The Penicillin Cocktail Cures the Happy Hour Blues

The Penicillin is one of the most recognized and enjoyed modern classic cocktails. With honey, spicy ginger, lemon, and two types of Scotch, it’s the remedy for a happy hour rut.

What Does the Penicillin Cocktail Taste Like?

The Penicillin follows the template of the classic Gold Rush cocktail with a ginger and scotch twist. It perfectly showcases the art of making cocktails and layering flavors. As you take a sip, the aromatics of the smoky Scotch are present and then are quickly chased by honey’s floral sweetness and spicy ginger beneath. It’s a layered drink that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

Who Created the Penicillin Cocktail?

While the Penicillin feels like a classic cocktail from Prohibition, it was in fact invented during the modern resurgence of craft cocktails in the 2000s. Sam Ross, who also created the Paper Plane, shook up this combination in 2005 at the famed Milk & Honey bar in New York City. 

While on his travels Sam would mix up this cocktail at different bars and it caught on like wildfire. Its combination of accessible ingredients, catchy name, and backstory catapulted this drink into the modern cocktail repertoire.

What Is Laphroaig Single Malt Scotch Whisky?

Why is it Called a Penicillin Cocktail?

The name Penicillin hints at the ingredients—namely the lemon, ginger, and honey—which are said to have medicinal properties and are often featured in homespun “cures.” Historically alcohol was often consumed for health reasons.

Though we know better now than to equate alcohol consumption with health, it’s not uncommon to say of a mixed drink, “it’ll cure what ails you.” This drink is a playful nod to that idea.

Muddle the Ginger for Spicier Ginger Flavor

The original Penicillin recipe combines ginger syrup and honey syrup. I keep the honey syrup, but prefer to muddle sliced ginger in the shaker, which adds a spicier bite. On its own, the honey syrup can also be used in many other cocktails like the Bees Knees.

Easy Liquor Swaps for the Penicillin Cocktail

Scotch is known for its smokier, peated styles, but there are brands that are unpeated and blended, making them more subtle. The Penicillin showcases Scotch’s range and provides a template for other creative cocktails. Consider trying this recipe with other spirits by swapping out the Scotch for tequila and mezcal.

The Penicillin may not cure what ails you, but you will be delighted mixing this cocktail up.

Tips for Making a Penicillin

• For the best aroma, use an atomizer — Spritzing the Scotch with an atomizer, a small spray bottle, will also get some on the side of the glass. It will make the flavor and aroma of the Scotch more present as you sip the cocktail. But you don’t need an atomizer to make this. You can float the scotch instead by slowly pouring it over the top of the cocktail for the same effect. 
• To easily peel the ginger, use a spoon — Gently drag the spoon edge lengthwise along the skin of the ginger to remove it.
• Pick your ice — This cocktail can be served over smaller ice cubes or one large cube.
• Make ahead — The honey syrup can be made up to 1 week in advance.