Discover the Magic of Mixology with the Penicillin Cocktail!

Penicillin Cocktail

Welcome to the world of mixology, where we're about to unlock the secrets of a truly magical libation - the Penicillin cocktail! This modern classic, created by bartender Sam Ross, is a harmonious fusion of smoky scotch, sweet honey, zesty lemon, and the soothing touch of ginger. Named after the famous antibiotic, the Penicillin cocktail is sure to cure any bad day and leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. So, grab your shaker and let's dive into the art of crafting this enchanting cocktail!

Ingredients (serves 1):

• 2 oz blended scotch whiskey
• 3/4 oz honey ginger syrup (recipe included below)
• 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 oz smoky Islay scotch (for float)
• Ice cubes
• Candied ginger and lemon twist for garnish

Honey Ginger Syrup:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup water
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Honey Ginger Syrup

To make the honey ginger syrup, combine the honey, water, and sliced ginger in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the honey dissolves completely. Let it simmer for a few minutes to infuse the syrup with the ginger's warmth. Remove from heat and allow it to cool. Strain the syrup to remove the ginger pieces, and your honey ginger syrup is ready to use.

Step 2: Chill Your Glass

Take a rocks glass and fill it with ice cubes to chill the glass. Chilling the glass ensures that your Penicillin cocktail stays refreshingly cool throughout the sipping experience.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, combine the blended scotch whiskey, honey ginger syrup, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. The blend of these ingredients will create a harmonious balance of flavors in the Penicillin cocktail.

Step 4: Shake with Gusto

Fill the cocktail shaker with ice cubes and secure the lid tightly. Give the shaker a vigorous shake for about 10-15 seconds. This shaking action not only chills the cocktail but also ensures that all the ingredients are well combined.

Step 5: Strain into the Chilled Glass

Use a cocktail strainer to strain the Penicillin cocktail into the chilled rocks glass. This step ensures that no ice shards make it into the final drink, maintaining its smooth texture.

Step 6: Add the Smoky Scotch Float

To impart a delightful smoky aroma and depth of flavor, gently pour the smoky Islay scotch over the back of a bar spoon, creating a float on top of the cocktail. This float adds a layer of complexity that takes the Penicillin cocktail to the next level.

Step 7: Garnish with Elegance

Complete the presentation by garnishing your Penicillin cocktail with a candied ginger and a lemon twist. The candied ginger adds a touch of sweetness and spice, while the lemon twist enhances the drink's citrus notes.

Step 8: Sip and Savor the Magic

Your Penicillin cocktail is now ready to be savored! Take a moment to admire the beautiful color and aroma before taking that first enchanting sip. The smoky scotch, honey ginger syrup, and zesty lemon create an alchemy of flavors that is nothing short of magical.

Tips:

• If you don't have smoky Islay scotch for the float, you can use a different peaty scotch or skip the float altogether.
• Adjust the sweetness of the cocktail by varying the amount of honey ginger syrup to suit your taste preferences.

Conclusion:

The Penicillin cocktail is an enchanting blend of flavors that is sure to captivate your taste buds with its smoky allure and comforting warmth. The combination of scotch whiskey, honey ginger syrup, and lemon juice creates a harmonious balance that's simply magical.

Whether you're enjoying it on a cozy evening or celebrating a special occasion, the Penicillin cocktail promises to leave you with a sense of wonder and delight. So, embrace the art of mixology, and conjure up this bewitching libation to experience the magic of the Penicillin cocktail! Remember to enjoy responsibly and cherish every moment spent savoring this captivating concoction. Cheers!