How to Make a Penicillin: Scotch, Honey, Ginger and Smoke

The Penicillin was created by Sam Ross at Milk & Honey in New York in 2005 and is now one of the most popular modern Scotch cocktails. It combines blended Scotch, lemon and honey-ginger syrup, with a float of smoky Islay whisky.

The syrup takes five minutes. Everything after that takes two.

• Whisky: Blended Scotch, Islay float
• Glass: Rocks glass
• Method: Shaken, with a float
• Time: 10 minutes
• Makes: 1 serving

Penicillin Ingredients

For one drink, you will need:

• 2 oz (60 ml) blended Scotch
• ¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
• ¾ oz (22 ml) honey-ginger syrup
• ¼ oz (7 ml) peated Islay Scotch, to float
• Ice
• Candied ginger, to garnish

How to Make a Penicillin

1. Make the syrup. Simmer equal parts honey and water with a few slices of fresh ginger for 5 minutes. Cool and strain.
2. Add the blended Scotch, lemon juice and syrup to a shaker with ice.
3. Shake for 12 seconds and strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.
4. Slowly pour the Islay Scotch over the back of a barspoon so it floats on top.
5. Garnish with candied ginger.

What Does Penicillin Taste Like?

Honey, spicy ginger and lemon first, then a wave of peat smoke on the nose and finish.

Tips for a Better Penicillin

• Use fresh ginger in the syrup. It is the heart of the drink.
• Float the Islay Scotch rather than shaking it. You want the smoky aroma first.
• Make a big batch of syrup. It keeps for two weeks in the fridge.

Penicillin Variations

• Ginger muddled: Muddle three slices of fresh ginger in the shaker with plain honey syrup instead.
• Mezcal Penicillin: Float mezcal in place of the Islay Scotch.
• Hot Penicillin: Combine in a mug with hot water, skip the ice and float the peat on top.

Best Whisky for a Penicillin

A soft, honeyed blend such as Monkey Shoulder works well, with Laphroaig 10 or Ardbeg 10 as the smoky float.

Penicillin: quick answers

Do I have to float the peated whisky?

It is best to. A float gives you the peat smoke aroma as you sip. Shaking it in makes the drink smoky all the way through.

What does a Penicillin taste like?

Honey, ginger and lemon, with peat smoke on top. It is both refreshing and warming.

Can I make it without Islay Scotch?

Yes, but you lose the signature smoke. A small splash of mezcal is the closest substitute.

More Whisky Recipes

Try Rob Roy · Rusty Nail · Blood and Sand, or browse all whisky recipes. Learn more in our Blended Scotch style guide.