Penicillin Cocktail is a whiskey drink that is loaded with amazing flavors such as ginger, lemon and honey. It is sweet, it is fresh, it is spicy and it is simply DELICIOUS. The Penicillin is perfect as a Winter cocktail when you’ve got a sore throat, need a drink to warm you right up or my favorite – for St. Patrick’s Day!
Last year for St. Patrick’s Day I made an Irish coffee. It is a fabulous coffee drink, that I could drink all the time. However, sometimes I want it to be a little fresher. Like a classic Whiskey Sour or this Penicillin cocktail. The funny thing is I actually am not a hardcore drinker, but I do see why people like whiskey. I could never in a million years drink it neat, but mixed with the wonders of sugar, ginger and lemon and I am allll in!
Just saying that if you don’t like whiskey neat, that does not mean you won’t like this!
The Origin of the Penicillin Cocktail
The Penicillin was originally created by the New York bartender Sam Ross in 2005 and is usually made with whiskey, although I’ve seen it with both rum and tequila as well. It uses a mild whiskey as its base, along with ginger, honey and lemon. It is topped with a stronger woody whiskey, such as an Islay Malt.
However, I am one of those who only own one whiskey and do not run to the liquor store to buy things I’d rarely use. This means that this recipe only has one kind of whiskey, and you know what – I don’t care, because this is a darn good cocktail that I’m sure you will like too!
I was introduced to this recipe by watching one of my favorite cocktail men on Facebook. I then went to his website and used the recipe from there. So here’s a link to the Cocktail Chemistry version of the Penicillin. I have altered this recipe to be a little less alcoholic, which is just my preference.
How to Make Ginger Syrup
Because you need to make a ginger syrup, this recipe takes a little time the first time you make it. But because the ginger syrup is more than enough for one cocktail, you will always have the Penicillin cocktail right at your fingertips (or in the fridge).
Remove the peel from the ginger. It’s easiest to scrape using the back of a spoon. If you’ve got a juicer, this is the definite best way of juicing your ginger. You need less ginger to make the same amount of juice. However, if you don’t have a juicer, you can use a food processor and then a nut milk bag or a cheesecloth. Just squeeze the juice out of the pulp.
Then combine the ginger juice with an equal amount of sugar. So 1/2 cup of ginger juice needs 1/2 cup of sugar. Shake to dissolve the sugar. Pour into a jar with a tight lid. This mixture holds in the fridge for at least 1 month. If you add a splash of vodka to the syrup it could maybe last longer, but I have not tried this.
What to Make with Ginger Syrup?
I thought to myself the first time I made this that: ‘what am I going to doo with all this ginger syrup?’ then I tasted it and I was like: ‘oooh I could drink this all by itself it’s so delicious’. So yeah, you can pour this ginger syrup in literally anything that could fit with both ginger and sugar. I’ve made ginger ales, ginger tea, ginger water. I would love to try it in a cake! The sky is the limit.
How to Make Honey Syrup
Okay, so honey is a syrup already. But this honey syrup is a lot more pourable than regular honey. All you need to do is mix the honey with warm water until the honey dissolves. Pour this into a jar with a tight lid too and it will keep in the fridge, proobably forever, but it will obviously not last that long when you can make this delicious Penicillin Cocktail with it.
Is Whiskey Gluten Free and Vegan?
Yes, Scotch whiskey is gluten free, although it’s made from distilled wheat. However, some people with celiac disease still react to drinking whiskey. It is possible that the distillation process doesn’t remove 100 % of the gluten. My uneducated advice would be to try small amounts first, to see if you can handle it. If you don’t, you could use a whiskey that is made from something similar to corn – the sorghum whiskeys. James F.C. Hyde Whiskey, New Southern Revival and SS Sorghum Whiskey are three versions you could try. Read more about gluten free whiskey here.
Yes, whiskey is also vegan. Some whiskeys contain honey, but it will usually say so clearly on the label. All hard liquor is usually vegan! If you want to make this drink vegan, simply swap the honey syrup with maple syrup (no need to dilute with warm water). Read more about vegan alcohol here.
Equipment You Will Need for the Penicillin Cocktail
Just a list of equipment you may need to make cocktails in general. It is affiliate links, and if you purchase from these links you will help me (at NO extra cost to you) pay my enormous grocery bill, get better photo equipment and improve this blog for you!
- Shaker
- Measurement jigger <- that one shows oz., ml. and tbsp!
- Rocks glasses (or do like me and go for the unconventional round ones and all the whiskey fanatics will screamm it’s so outrageous)
- Citrus juice squeezer
- Strainer (if you don’t want ice in your drink)
- Preferably a juicer,
- if not, use a food processor, + nut milk bag/cheesecloth
- Jar with a tight lid
How to Make the Penicillin Cocktail
When you’ve made your two syrups, most of the work is done. Combine ginger syrup, honey syrup, lemon juice and whiskey with a few ice cubes in a shaker. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Strain into your favorite whiskey glass. I do this, and then I add extra ice cubes in the drink, but that’s just me. So I am not one to judge on how you make your whiskey drinks! I also love to garnish with a rosemary sprig. It adds a nice, aromatic touch that goes wonderful with ginger and whiskey. Relax, and enjoy all this ‘cures all’ drink has to offer.
