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Penicillin Cocktail

Whisky
Author: The Bar Team
Penicillin Cocktail
Ingredients
Method

The penicillin cocktail is a modern classic known for its distinctive combination of smoky, spicy, sweet and sour flavours. The drink was created in New York City in 2005 and rose to prominence, gaining the status of a craft cocktail. It is an excellent starting point for people new to scotch blends, masterfully balancing assertive smoky overtones with more approachable flavours.

What you’ll need

Ingredients

Serves:
1
  • Blended Black & White scotch whisky (or any other scotch whisky of choice)
    30ml
  • Fresh lemon juice
    15ml
  • Honey-ginger syrup
    15ml
  • Ice
    For shaking
  • Extra ice
    For serving
  • Candied ginger or lemon twist
    For garnish

Equipment

  • 1 x Rocks glass
  • 1 x Cocktail shaker
  • 1 x Jigger

Method

Step 1

A rocks glass should be thoroughly chilled. In a cocktail shaker, combine the blended Scotch whisky with fresh lemon juice and honey-ginger syrup.

Step 2

Fill the shaker with ice cubes, secure the top tightly and shake rapidly for 15-20 seconds, until the shaker is completely cooled and frosted on the outside.

Step 3

Fill a cold rocks glass with fresh ice cubes and transfer the shaken mixture into the prepared glass.

Step 4

Garnish with a lemon twist or a piece of candied ginger and serve immediately.

Tips & Suggestions

  • After ten seconds of vigorous shaking, take a 1-2 second rest without opening the shaker and then start as this brief pressure release helps produce a finer, more stable foam.

  • Instead of a twist, cut a thin, precisely round coin-shaped slice of lemon. Gently massage its oils into the drink and place delicately on the ice for an exquisite, understated look.

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FAQs

The gold rush contains bourbon, lemon and honey while the penicillin combines scotch, lemon and a unique honey-ginger infused syrup for a spicier, more complex character.

Gently heat honey and water in equal parts until dissolved, add grated or sliced fresh ginger, simmer gently and rest for 30 minutes before straining.

Honey works best with lukewarm liquids because heat helps dissolve it completely. For cold liquids, add the honey first and rapidly whisk until thoroughly incorporated before adding in other ingredients or ice.

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