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Authentic Italian Penicillin Recipe

Authentic Italian Penicillin Recipe

The Authentic Italian Penicillin Cocktail masterfully combines smoky Scotch whisky, tangy fresh lemon juice, and spicy-sweet honey-ginger syrup to deliver a complex yet approachable drink. This recipe features a smoky float of Islay Scotch and is garnished with candied ginger or lemon twist, perfect for both casual and elegant occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 ounces Scotch Whisky
  • 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed Lemon Juice
  • 3/4 ounce Honey-Ginger Syrup
  • Ice cubes, as needed

Honey-Ginger Syrup Ingredients

  • Equal parts honey and water (e.g., 1/2 cup honey and 1/2 cup water)
  • Thin slices of fresh ginger (about 1-2 inches worth)

Optional Float and Garnish

  • 1/4 ounce Islay Scotch Whisky (for float)
  • Thin round of candied ginger or a lemon twist (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Honey-Ginger Syrup: Combine equal parts honey and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add thin slices of fresh ginger and simmer gently for about 5 minutes. Strain out the ginger and allow the syrup to cool before using.
  2. Mix the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 ounces of Scotch whisky, 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 3/4 ounce cooled honey-ginger syrup. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
  3. Strain and Pour: Double strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice using a fine mesh strainer to ensure a smooth, pulp-free texture.
  4. Add the Smoky Float: Gently pour about 1/4 ounce of Islay Scotch whisky over the back of a spoon onto the top of the cocktail to add a smoky aroma.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Finish with a thin slice of candied ginger or a lemon twist and serve immediately to enjoy the cocktail’s complex layers of flavor.

Notes

  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
  • Invest in good-quality blended Scotch for the base and peaty Islay Scotch for the float.
  • Equal parts honey and water create a balanced syrup that blends well without overpowering.
  • Double straining improves the cocktail’s smoothness and clarity.
  • Chill your glass beforehand to maintain the cocktail’s temperature longer.

Nutrition

Keywords: Authentic Italian Penicillin, Scotch whisky cocktail, honey-ginger syrup, smoky cocktail, lemon juice, Islay float, classic cocktail