I’m one of those that drink ginger, honey and lemon drinks all year around. They are fresh enough for Summer, and soothing enough for Winter. So I’ve also made a Ginger Lemon Iced Tea or the caffeine free Sore Throat Tea with Honey and Ginger, and if you like the Penicillin cocktail, I urge you to try those as well!
If you are a whiskey lover like me, I’d go and check out all these 11 refreshing whiskey cocktails. They are citrusy, herby, and some are of course infused with coffee.
If You Like This, I’m Sure You’ll Like These Too
- Classic Irish Coffee
- Classic Whiskey Sour
- Ginger Lemon Iced Tea
- Sore Throat Tea with Honey and Ginger
- Healthy Iced Hibiscus Tea
- Sweet and Spicy Hot Orange Drink
- Classic Mojito (also pitcher recipe!)
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment below or tag me @thegingerwithspice on Instagram. And don’t forget to Pin it for later!
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Penicillin Cocktail with Ginger, Lemon and Honey
Ingredients
The Penicillin Cocktail
- 6 oz Scotch whiskey * 180ml
- 3 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice about 3 lemons
- 1.5 oz ginger syrup 3 tbsp. See below
- 1.5 oz honey syrup 3 tbsp. See below
- 2 sprigs rosemary for garnish, optional
Ginger Syrup - makes 1 cup
- 20 oz ginger 460-570g**. peeled and roughly chopped. to yield 1/2 cup juice
- 1/2 cup sugar 100g
Honey Syrup - makes 1 cup
- 3/4 cup honey 180ml/255g ***
- 1/4 cup hot water 60ml
Instructions
Ginger Syrup
- Remove the peel from the ginger. It's easiest to scrape using the back of a spoon.
- If you've got a juicer, this is the definite best way of juicing your ginger. You need less ginger to make the same amount of juice. However, if you don't have a juicer, you can use a food processor and then a nut milk bag or a cheesecloth. Just squeeze the juice out of the pulp.
- Then combine the ginger juice with an equal amount of sugar. So 1/2 cup of ginger juice needs 1/2 cup of sugar. Shake to dissolve the sugar. Pour into a jar with a tight lid. This mixture holds in the fridge for at least 1 month.
Honey Syrup
- Mix honey with warm water until the honey dissolves. Pour this into a jar with a tight lid too and it will keep in the fridge for at least 1 month.
The Penicillin Cocktail
- Combine ginger syrup, honey syrup, lemon juice and whiskey with a few ice cubes in a shaker. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Strain into your favorite whiskey glass.
- I also love to garnish with a rosemary sprig. It adds a nice, aromatic touch that goes wonderful with ginger and whiskey. Relax, and enjoy all this 'cures all' drink has to offer.
Notes
Nutrition information is an estimate and is provided for informational purposes only. If you have any specific dietary concerns, please consult with your healthcare practitioner.
We enjoyed a penicillin beverage at our local distillery recently. It was a fantastic combination of flavours! Love your combination of flavours!
I knew immediately after learning about the Penicillin that it was just what I wanted in a cocktail!
This sounds like a great drink for next time we have a ladies night in!! Thanks for the recipe!!
Oh yes it would! Thank you so much!
This looks so good! I’m going to try it! I think my husband will enjoy it too.
Thank you! Mine definitely loved it too!
Interesting g drink! The name was intriguing. I don’t really care much for whiskey but might try this since you sweetened it up. It would only be for a special occasion since I’m not much of a drinker either.
I think whiskey needs something sweet and something sour to be consumed haha. If you don’t want to use whiskey at all, you could substitute with something like rum or tequila or even just lemonade.
This looks really delicious! Although I don’t drink, this would be a perfect summer cocktail!
-madi xo | http://www.everydaywithmadirae.com
Thank you! You could sub whiskey and lemon juice with lemonade to make it a refreshing and non-alcoholic Summer drink!
This looks super delicious. I’m not a huge drinker (and not a big fan of whiskey), but I would definitely drink this!
Thank you! You could sub whiskey and lemon juice with lemonade to make it a refreshing and non-alcoholic Summer drink!
Well hubby does like scotch. And bourbon. I think I just might mix one of these up for a surprise on the weekend. I’m sure he will be thrilled.
Lucky hubby! Thank you so much.
Yumm! This sounds like an amazing cocktail recipe – ginger, lemon and honey!
Thank you!
Looks so good! Thanks for the recipe!
Kasey Ma
http://www.TheStyleWright.com
Thank you!
This has to be so delicious. I don’t drink liquor but I am definitely making the ginger syrup. You are right using it on a cake would be tasty. I think I would use the syrup in lemonade.
