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The Penicillin cocktail is a variation on the Gold Rush cocktail. This drink is sweet, tart and spicy. Made with scotch, lemon juice and honey ginger syrup, the flavors blend to create this unique scotch-based recipe. This modern classic cocktail will be a hit at dinner parties.
Related: Old Fashioned, Rusty Nail, Boulevardier, Midori Sour, Vieux Carré, Negroni, Whiskey Sour, Bee’s Knees.
Ingredients
- Blended Scotch – Choose a blended scotch whiskey such as Johnny Walker.Â
- Lemon Juice – Fresh lemon juice is best for this recipe.Â
- Honey Ginger Syrup (instructions below) – Homemade honey syrup infused with fresh ginger.Â
- Single Malt Scotch – Do you love the smokiness of a smoky scotch or a smooth, malty or woody scotch? Choose your favorite. This element influences the aroma and flavor of the first sip.
The best glassware choice for this recipe is a rocks glass or an old fashioned glass.
Ginger Syrup Recipe – In a small pan, combine 1 cup of honey, 1 cup water and 16-20 slices of fresh ginger root. Bring to a boil and then reduce to medium to low heat, simmering gently for five minutes. Remove from heat. Once syrup has cooled completely, strain the fresh ginger out and keep the syrup refrigerated.
Instructions
In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine blended scotch, honey ginger syrup and lemon juice. Shake for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
Strain and pour into a glass with fresh ice.
Top with a floating layer of single malt scotch.
Garnish with a candied ginger, a piece of fresh ginger or a lemon peel.
History
The Penicillin cocktail may sound like a classic drink, but it was actually created in the mid-2000s at New York City’s well known Milk & Honey bar. Created by Sam Ross, this drink became well known during the craft cocktail revival. It’s one of the most well known modern cocktails along with the Paper Plane and the Cosmopolitan.
It was first created as a variation of the Gold Rush Cocktail with the addition of a float of scotch on top.
Tips for Making
- Garnish Ideas – In addition to fresh ginger or candied ginger, some garnish ideas are a lemon twist, a spiced rim, a sprig of rosemary or a slice of lemon.
- Variations – You may add more flavor to your syrup by doubling the ginger for a spicy drink, adding lemon zest or a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for seasonal warmth.
- Pour the Float – Use the backside of a spoon to pour for the cleanest possible float.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called a penicillin cocktail?
The name for this cocktail hints at the medicinal history of cocktail culture. Historically, many spirits were once believed to have healing properties. Since this drink was invented recently, the name is an homage to that history, more in irony than anything else.
What is the difference between Gold Rush and Penicillin cocktails?
The Gold Rush is a similar drink mixed with bourbon instead of scotch.
What is in a Penicillin cocktail?
Blended scotch, honey and ginger syrup, fresh lemon juice and a float of single malt scotch to top it off.
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Learn to make the Penicillin cocktail using blended scotch, lemon juice, honey ginger syrup and single malt scotch
Instructions
-
In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine blended scotch, honey ginger syrup and lemon juice. Shake for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
-
Strain and pour into a glass with fresh ice.
-
Top with a floating layer of single malt scotch.
-
Garnish with a candied ginger, a piece of fresh ginger or a lemon peel.
Notes
- Garnish Ideas – In addition to fresh ginger or candied ginger, some garnish ideas are a lemon twist, a spiced rim, a sprig of rosemary or a slice of lemon.
- Variations – You may add more flavor to your syrup by doubling the ginger for a spicy drink, adding lemon zest or a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for seasonal warmth.
- Pour the Float – Use the backside of a spoon to pour for the cleanest possible float.
Ginger Syrup Recipe – In a small pan, combine 1 cup of honey, 1 cup water and 16-20 slices of fresh ginger root. Bring to a boil and then reduce to medium to low heat, simmering gently for five minutes. Remove from heat. Once syrup has cooled completely, strain the fresh ginger out and keep the syrup refrigerated.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Penicillin Cocktail
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.