The Penicillin Cocktail is a variation of the Gold Rush Cocktail. This drink is sweet, sour and spicy. Made with Scotch, lemon juice, and honey ginger syrup, the flavors blend to create this unique Scotch-based recipe. This modern and classic cocktail is a favorite at dinner parties.
Related: Old Fashioned, Rusty Nail, Boulevardier, Midori Sour, Vieux Carre, Negroni, Whiskey Sour, Bee’s Knees.
material
- blended scotch – Choose a blended Scotch whisky, such as Johnnie Walker.
- lemon juice – Fresh lemon juice is best for this recipe.
- honey ginger syrup (Description below) – Homemade honey syrup infused with fresh ginger.
- single malt scotch – Do you like the smokiness of a smoky Scotch, or do you prefer a smooth, malty or woody Scotch? Choose your favorite. This element influences the aroma and flavor of the first sip.
The best glassware choices for this recipe are rocks glasses or old fashioned glasses.
ginger syrup recipe – In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup honey, 1 cup water, and 16 to 20 fresh ginger root slices. Once it boils, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer slowly for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Once the syrup has completely cooled, strain the fresh ginger and refrigerate.
Instructions
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine blended Scotch, honey ginger syrup, and lemon juice. Shake for 10-15 seconds until well cooled.
Strain and pour into a glass with fresh ice.
Top with a floating layer of single malt scotch.
Garnish with candied ginger, fresh ginger, or lemon zest.
history
The Penicillin Cocktail may sound like a classic drink, but it was actually created at New York City’s famous Milk & Honey Bar in the mid-2000s. Created by Sam Ross, this drink became well-known during the craft cocktail revival. It is one of the most famous modern cocktails, along with the Paper Plane and the Cosmopolitan.
It was first created as a variation of the Gold Rush cocktail with a Scotch float on top.
tips on how to make
- decoration ideas – In addition to fresh or candied ginger, other garnish ideas include lemon twists, spiced rims, rosemary sprigs, or lemon slices.
- variations – You can add more flavor to your syrup by doubling the ginger for a spicy drink, or sprinkling with lemon zest or cinnamon or nutmeg for seasonal warmth.
- pour float – Pour using the back of a spoon to get the cleanest float possible.
FAQ
Why is it called a penicillin cocktail?
The name of this cocktail alludes to the medicinal history of cocktail culture. Historically, many spirits were once believed to have healing properties. This drink is a recent invention, so its name is more than anything an ironic homage to its history.
What is the difference between a gold rush and a penicillin cocktail?
Gold Rush is a similar drink mixed with bourbon instead of Scotch.
What’s in a penicillin cocktail?
Topped with blended Scotch, honey and ginger syrup, fresh lemon juice, and a float of single malt Scotch.
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Learn how to make a penicillin cocktail using blended scotch, lemon juice, honey ginger syrup, and single malt scotch
Instructions
-
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine blended Scotch, honey ginger syrup, and lemon juice. Shake for 10-15 seconds until well cooled.
-
Strain and pour into a glass with fresh ice.
-
Top with a floating layer of single malt scotch.
-
Garnish with candied ginger, fresh ginger, or lemon zest.
Precautions
- decoration ideas – In addition to fresh or candied ginger, other garnish ideas include lemon twists, spiced rims, rosemary sprigs, or lemon slices.
- variations – You can add more flavor to your syrup by doubling the ginger for a spicy drink, or sprinkling with lemon zest or cinnamon or nutmeg for seasonal warmth.
- pour float – Pour using the back of a spoon to get the cleanest float possible.
ginger syrup recipe – In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup honey, 1 cup water, and 16 to 20 fresh ginger root slices. Once it boils, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer slowly for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Once the syrup has completely cooled, strain the fresh ginger and refrigerate.
nutrition
Nutritional information table
penicillin cocktail
Amount per serving
% daily value*
*Percent daily intake is based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Note: Nutritional information is automatically calculated using Spoonacular. We recommend using your own nutritional calculations if necessary.
Source: A Beautiful Mess – abeautifulmess.com
