Penicillin Cocktail Recipe

Whisky
Author: The Bar Team
Penicillin Cocktail

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.

FAQs

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Smiling person enjoying a cocktail outdoors in bright lighting
Smiling person enjoying a cocktail outdoors in bright lighting

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