Easy Penicillin Cocktail Recipe to Make at Home

If you’ve never tried one before, the Penicillin is a cocktail you’ve got to make at least once. This drink mixes Scotch whisky, honey-ginger syrup, and fresh lemon juice into something that’s smooth, smoky, and a little sweet. It sounds fancy, but it’s actually super easy to make at home.

The penicillin cocktail recipe comes from Sam Ross, a bartender who created it in the early 2000s at a spot called Milk and Honey in New York. It caught on quick because it just works. It tastes great, smells amazing, and feels like something you’d get at a really good bar.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make it yourself. I’ll also share a few tips that can help you nail the balance of flavors, show you a couple of fun twists if you want to mix things up, and answer some common questions people have about this drink.

What's in a Penicillin Cocktail?

The penicillin cocktail is built with four main ingredients... blended Scotch, a smoky Islay Scotch float, honey-ginger syrup, and fresh lemon juice. That’s all you really need. Just grab a shaker and a strainer and you're good to go.

Ingredients Notes and Substitutions

Blended Scotch whisky - Go for something smooth and affordable (think Famous Grouse, Monkey Shoulder, or Dewar’s in the 20 to 30 dollar range). No need to splurge here... the honey, lemon, and ginger will take center stage. If you’ve got a single malt on hand, you can use that too, but it won’t make a huge difference in flavor. Bourbon also works if you want something a little sweeter and warmer.

Islay single malt Scotch - This is where the smoky flavor comes in. A little float of something like Laphroaig or Ardbeg adds depth without taking over the drink. You’ll smell it with each sip, which makes the whole experience better. Want something cleaner and less smoky? You can skip this part. No Islay on hand? Try mezcal for a fun, smoky twist.

Honey-ginger syrup - This combo brings it all together. The honey gives the drink some body and sweetness, while the ginger adds a warm, spicy kick. It’s way better than regular simple syrup. If you’re in a hurry, mix honey syrup with a splash of ginger liqueur. Or you can just muddle fresh ginger with honey and make a quick version on the spot.

Fresh lemon juice - Fresh really is best here. It brightens everything and keeps the drink from tasting flat. If bottled juice is all you’ve got, it’ll work... but the flavor won’t be quite the same. And if you want to make a vegan version, just swap the honey for agave nectar.

Equipment You'll Need

All you really need are a shaker, strainer, jigger, and a rocks glass. If you're using fresh ginger for your syrup, having a muddler makes the job easier.

If you think you’ll be mixing cocktails more often, it’s worth investing in a quality stainless steel bar tool set. It makes everything smoother (and honestly way more fun). You can check out a great example of a complete cocktail mixing kit right here... it has everything you need for this recipe and more.

How to Make a Penicillin Cocktail

Start by prepping your honey-ginger syrup ahead of time. This drink really shines when you use fresh ingredients, so it’s worth that little bit of extra effort.

Next... fill your cocktail shaker with ice. Solid cubes work better than crushed ice since they chill the drink without watering it down too fast.

Now pour in the blended Scotch, fresh lemon juice, and honey-ginger syrup. The Scotch gives the drink its base flavor while the syrup brings in that warm, spicy sweetness.

Shake it hard for about 10 to 15 seconds. You want it really cold and well mixed. Honey syrup can be thick, so that extra shaking helps everything blend smoothly.

Strain your cocktail into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. If you can, double strain it (just use a fine mesh strainer along with your regular one). That keeps out any pulp or little ice bits and makes the drink nice and smooth.

Now for the fun part... the Islay Scotch float. Take a spoon and gently pour the Islay Scotch over the back of it so the whisky rests on top. That’s where the smoky aroma hits your nose first with every sip.

This float adds layers of flavor instead of mixing everything together right away. It’s exactly how Sam Ross designed it... so you get that bold smoky note before everything else.

To finish it off, add a small piece of candied ginger or a lemon twist. The ginger adds a little bite that plays well with the spice in the syrup.

And don’t use a straw. You want to experience the smell and flavor together... it’s part of what makes this cocktail so good.

You’ll find the exact amounts and steps in the recipe card below.

Tips and Tricks to Balance Flavors and Make the Best Penicillin

• If it tastes too sweet, try adding more lemon juice or cutting back on the honey. If it’s too tart, use a little more honey next time.
• The amount of smoky flavor depends on your Scotch. If you like it mild, use less Islay whisky for the float. If you’re into bold smoky notes, feel free to pour a little extra on top.
• Use fresh ginger for your syrup. Fresh always beats dried for flavor. You can grate it or slice it thin, then simmer gently with equal parts honey and water for about 10 minutes.
• No time to make syrup? Store-bought ginger syrup works fine. Just mix it with equal parts honey to get the right balance of sweetness and spice.
• Want more ginger kick? Muddle a few pieces of fresh ginger right in your shaker before adding the other ingredients.
• Float your smoky Scotch like a pro. Pour it slowly over the back of a bar spoon to help it sit on top. That gives the drink its layered look and that first hit of smoky aroma.

Penicillin Cocktail Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun ways to put a twist on the classic penicillin cocktail while keeping the same cozy, smoky vibe.

• Mezcal Penicillin - Swap out the Islay Scotch float for mezcal. You’ll still get that smoky flavor, but with deeper earthiness and a touch of agave. It’s bolder and a little more mysterious.
• Non-Alcoholic Version - Mix ginger beer, honey syrup, and fresh lemon juice. Add a drop or two of liquid smoke to bring in that signature aroma. It has the same warm, spicy feel without the booze.
• Penicillin Spritz - Want something lighter and bubbly? Use half the usual honey-ginger syrup and top it off with sparkling ginger beer. It’s crisp, refreshing, and great for warmer weather.
• Hot Penicillin - Perfect for chilly nights. Skip the ice and shake... just stir everything together with hot water and pour it into a mug. The heat brings out the honey and ginger even more.
• Ginger Liqueur Version - In a rush or don’t want to make syrup? Try using Domaine de Canton (or another ginger liqueur) instead of honey-ginger syrup. It adds a smooth, layered spice without the extra prep.

Each version keeps that signature balance of sweet, smoky, and citrusy... but gives you a new way to enjoy it depending on your mood or the season.

Other Whisky Cocktails You’ll Want to Try

If you liked the penicillin cocktail, here are a few more drinks you’ll probably enjoy:

• Gold Rush
• Whiskey Sour
• Ward Eight
• Whiskey and Coke
• Amaretto Stone Sour
• Pisco Sour
• Bees Knees
• Hot Toddy
• Paper Plane

These all play with the same sweet, citrusy, or slightly smoky vibes... and they’re great for expanding your home bar skills.

Frequently Asked Questions