What does a Penicillin taste like?
A Penicillin tastes smoky, spicy and soothing: blended Scotch with lemon and honey-ginger syrup, topped with a splash of peaty Islay Scotch for a campfire smell.
Penicillin
honey, ginger and campfire smoke
The Penicillin is a modern classic created by Sam Ross at Milk & Honey in New York. It's blended Scotch, lemon juice and a honey-ginger syrup, shaken and poured over ice, then topped with a small float of peaty Islay Scotch. The first thing you get is smoke, like a campfire, from that float. Then comes the warming bite of fresh ginger, sweet honey and tangy lemon. It tastes a bit like a hot toddy turned into a cold cocktail. It's cozy and spicy, with the smoke getting softer as you sip.
Where you’ll see it
On craft cocktail menus, on the rocks, usually garnished with a piece of candied ginger. Some bars make it with mezcal for a different kind of smoke.
Order it if you like smoky flavors and want something warming, spicy and a little sweet.
Quick questions
- Is a Penicillin smoky?
- Yes, but mostly on the nose. The peaty Scotch is floated on top, so the first sips are smokiest and it mellows as you drink.
- Is a Penicillin spicy?
- Ginger-spicy, not chili-spicy. Fresh ginger gives it a warming bite at the back of your throat.