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I’m not sure what the Penicillin co*cktail is supposed to cure, other than sobriety. It’s a terrific classic drink that’s a bit like honey lemon ginger tea, except with rather a lot of Scotch.
This is a unique recipe in that it features Scotch, fresh lemon juice, a honey-ginger syrup you make ahead of time…and more Scotch.
The Origins of the Penicillin co*cktail
The Penicillin co*cktail was created in 2005 by mixologist Sam Ross at the famous New York City bar, Milk & Honey. It features a honey-ginger syrup, with both of those ingredients hailed for their healing properties.
RELATED: Whiskey Sour Classic co*cktail
The Ingredients and Preparation
To make a Penicillin co*cktail, you will need the following ingredients:
- Blended Scotch whiskey
- Fresh lemon juice
- Honey syrup (see notes on how to make it)
- Smoky Islay Scotch whiskey
- A slice of ginger for garnish
Here’s how easily you can prepare a Penicillin co*cktail:
- In a shaker, combine the blended Scotch whiskey, lemon juice, and honey syrup.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Gently pour the smoky Islay Scotch whiskey over the back of a spoon to create a float on top.
- Garnish with a slice of ginger.
RELATED: Boilermaker Classic co*cktail Recipe
The Flavor Profile
The Penicillin co*cktail has a very nice balance of sweet and tart flavors. The blended Scotch whiskey provides a rich and smooth base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tartness.
The honey syrup brings a touch of sweetness, and the smoky Islay Scotch whiskey float adds depth and complexity to the drink.
The slice of ginger garnish adds a subtle spiciness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of this co*cktail. But if you don’t have candied ginger, a lemon slice is also great.
RELATED: Hot Toddy Classic Whiskey co*cktail
Pairing the Penicillin co*cktail
The Penicillin co*cktail pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Its smoky and spicy profile complements rich and savory foods such as grilled meats, charcuterie, and aged cheeses.
The sweetness from the honey syrup also pairs well with desserts like chocolate truffles or a creamy cheesecake.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a relaxing evening at home, the Penicillin co*cktail is a versatile choice that can complement many different dishes.
Tips for Serving and Enjoying the Penicillin co*cktail
To enhance your Penicillin co*cktail experience, here are a few tips:
- Use a quality blended Scotch whiskey as the base for a smooth and well-rounded flavor. Don’t break the piggy bank – just choose a nice, drinkable bottle.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for a bright and zesty taste.
- Experiment with different honey varieties, such as wildflower or lavender, to add unique flavor nuances.
- Serve the Penicillin co*cktail in a rocks glass with a large ice cube to keep the drink chilled without diluting it too quickly.
- Take a moment to appreciate the aroma of the co*cktail before taking your first sip. Inhaling the smoky and citrusy scents will further enhance your drinking experience.
Yield: 1 drink
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
The Penicillin co*cktail is a terrific classic drink with a fascinating history. It's a unique recipe in that it features two kinds of Scotch, fresh lemon juice, and a honey-ginger syrup you make ahead of time.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of blended Scotch whiskey
- 3/4 ounce of fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 ounce of honey syrup (a mixture of equal parts honey and water)
- 1/4 oz of smoky Islay Scotch whiskey
- Slice of ginger for garnish or lemon wheel
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the blended Scotch whiskey, lemon juice, and honey syrup.
- Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Gently pour the smoky Islay Scotch whiskey over the back of a spoon to create a float on top.
- Garnish with a slice of ginger or orange wheel.
Notes
Prepare the honey-ginger syrup by putting 1 cup of water, 1 cup of honey and a generous piece of peeled and thinly sliced gingerl in a saucepan over high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Afterward, transfer the mixture to the refrigerator and allow it to steep overnight. The next day, strain the syrup using a cheesecloth to remove the ginger pieces.
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FAQs
Key Ingredients in a Penicillin co*cktail
Honey simple syrup infused with fresh ginger is the signature ingredient. Lemon. Fresh lemon juice lends a bright, tart flavor. Blended Scotch whisky.
What is the difference between gold rush and penicillin co*cktail? ›
While the Gold Rush was essentially a whiskey sour with honey, the Penicillin elevated this template with additional intricacies and a more elaborate flavour profile. Sam Ross concocted the Penicillin co*cktail in the mid-2000s while tending bar at the renowned Milk & Honey in New York City.
