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.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Authentic Italian Penicillin, Scotch whisky cocktail, honey-ginger syrup, smoky cocktail, lemon juice, Islay float, classic cocktail