On World Whisky Day, we are here to talk about a whisky cocktail that has long been a favourite across the globe, with numerous variations to its credit. While the name Penicillin may get you thinking about antibiotics, the namesake cocktail on the contrary is anything but dreary. Made with Scotch whisky as the base, and a mix of honey, lime and ginger added in for good measure, it can very well be your go-to drink to warm up on winter evenings or even nurse a cold. Also, without drawing any parallel to health tonics, it is a beautifully balanced and flavourful drink that can be enjoyed all-year.
The Story Behind Penicillin
Angad Singh Gandhi, Glenfiddich India Brand Ambassador says, "Penicillin is a classic example of a modern cocktail that was invented by Sam Ross, who was the head mixologist at a bar called Milk & Honey in New York, which later became Attaboy."
One among the listed of cocktails invented in New York, what defines Penicillin is the warm and comforting notes of honey, lime and ginger that is shaken together with scotch whisky, and after serving it over ice, it is finished with a thin pour of smoky, peaty single malt whisky to add to the complexity and aroma.
On how to make Penicillin at home, Angad shares, "First, you need a shaker or a tumbler with a tight glass. Then you need to prepare freshly made lime juice and ginger juice that reflect in the character of the cocktail. And then some honey, which needs a good stir. You need about 2 ounces of single malt whisky and some ice before shaking the contents. Double strain it in a rock glass filled with large chunks of ice so that they melt as slowly as possible and don't dilute the drink. And finally, finish with a layer of peated whisky."
(Also read: World Whisky Day 2020: 5 Delicious Whisky Cocktails To Shake Up At Home)
A Penicillin Recipe To Try At Home
Step 1 - Add all the ingredients in a shaker and shake
Pour the ingredients into a shaker and add ice into it; shake for about 15 seconds. Double strain the mixture into a whisky glass with ice.
Step 2 - Garnish and serve!
Layer with a peaty whisky for an added flavour. Garnish with ginger candy/ ginger chunk. Ready to serve.
(Also read: World Cocktail Day: Beat The Heat With These 6 Refreshing Cocktails)
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