The Penicillin Cocktail: A Modern Scotch Classic You Can Make at Home

Okay, let's level up. If you're ready to try something truly special that will make you feel like a high-end mixologist, it's time to make a Penicillin. This cocktail is a modern masterpiece—a perfectly balanced blend of smoky, spicy, sweet, and sour. It's the drink that has converted thousands of "I don't like Scotch" people into true believers.

It sounds complex, but we're here to give you the honest "proof" that you can absolutely pull this off. It's worth the tiny bit of extra prep, we promise.

A History of Modern Genius

Like the Gold Rush, the Penicillin was invented by New York bartender Sam Ross in the mid-2000s at (you guessed it) Milk & Honey. It's a creative twist on a Whiskey Sour, but Ross's genius was in using two different kinds of Scotch and a homemade honey-ginger syrup. It's now served in craft cocktail bars all over the world.

When to Make a Penicillin

When You're Feeling a Cold Coming On: With honey, lemon, and spicy ginger, this is like a Hot Toddy's cool, edgy cousin. It's the ultimate "cure-all" cocktail (hence the name).

The "Impress Your Friends" Moment: This is the drink you make when you want to show off your new cocktail skills. The smoky aroma alone is a show-stopper.

For the Aspiring Scotch Drinker: This is the best introduction to smoky "peat" flavors. The smoke is just one layer, not the whole drink.

How to Make a Penicillin Cocktail

This drink has two "special" ingredients, but both are easy to tackle.

Honey-Ginger Syrup (The "Secret Weapon"): Peel and roughly chop a 3-4 inch piece of fresh ginger. Add it to 1 cup of honey and 1 cup of water in a small pot. Bring to a simmer (don't boil), then reduce heat and let it steep for 15-20 minutes. Strain out the ginger. Boom. You're a pro.

Two Kinds of Scotch (The "Magic"): You need a simple, smooth Blended Scotch for the base and a small amount of smoky Islay Scotch to float on top.

Recipe:

2 oz Blended Scotch

¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice

¾ oz Honey-Ginger Syrup

¼ oz Smoky Islay Scotch (for the float)

Instructions:

Add the Blended Scotch, lemon juice, and honey-ginger syrup to a cocktail shaker.

Fill with ice and shake hard for 10-15 seconds.

Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.

The "Float": Gently pour the ¼ oz of smoky Islay Scotch over the back of a spoon so it floats on top of the drink. This gives you that amazing smoky aroma with every sip.

Garnish with a piece of candied ginger if you're fancy like that.

Pour Man's Proof (Scotch Picks):

Base (Blended): Monkey Shoulder, The Famous Grouse, or Johnnie Walker Black.

Float (Smoky): Laphroaig 10 Year, Ardbeg Wee Beastie, or Lagavulin 8 Year. (A small bottle will last you forever, as you only use ¼ oz at a time!)