Calories:215
Fat:0g
Protein:0.1g
Carbohydrates:14g
Alcohol:20%
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
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 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.
A few good options for Penicillin are:
Having a bold and malty base, the 2 oz of blended Scotch provides the backbone for the cocktail. Too much, and you might overpower the drink, turning it from a medicinal miracle into a boozy blunder. Too little, and you'll lose the Scotch's warm embrace.
At 0.75 oz, lemon juice adds the necessary zing to the mix, cutting through the sweetness and bringing balance. Skip it, and you're missing the tart vivacity that makes the Penicillin so refreshing. Overdo it, and pucker up – you're in for a sour surprise.
This sweet and spicy syrup, in perfect harmony with the Scotch, is your cocktail's proverbial spoonful of sugar - plus a ginger kick! Mess up the 0.75 oz ratio? Less, and you'll have guests questioning where that sweet warmth wandered off to. More, and it's a sticky situation of overpowering sweetness.
Just a drizzle, 0.25 oz, of Islay Scotch whispers smoky secrets to your cocktail without shouting. It's like adding a dash of mystery to intrigue the senses. Forget it, and you forgo the complex finish that makes the Penicillin singular.
Weaving in a candied ginger garnish is not just for the looks; it's a flavor hint of what's to come and adds a nibble of spice. Playing with the garnish is like a cocktail's fashion - make a statement, but don't let it overshadow the ensemble.
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Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingIf you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
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The cocktail is named 'Penicillin' due to its alleged medicinal properties and soothing effects, much like the antibiotic of the same name.
For the Penicillin cocktail, it's preferable to use a high-quality blended Scotch for the base and an Islay Scotch for the float. The smoky characteristics of the Islay Scotch play a significant role in the overall flavor profile of this cocktail.
Yes, you can substitute the Scotch whisky with non-alcoholic whisky or ginger ale for a non-alcoholic version of the Penicillin. However, the flavors will not be the same as the original cocktail.
Yes, the Penicillin cocktail is suitable for vegans as it doesn't contain any animal products. But always check the labels of the individual ingredients to be certain.
Scotch whisky is made from barley, which contains gluten. However, the distillation process removes most of the gluten. People with a gluten intolerance should still exercise caution.
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