Whiskey · Modern Classic · Spicy
Penicillin Recipe
Smoky, honeyed, ginger-hot — the most-copied new cocktail of the last twenty years.
- Prep Time
- 1.5 min
- Method
- Shaken
- Glass
- Rocks glass
- Strength
- Balanced
Every recipe on Sipped Right is tested for taste and balance before it's published.
Last updated September 14, 2026
About the Penicillin
Created by bartender Sam Ross at Milk & Honey in New York around 2005. Unlike most cocktail origins, this one is well-documented and not seriously disputed.
Ingredients
Servings
1
- Blended Scotch2 oz
- Fresh lemon juice¾ oz
- Honey-ginger syrup¾ oz
- Peaty Islay Scotch¼ oz , for float
Method
- Measure and pour the blended Scotch, fresh lemon juice and honey-ginger syrup into the shaker.
- Add a scoop of ice to the shaker.
- Shake for 15 seconds.
- Strain the cocktail over a large cube.
- Float the peaty Islay Scotch over the back of a spoon.
Glass & Garnish
Rocks glass, over one large cube.
Notes
Make honey-ginger syrup with equal parts honey/water and fresh ginger, strained. No float Scotch? The drink still works, minus the smoke on the nose. Pairs well with aged cheese.
Tools Used
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