Can you make penicillin? ›
Today penicillin is synthesized in a lab using penicillium mold, which naturally produces penicillin. The mold is grown with sugars and other ingredients through deep-tank fermentation until the penicillin is able to be separated from the mold.
What is a good substitute for penicillin? ›
What about other types of antibiotics? Tetracyclines (e.g. doxycycline), quinolones (e.g. ciprofloxacin), macrolides (e.g. clarithromycin), aminoglycosides (e.g. gentamicin) and glycopeptides (e.g. vancomycin) are all unrelated to penicillins and are safe to use in the penicillin allergic patient.
What is a penicillin co*cktail called? ›
The Penicillin is an IBA official co*cktail made with Scotch whisky, ginger, honey syrup, and fresh lemon juice. Muddle fresh ginger in a shaker and add the remaining ingredients, except for the Islay single malt whisky.
Why is penicillin co*cktail called penicillin? ›
WHY IS IT CALLED A PENICILLIN? More than just a name, the Penicillin co*cktail is a playful homage to the renowned Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming, credited with the discovery of penicillin. Named in tribute to the ground-breaking medicine because of its medicinal ingredients similar to that of a Hot Toddy.
Who made the penicillin co*cktail? ›
The drink traces its origins back to some of the most hallowed ground in the modern co*cktail world, Milk & Honey. In 2004, Sam Ross moved from Melbourne, Australia, to New York to work for Sasha Petraske at the iconic bar. It was there that Ross put together the ingredients that became the famed co*cktail.
What is the history of the penicillin co*cktail? ›
It was created in the early 2000s by Sam Ross, a bartender who worked at the pioneering New York co*cktail spot Milk & Honey. Ross took the elements of the Gold Rush co*cktail (bourbon, lemon, and honey), made it with blended Scotch, then added equal parts honey syrup and sweetened ginger juice.
What is the best blended whiskey for penicillin? ›
Milder blended Scotch is the core of the drink, melding smoothly with the honey, lemon and ginger. Try one of the Compass Box bottlings, or a mellow classic like Johnnie Walker, Chivas or Dewar's. A mere quarter-ounce of peated Scotch adds the smoky accent: Laphroaig 10-year is the preferred pour here.
What are the 4 types of penicillin? ›
Penicillin is a class of antibiotic medications. Penicillins treat bacterial infections like strep throat, ear infections and urinary tract infections. They work by attaching to and damaging the cell walls of bacteria. Types of penicillin include penicillin V, penicillin G, amoxicillin and ampicillin.
Created by an Australian, in a Manhattan bar, and built with two different Scotches, the Penicillin burst onto the scene in the nascent days of the modern co*cktail revolution.
Why is mezcal made in Oaxaca? ›
In addition to its traditional production methods, Oaxaca is also home to a wide variety of agave, each with a unique flavour profile. The most common type of agave used in Oaxaca is espadín, which is used to make the majority of the state's mezcals.
What animal is in mezcal? ›
A mezcal worm is an insect larva found in some types of mezcal produced in Oaxaca, Mexico. The larva is a red maguey worm, the caterpillar of the Comadia redtenbacheri moth, usually called chinicuil or gusano rojo ("red worm"). The red worm is typically considered tastier than a white maguey worm.
Is penicillin natural or man made? ›
They are derived from the mold/fungi Penicillium. Penicillin can be divided into two groups, namely natural and semisynthetic penicillins. Natural penicillins are produced from the fermentation of the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum.
How was penicillin accidentally made? ›
1928 to 1929. In 1928 Dr Alexander Fleming returned from a holiday to find mould growing on a Petri dish of Staphylococcus bacteria. He noticed the mould seemed to be preventing the bacteria around it from growing. He soon identified that the mould produced a self-defence chemical that could kill bacteria.
Is penicillin made from a plant or animal? ›
One of the first antibiotics discovered was penicillin. Penicillin was first used to treat bacterial infections in 1942 and is derived from the fungus Penicillium sp.
What is natural penicillin? ›
The natural or "first generation" penicillins are bactericidal antibiotics naturally derived from the mold, Penicillium chrysogenum. Their basic structure includes a thiazolidine ring connected to a beta-lactam ring with a variable side chain.