Thank you! You could sub whiskey and lemon juice with lemonade to make it a refreshing and non-alcoholic Summer drink. And I will definitely need to make more ginger syrup to have in cakes and lemonades.
I’m not much of a cocktail drinker, though I do love the sound of this one. Ginger, honey and Rosemary are some of my favorite ingredients. I don’t like whiskey…do you think it would still work with vodka instead?
Hi Rosemary. I do think it would work with vodka. Vodka is pretty flavorless in itself, so I can’t see any problem with using it. Why don’t you try it and tell me how it goes! I’m so glad this cocktail intrigued you.
ginger and lemon together is such a great combination. this is a great drink for the cold winter months, but also for spring! I don’t drink, but i assume this would also be great with sparkling water 🙂
Thank you. Yes, it’s great with sparkling water, but also lemonade (just omit the extra lemon juice). 🙂
This looks so good and refreshing! I love the garnish!
Thank you!
I absolutely love whiskey and ginger together — such a delicious combo! And honey sounds like the perfect sweetener. We’re having a little St. Patrick’s Day get-together tomorrow, so I’m definitely whipping up a batch!
Whiskey and ginger is amazing together! Thank you so much, I hope you had a great St. Patty’s!
This cocktail hits every note I love in a drink, tangy, refreshing, and packed full of ginger!
Thank you so much!
I love a good whiskey cocktail and this sounds right up my ally! I love the ginger syrup for a little extra sweetness as well.
Thank you so much!
I don’t love whiskey but I like that I can make this with tequila as well. Sounds like the perfect combination to make anyone feel better sick or not:)
Thank you. Yes, it’s a wonderful drink all year round 🙂
I like whiskey but not neat! I quite often have a hot toddy (whiskey, honey and lemon) when I’m feeling under the weather! So, Iove the idea of this cocktail and that ginger syrup sounds delicious!
Same here! I will try to warm it up too, it sounds fantastic.
I’m not really a fan of whiskey, but I could definitely drink it like this, with the rosemary and syrup. I’m going to add this drink to the cocktail station at my next party
Thank you so much. I’m glad you still would want to give it a try. And if whiskey doesn’t work, you can try it with tequila.
This drink would certainly kick the flu right out of you, wouldn’t it? This reminds me of my late aunt who would often drink these types of mixed cold-fighting drinks. Now that I think about it, she might have been faking a cold just to get a drink. Ha! But, it always seemed to work for her. She was very rarely sick with a cold or a flu. 🙂
Yeah the fact that this drink can cure a cold is mostly just an excuse to drink it, but that doesn’t mean it wouldn’t work either! I mean, it doesss contain honey and ginger so it ought to work. I’ll definitely make one the next time I feel under the weather.
Whiskey cocktails are my favorite and I have yet to see one that uses ginger! love it! ginger and honey are the best natures treasures and I love that you combined the two!
You are in for a treat! Thank you so much!
I don’t drink alcohol but I am pretty sure it’s a refreshing drink by just looking at the ingredients.
You could try it with sparkling water or lemonade (just omit the extra lemon juice).
Totally agree with you. This is perfect for winter! I love how you spiced up these soothing flavours. Happily take cold medicine in this form. lol
The only way I’d take a cold medicine haha. Thank you so much.
Combining honey and ginger flavors has always been a big secret of mine 🙂 They go so well together. So I have no doubts that this cocktail is super delicious – it has all the secret ingredients!
Honey and ginger is one of my favorite combinations. Thank you so much!
This is such a great way to get through the cold and recover quicker. I wish I found this recipe a bit earlier but, hey, it is great to have one handy in the future! Thank you.
At least now you know until next time. Let’s hope it’s a long time until you need it, but you could still drink it without a cold.
I can already see me sipping on this delicious summer cocktail on my back patio.
I’m totally seeing the same.
This looks so delicious! The weather is warming up and I just want to sip a glass of this outside in the sun!
The weather has been cold again here now, but I am so ready for sipping cocktails on the porch too!
Never heard Penicillin cocktail before. But the recipe looks so interesting. I love the honey syrup and ginger syrup.
Thank you so much.
This is definitely a cocktail that appeals to me and my husband would love this too. I will definitely be making this . I love the flavour combo , definitely a must make.
Thank you so much, Ramona. I think this is my very favorite cocktail!
At first I thought this must have some kind of medicine in it, from the name! I love the sound of the ginger syrup and your no-nonsence approach to not buying things that might go to waste too. 🙂
I know right, I didn’t invent the name, it’s a classic cocktail. 🙂 Imagine it having actual medicine in it! I use the ginger syrup in my tea as well, it’s so good. And thank you so much!
This looks like one healthy drink (ginger and honey) 😉 perfect for Friday nights. A little time consuming, but I bet it’s worth it. Thanks for the idea!
Only time consuming the first time, with making the syrups – and then it’s super easy! And yes, it definitely counts as a healing drink… 🙂
I love this cocktail! Strong and sweet.😊
Thank you so much!