Penicillin
CLASSIC · BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY

Penicillin

A modern classic invented by Sam Ross at Milk & Honey in New York City, the Penicillin layers blended Scotch with a smoky Islay float over a bright, spiced backbone of fresh lemon, honey, and muddled ginger.

Ingredients
Fresh Lemon Juice22.5 ml
Honey Syrup22.5 ml
Fresh Ginger Slices
Candied Ginger
Ice
Glassware
Old Fashioned glass
Chilled.
Flavor
BODYSWEETFRUITACIDHEATSMOKEEARTHBITTER

Ginger · Honey · Lemon · Peat

Estimated profile

Method
  1. 1

    Add 2–3 quarter-sized slices of fresh ginger to a cocktail shaker and muddle firmly to release the juice.

  2. 2

    Add the blended Scotch whisky, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup to the shaker.

  3. 3

    Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until well-chilled.

  4. 4

    Fine-strain into a chilled Old Fashioned glass over a large ice cube or fresh ice.

  5. 5

    Slowly float the Islay single malt Scotch whisky over the back of a bar spoon so it rests on top of the drink.

  6. 6

    Garnish with a skewered piece of candied ginger on the rim and serve immediately.

From the Bartender

The Islay float is not merely decorative - it delivers the first aromatic hit of peat and smoke before the drinker ever takes a sip, making the pour technique essential to the experience. Use a bold Islay malt like Laphroaig or Lagavulin to ensure the smoke stands up against the honey and ginger.

Rating
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