If you don't have lemon juice, you can use lime juice. This will give the cocktail a slightly more tart flavor.

Honeyed Apple Penicillin

• Substitute honey-ginger syrup with apple-honey syrup and top with a thin apple slice. It highlights autumnal notes and gives a fruitier, cozier twist to the original.

Herbal Penicillin

• Add a sprig of thyme or rosemary to the shaker before shaking. It infuses the cocktail with herbal notes creating a botanical experience complementing the spicy ginger.

Spiced Penicillin

• Rim the glass with a mix of sugar and ground cinnamon before pouring the drink. The sweet-spice aroma enhances every sip, turning the cocktail into a warm embrace on a chilly night.