The Development of the Penicillin Cocktail, A Smoky and Complex Whiskey Based Drink That Has Become a Modern Classic
Darker the drink the worst is the hangover
MOREDarker drinks like Rum or Red Wine or any other drink that has a colour, contain more residues of the original fruit, grain or corn, and these residues are known as congeners.
Congeners are chemical compounds like tannins, histamine and aldehydes. Congeners impart the unique flavours that these liquors or wines have, which you'll miss in white or colourless liquors like Vodka, but at the cost of heavy hangovers.
Congeners compete with alcohol when metabolism is concerned and might slow down the metabolism of alcohol and result in the alcohol staying in the blood for much longer. In addition, congeners stimulate the body to release stress hormones like norepinephrine and epinephrine which can add to the hangover.
The neo Classic masterpiece
In the world of mixology, few cocktails have achieved the status of modern classics as swiftly as the Penicillin. With its distinctive smoky and complex flavour profile, this whiskey-based libation has captured the hearts of cocktail enthusiasts around the globe. Join us on a journey through the fascinating development of the Penicillin cocktail, as we uncover the origins, ingredients, and allure of this contemporary masterpiece.
A Prescription for Perfection
Back in 2005, New York City's Milk & Honey Bar was the holy birth place of this masterpiece, maverick mixologist Sam Ross was working his magic in Milk & Honey in those days. Ross's inspiration in creation of this cocktail was the usually untouched peaty notes that end with often fruity and vanilla with that distinctive malty mouthfeel, he wanted to break the status quo and blend Scotch whisky to create something so unique that his touching the untouched flavours would become the cause for celebrations. His idea was to stimulate the peaty vanilla with the ginger while expanding the malt with honey, and the end result was a genuinely unique flavour that not only didn't dilute the Scotch's uniqueness, it enhanced it into a whole new drink that is celebrated, even to this day.
A Complex Symphony of Flavours
As already elaborated above. the heart of the Penicillin cocktail is the robust and smoky notes of a Scotch whisky. Traditionally, a Single Malt Islay Scotch whisky forms the foundation, with its distinctive smokiness acting as the backbone of the drink. To balance the smokiness, a blended Scotch whisky, preferably Islay blends, is added, bringing depth and complexity to the mix. The combination of these whiskies creates a compelling harmony that sets the Penicillin apart, and this balancing is what makes each mixologists version different the other's and this is exactly what, also makes this cocktail a connoisseur?s delight.
A Healing Touch of Ginger and Honey
Expanding on the initial overview of the motivation behind this cocktail, let's return to the ginger and honey that distinguishes it from a pure Scotch blend. To compliment the smoky whisky foundation, freshly squeezed lemon juice is added to give a zesty brightness, creating a refreshing contrast to the richness of the whisky. The ginger-honey syrup, on the other hand, works its magic. Ginger contributes a slight spiciness, while honey, as previously said, extends and improves the malt with a touch of sweetness that lingers on the palate, adding to the overall complexity of the drink.
The Art of Mixing
So far, we have discussed the ingredients and how they complement the Scotch; next, we must focus on how they are precisely mixed to make this magnificent cocktail.
The gist of the process is that, the ingredients in precise proportions are blended and shaken with ice to create a harmonic confluence of tastes. The coup de grace is a portion of peaty Scotch whisky carefully floated atop the drink after it has been strained into a chilled glass, providing a fragrant smokiness that entices the senses. The result is an enticing aesthetic presentation that perfectly complements the excellent taste of the cocktail.
We'll now proceed with some specifics that, who knows, might make you the next Sam Ross, whom your friends and family will celebrate and honour in the coming years?
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60 ml) Blended Scotch whisky (preferably with a smoky character)
- 3/4 oz (22.5 ml) Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 oz (22.5 ml) Honey syrup (1:1 ratio of honey to water)
- 1/4 oz (7.5 ml) Islay Scotch whisky (for float)
- Ginger slices or candied ginger (for garnish)
Equipment
- Mixing glass or shaker
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Cocktail strainer
- Ice cubes
- Double old-fashioned glass
Here's the step-by-step process
1. Prepare the Honey Syrup: To make honey syrup, mix equal parts of honey and water. For example, you can mix 1/2 cup of honey with 1/2 cup of hot water and stir until the honey is fully dissolved. Let the syrup cool before using.
2. Chill the Glass: Fill the double old-fashioned glass with ice cubes and let it chill while you prepare the cocktail.
3. Mix the Ingredients: Fill a mixing glass or shaker with ice cubes. Add the blended Scotch whisky, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and honey syrup to the mixing glass.
4. Shake: Shake the mixture vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. This helps to chill the cocktail and mix the flavours.
5. Strain: Remove the ice from the double old-fashioned glass and strain the mixed cocktail into the glass using a cocktail strainer. This ensures that no ice or unwanted particles enter the final drink.
6. Add Ice: If desired, you can add fresh ice cubes to the glass. This will help maintain the drink's temperature and dilution.
7. Float the Islay Scotch: Slowly pour 1/4 oz (7.5 ml) of Islay Scotch whisky over the back of a spoon onto the surface of the cocktail. This creates a floating layer on top, adding a smoky aroma and flavour to the drink.
8. Garnish: Finally, garnish the Penicillin cocktail with a ginger slice or a piece of candied ginger. This complements the flavours of the cocktail and adds a touch of visual appeal.
That's it! Your Penicillin cocktail is now ready to be enjoyed. Remember to sip and savour the drink to fully appreciate its complex flavours.
A Modern Classic
Since its inception, the Penicillin cocktail has rapidly gained popularity and acclaim in the world of mixology. Bartenders worldwide have embraced the recipe, added their unique twists and adaptations while staying true to the drink's fundamental elements. The Penicillin's allure lies not only in its intriguing flavour profile but also in its ability to captivate both whiskey enthusiasts and those new to the world of cocktails, making it a modern classic for all to enjoy.
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