Penicillin is a powerful and aromatic modern classic cocktail made with Scotch whisky, fresh ginger, lemon juice and honey syrup. It is characterized by a balance of sweet, sour and spicy notes, with a touch of sooty whisky that gives the drink a characteristic depth.
The Penicillin cocktail was created in 2005 in New York by renowned bartender Sam Ross. Ross developed the cocktail while working at Milk & Honey, a bar that has an important place in the modern cocktail world. The aim was to reinterpret the classic whisky sour structure with more complex flavors.
The name of the cocktail is inspired by homemade concoctions that are thought to be good for colds. Lemon, honey and ginger have been known for centuries as a natural "healing mix". Sam Ross has taken this idea into the cocktail world and combined it with whiskey. The addition of sooty Islay whisky added a dramatic layer of aroma and character to the cocktail.
“Sometimes the most powerful healer is a little warmth shared at the right time.”
Penicillin quickly became one of the most important recipes in the modern cocktail world. Today, it is considered a modern classic by many bartenders and is frequently featured on the menus of cocktail bars around the world. Thanks to its balanced structure and layered flavors, it offers an unforgettable experience for both whisky lovers and those who want to discover new flavors.
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Ingredients
Unit System
50 mlBlended Scotch Whisky
15 mlIslay Scotch Whisky
22 mlFresh Lemon Juice
20 mlHoney-Ginger Syrup
·Ice
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Method
1
Add plenty of ice into the shaker.
2
Add Blended Scotch, lemon juice and honey-ginger syrup.
3
Shake vigorously.
4
Strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube.
5
Slowly add Islay Scotch and float the cocktail on top.
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Bartender Tips
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Preparing the ginger syrup fresh enhances the aroma noticeably.
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Mixing Islay whiskey - adding it by floating allows the smoky aroma to be felt in the scent.
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Preparing honey syrup with hot water in a 1: 1 ratio makes the mixture more balanced.
Mint Julep is a refreshing classic cocktail made with bourbon, fresh mint and sugar syrup. It is a drink with both simplicity and character, especially associated with Kentucky Derby races.
The New York Sour is an impressive variation on the classic Whiskey Sour cocktail, made with red wine.
It has a lemony and fresh whiskey sour on the bottom, with a layer of red wine slowly floated on top. This layer creates a very elegant visual contrast and adds a slightly fruity and tannic character to the drink.
