The Penicillin Cocktail: The Ultimate Cure-All (Well, Sort of)
Hook up with someone and now you’ve got a little itch down there? You might need a different type of penicillin. But if your throat’s raspy from screaming Bon Jovi all night, the Penicillin cocktail is for you. It’s as comforting as your grandma’s honey-lemon tea—if your grandma loves firewater and smells like peat. With enough Scotch to kill whatever ails you (or at least make you forget about it), this two whiskey cocktail is a far better remedy than Granny’s chicken soup.
The Recipe: Simple, But Effective
The Penicillin Whiskey Cocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz blended Scotch this is your base; don’t cheap out here
- ¾ oz honey-ginger syrup sweet and spicy, like a bad relationship you just can’t quit
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice for that perfect tartness
- ¼ oz Islay single malt Scotch the smoky topper that hits you in the face with flavor
- Optional: candied ginger garnish because why not?
Instructions
- Once your honey-ginger syrup is ready, the fun begins. Recipe below.
- Combine your blended Scotch, honey-ginger syrup, and lemon juice in a shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake it like you're milking a donkey for about 20 seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
- Float that smoky Islay Scotch on top (it’s all about that aroma, baby).
- Garnish with candied ginger if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
Before you pour yourself one of these bad boys, you’ll need to make the honey-ginger syrup. Don’t worry; it’s easy. Just combine equal parts honey and water, throw in some sliced ginger, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Strain and cool. You’ve just mastered step one of cocktail wizardry.
Where Was the Penicillin Cocktail Created?
Born in the mid-2000s at New York’s famous Milk & Honey Bar, this modern classic packs a punch with its smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors. But despite the name, there’s no actual medicine in this glass—unless, of course, you count Scotch as the ultimate cold remedy.
Does the Penicillin Cocktail Contain Penicillin?
Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. This cocktail’s name is a nod to its medicinal ingredients—honey, lemon, and ginger—the go-to combo when you’ve got the sniffles. But let’s be real: if you want to kill absolutely anything in your body, mixing whiskeys is definitely the way to go. #Science
Why the Penicillin Hits Different
Unlike your standard Whiskey Sour, this Scotch-based beauty brings a whole new level of flavor. The ginger gives it that bite, the honey adds smooth sweetness, and the lemon keeps it fresh. But what really takes the Penicillin over the top is that smoky Scotch floater. One sip, and it’s like you’re snuggled next to a fire, resting on Granny’s bosom, with a glass of magic in hand.
Oh, and pro tip? Drink it without a straw. Seriously, who uses a straw? That smoky goodness needs to hit you right in the nose.
The Legend of Sam Ross: The Mad Genius Behind the Cocktail
Sam Ross, an Aussie import, was only 22 when he created the Penicillin at Milk & Honey in New York, but the guy knew what he was doing. Inspired by the Gold Rush cocktail (basically a Whiskey Sour made with bourbon and honey), Ross swapped the bourbon for blended Scotch, added ginger for a little kick, and topped it with smoky Islay Scotch.
In no time, the Penicillin became a bartender’s secret weapon, spreading from one bar to another until it earned its place as the cocktail you’ll find in every cool bar from Brooklyn to Bangkok. And honestly, it’s no surprise. This drink is the perfect mix of sophistication and debauchery—a true BarWarrior’s kind of cocktail.
And, as you might expect, Sam’s legend continues to grow. From humble cocktail creator to owner and operator of Attaboy, alongside co-owner Michael McIlroy (and silent partner Petraske), Sam continues to serve some of the finest drinks in the world.
The Iconic Milk & Honey Bar
Milk & Honey, founded by Sasha Petraske in 1999 on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, had a major influence on the cocktail scene despite its small size. Known for its no-menu approach and secretive, speakeasy vibe, it launched the careers of renowned bartenders and introduced modern classics like the Penicillin. Sadly, the bar closed its doors during the pandemic. Thankfully, its drinks (and spirit) live on.
Ever try one of Milk & Honey’s creations? If you haven’t you may want to…
+ The Paper Plane
What’s the Difference Between the Gold Rush and Penicillin Cocktails?
While both cocktails use honey and lemon for that sweet-tart punch, the Gold Rush sticks with bourbon for a richer, sweeter base. The Penicillin goes rogue with Scotch and adds ginger for a spicy twist that can stand up to those bold flavors. It’s like the Gold Rush’s edgier, more daring cousin—you know, the one you hooked up with after too many White Claws.
Variations: Should You Mess with a Classic?
The short answer? Maybe. Some bartenders have riffed on the Penicillin, swapping out the ginger or adding new flavors. You might see a Blue Penicillin with blueberries or a Frozen Penicillin at a backyard bar in Brooklyn (nerds). And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can always try your hand at a twist. But in our book, the classic version is where it’s at.
Why You Need to Try This Drink
The Penicillin isn’t just a cocktail—it’s a bold, complex drink that makes you forget whatever was ailing you. It’s like sipping lemon tea while bolted to your couch on a cold rainy day, except you’ll probably end up raging all night long and have one of the best nights of your life. Wait, maybe it’s not like drinking lemon tea at all.
Whether you’re chilling at home or out on the town, the Penicillin’s mix of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors will remind you that life’s too short for lame drinks. So, the next time you’re looking for a cocktail that cures what ails you—figuratively, of course—give the Penicillin a try. Just don’t blame us if you wake up wondering where the night went.
Got your own version of the Penicillin cocktail? Think you can top Sam Ross’s masterpiece? Share your best cocktail recipe below or hit us up @BarWarriors! #BarWarriors
this was not the penicillin I was looking for…
but it helped