Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic24.8% ABV5 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderateblended drink
Why: 5 ingredients, blended drink, requires shaker, blender
Best for: Hard Cheese, Smoky Food, BBQ / Cookout
Ingredients & Tools
BaseCitrusSweetener
- 2 ozBlended ScotchBase
- 3/4 ozLemon JuiceCitrus
- 2 tspHoney SyrupSweetener
- 2 tspGinger SyrupSweetener
- 1/4 ozIslay Single Malt ScotchBase
Tools:shakerblender
How to Make It
ShakeStrainGarnish
- Shake blended Scotch, lemon juice, honey syrup and ginger syrup with ice.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Strain over large ice in chilled rocks glass.StrainStraining removes ice chips, pulp or solids for a cleaner texture.
- Float smoky Scotch on top (be sure to use a smoky Scotch such as an Islay single malt).
- Garnish with candied ginger.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
KetoLow-CarbLow-SugarVegan
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
CitrusLime can replace lemon juice in a pinch but it tastes more floral and slightly sweeter, so the drink will taste different. Reduce any syrup by a small amount if swapping. Orange juice is a softer, less acidic option — use it when you want a rounder, less sharp result.SweetenerHoney syrup is thicker and more aromatic than simple syrup. Agave is a clean swap — similar sweetness but lighter body. If you use plain sugar syrup, the drink will taste sharper and less complex. Warm honey with equal parts water first so it dissolves properly in cold drinks.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Penicillin?
- The Penicillin is a cocktail made with 5 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 24.8%. A standard serving contains approximately 208 calories.
- What does a Penicillin taste like?
- Penicillin has a flavour profile featuring Honey, Sweet, Oak, Smoke. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Penicillin?
- Penicillin pairs well with Hard Cheese, Smoky Food, Steak. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Penicillin?
- The Penicillin has an ABV of approximately 24.8%. That's approximately 1.51 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 208 calories, 9.7g sugar, 10.7g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Penicillin typically served?
- Penicillin is a popular choice for BBQ / Cookout. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Penicillin?
- If you enjoy Penicillin, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Penicillin at home?
- Yes. The Penicillin uses 5 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Old-Fashioned Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Penicillin with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.