Cocktail recipe

Penicillin recipe.

A characterful cocktail built around blended scotch whisky, lemon juice and honey-ginger syrup, finished with a clean, memorable lift.

Cocktail recipe 5 mins Mocktail option
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Penicillin cocktail image
Penicillin

Description

Penicillin is built around blended scotch whisky, lemon juice, honey-ginger syrup, giving it a clear identity from the first sip. The Penicillin is a modern whisky classic, created in the New York cocktail revival era and now admired for its smoky ginger-honey balance.

What makes it great is the balance: the base brings structure, the fruit or aromatic element gives personality, and the chilled serve keeps everything crisp. It has enough theatre for a cocktail menu but remains simple enough for a confident home bartender.

It is especially good at the start of a relaxed evening, when you want something expressive without making the drink feel heavy.

Ingredients

  • 50 ml Blended Scotch whisky
  • 20 ml lemon juice
  • 20 ml Honey-ginger syrup
  • 10 ml Islay Scotch whisky
  • Ice
  • Candied ginger

Equipment needed

Cocktail Shaker – Used to chill, dilute and integrate the cocktail before serving. Muddler – Useful for gently pressing herbs, fruit or sugar when building the drink. Fine Mesh Strainer – Use for a polished double-strain when citrus, fruit or herbs are shaken.

Instructions

  1. Add the liquid ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  2. Shake hard for 12 to 15 seconds until the drink is properly chilled.
  3. Fine strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice or served straight up.
  4. Garnish to echo the main flavour and serve immediately.

Recommended glassware

Coupe Glass
Coupe Glass (recommended)

An elegant stemmed glass for shaken or stirred cocktails served up.

120–240 ml Stemmed glass with a broad shallow bowl.

Best for: Daiquiri, Sidecar, Manhattan served up, Gimlet, Clover Club.

Garnish: Great for expressed citrus peels, cherries, and small edible flowers.

Highball Glass
Highball Glass

A tall everyday glass for mixed drinks with ice and a longer pour.

Useful alternative if the primary glass is not available.

240–350 ml Tall cylindrical shape with room for ice and mixer.

Best for: Moscow Mule, Dark and Stormy, Scotch Highball, Rum and Coke, Mojito variations.

Garnish: Good for wedges, spears, herbs, and long-drink garnishes.

Quick facts

5 mins Easy Approx. 16% ABV 0.3 units 255 kcal Fresh ice Mocktail option
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