The Penicillin cocktail is a modern classic that combines smoky Scotch, spicy ginger, honey, and citrus.🍋
Learn how to make this award-winning drink created by Sam Ross that’s taking over cocktail menus worldwide. Perfect for whisky lovers and adventurous drinkers! 🥃 This drink is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Why I Like It
The Penicillin is just one of the cocktails that use my favorite ingredient, honey syrup. if you are curious about other cocktails that use honey syrup or just about syrups in general, check out our Guide on “everything you need to know about honey syrups” post.
Like Chandler Bing’s sarcasm, this drink is sharp, witty, and surprisingly sweet! 😏 The combination of smoky Scotch and spicy ginger is like the Ross and Rachel of flavor combinations – they were clearly meant to be together.
Plus, it’s one of those rare cocktails that manages to be both sophisticated and fun, like watching Friends reruns while wearing a tuxedo!


The Best Ingredients For a Penicillin
Let’s get specific about what makes this cocktail truly shine!
For the Blended Scotch Base: Compass Box Great King Street Artist’s Blend is my absolute favorite for this cocktail – it’s got the perfect balance of fruit and maltiness. Monkey Shoulder also works beautifully, while Famous Grouse provides a solid budget-friendly option.
For the Smoky Float: Laphroaig 10 Year is the traditional choice and my personal go-to. It’s like adding a campfire to your glass! Ardbeg 10 Year works wonderfully too, while Caol Ila 12 Year offers a slightly gentler smoke profile.
For the Honey-Ginger Component:
- Local raw honey is essential – forget the processed stuff!
- Fresh young ginger root (the younger, the less fibrous)
- Pro tip: Look for organic ginger with smooth, thin skin for the best flavor

A Brief History of the Penicillin
Created by Sam Ross in 2005 while working at Milk & Honey in New York City, the Penicillin is practically a baby in cocktail years. Yet it’s achieved something remarkable – it’s already considered a modern classic, appearing on prestigious cocktail menus worldwide.
Ross was riffing on the classic Gold Rush (a bourbon, honey, and lemon combination) when he had his eureka moment.
By splitting the base spirit between blended Scotch and a float of peated Islay whisky, he created something entirely new and exciting.
The Penicillin has inspired countless variations and helped spark a revival in Scotch cocktails. It’s often credited with making peated whisky more approachable to newcomers, kind of like how Leonardo DiCaprio made period dramas cool again! 🌟
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a whisky enthusiast or just starting your cocktail journey, this drink offers something special – like finding out there’s one more episode of your favorite show when you thought the season was over!