Penicillin

The PENICILLIN cocktail is well worth the extra fifteen minutes needed to prepare the honey-ginger syrup, a key component of this Scotch whisky drink. The combination of Scotch, lemon juice, and honey-ginger syrup is attributed to renowned lower-Manhattan mixologist Sam Ross. Since then, the drink’s popularity has spread worldwide, offering a smooth and flavorful option when Scotch is on hand.

Requirements: Blended “non-smoky” Scotch whisky, smoky single-malt Scotch whisky (Laphroaig or Lagavulin preferred), lemon juice, honey-ginger syrup (recipe below)

• 2 oz. blended Scotch
• 3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 oz. honey-ginger syrup
• 1/4 oz. smoky single-malt Scotch

Shake all ingredients except the smoky Scotch with ice, then strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Gently pour the smoky Scotch over the back of a bar spoon or large kitchen spoon to float it on top of the drink. Optional garnish: lemon peel or a candied ginger cube.

Making honey-ginger syrup:

• 1 cup honey (or 1/2 cup for a smaller batch)
• 1 cup water (or 1/2 cup for a smaller batch)
• 3/4 cup (6-inch) sliced ginger (or 1/3 to 1/2 cup — 3-inch — for a smaller batch)

Peel the ginger using a spoon and slice it (see link below). Combine all ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and gently simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Remove from heat, strain into a jar, and allow to cool before using.

How to peel ginger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJMDmaHuMeA

Other Similar Cocktails:

Cooper: https://keetscocktails.com/cooper-2/

Godfather: https://keetscocktails.com/godfather-the/

Smoky Martini — https://keetscocktails.com/smoky-martini-2/

Cave Creek — https://keetscocktails.com/cave-creek-2/

Churchill — https://keetscocktails.com/churchill-2/