Johnnie Walker Penicillin

With its unique pairing of sweet, spicy ginger and aromatic bitters, the Penicillin drink is a bartender favorite. Try this cocktail with Black or Double Black label whiskies.
Johnnie Walker Penicillin Cocktail yellow liquid in rocks glass with candied ginger garnish

Ingredients

  • 1.5oz

    Johnnie Walker Black Label or Double Black

  • 0.5oz

    Lagavulin 16

  • 0.5oz

    Honey-ginger syrup

  • 1oz

    Lemon juice

  • 1

    Candied ginger

0 units of alcohol per serve

Equipment

  • 1

    Rocks glass

  • 1

    Ice Scoop

  • 1

    Jigger

  • 1

    Tongs

  • 1

    Muddler

  • 1

    Cocktail Shaker

  • 1

    Hawthrone Strainer

Serves:
1

Method

  • Preparation
    1. Muddle the ginger in the base of a cocktail shaker.
    2. Add the Johnnie Walker, honey-ginger syrup and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker with ice. 
    3. Shake vigorously for 5-7 seconds to blend. 
    4. Strain into a Rocks Glass filled with fresh ice.
    5. Layer the Lagavulin over the top. 
    6. Garnish with a piece of candied ginger.
  • Alcohol content

    ALCOHOL CONTENT

    19.3g per serve

Interesting Facts

The Penicillin is often referred to as a 'hangover cure' due to its ginger content, which is known to settle an upset stomach.

History of the drink

The Penicillin was invented by bartender Sam Ross in 2005, at the now-defunct Milk & Honey in New York City. The drink was inspired by a Scottish whisky cocktail called the Rusty Nail. Ross wanted to create a twist on the classic cocktail, so he added ginger and lemon to the mix. The drink was an instant success and has since been popularized by bartenders all over the world.