Penicillin
Scotch, lemon, honey-ginger, peaty float — a modern classic.
Ingredients
| Blended Scotch whisky | 2 oz |
| Fresh lemon juice | 0.75 oz |
| Honey-ginger syrup | 0.75 oz |
| Islay Scotch (float) | 0.25 oz |
| Total volume | 3.75 oz |
Garnish: Candied ginger
Tip: change “Make” to scale the recipe, or switch units for the metric world.
How to make it
Shaken · Advanced · about 3 minutes
- 1
Add the blended scotch whisky, fresh lemon juice and honey-ginger syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- 2
Shake hard for 10–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker frosts over.
- 3
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- 4
Float the islay scotch over the top, pouring gently over the back of a bar spoon.
- 5
Garnish with candied ginger.
Tools you'll need
Making a batch for a party?
Here's a pre-calculated batch of 12 with 27% dilution water built in. Scale to any number with the batch calculator →
| Ingredient | × 12 | Bottles |
|---|---|---|
| Blended Scotch whisky | 24.0 oz | 1 |
| Fresh lemon juice | 9.0 oz | 1 |
| Honey-ginger syrup | 9.0 oz | 1 |
| Islay Scotch (float) | 3.0 oz | 1 |
BatchPour tools produce estimates for planning purposes only. Actual dilution, ABV, and ingredient yields vary by technique, ice temperature, and produce. Always taste and adjust. Drink responsibly.
If you like the Penicillin, try…
Old Fashioned
whiskeyWhiskey, sugar, bitters — the original cocktail, built in the glass.
Whiskey Sour
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Manhattan
whiskeyRye, sweet vermouth, bitters — the stately stirred classic.
John Collins
whiskeyThe bourbon-based cousin of the Tom Collins; whiskey, lemon, sugar and soda make a refreshing highball whose spirit base batches easily ahead of soda topping.
Penicillin FAQ
What's in a Penicillin?
A classic Penicillin is made with blended scotch whisky, fresh lemon juice, honey-ginger syrup, islay scotch (float). It's shaken and served in a rocks glass.
What is the ABV of a Penicillin?
A classic Penicillin is approximately 26.0% ABV — about 1.63 US standard drinks per serving once you account for dilution.
Should I shake or stir a Penicillin?
Shake it. Citrus and other non-spirit ingredients need the aeration and hard chill that shaking gives.
How do I batch Penicillins for a party?
Scale every ingredient by your guest count, then add about 27% dilution water. The BatchPour batch calculator does the math for any number.