Penicillin

Let’s get the cliché out of the way. The Penicillin cocktail will cure what ails you. There, it’s been said—now we can dive into the brilliance of this drink. Some liken it to a riff on the Gold Rush, but to me, it’s more akin to a modern toddy. The ginger’s warmth, paired with blended Scotch instead of the usual straight whiskey, makes these drinks feel like kindred spirits.

Using Scotch as the base for a cocktail isn’t exactly common, and it’s easy to see why. Scotch enthusiasts often worship their single malts, mumbling about drams, peat, and dark, smoky rooms. I get it—there’s a time and place for sipping a smoky Islay neat or letting a smooth Speyside melt over ice. But Scotch’s rich, complex flavors also shine in cocktails, and the Penicillin proves just how beautifully it works.

A Prescription for Great Flavor

The next time you’re at a bar, order a Penicillin and thank me later. It has it all, the zing of fresh ginger, comforting sweetness of honey, and a final flourish of smoky Islay malt. That, elevates the drink into something unforgettable. My go-to base is Monkey Shoulder, a Speyside blend with a playful history, named after the malt man’s affliction. To finish, I float a touch of Lagavulin 16—a peaty, double-matured powerhouse that takes the cocktail from good to extraordinary. Print