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Penicillin

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Rocks glass
Glass
Candied ginger or a thin ginger slice
Garnish

Ingredients

  • Blended Scotch whisky — 60 ml (2 oz)
  • Fresh lemon juice — 20 ml (3/4 oz)
  • Honey-ginger syrup — 20 ml (3/4 oz)
  • Islay single malt Scotch (for float) — 7.5 ml (1/4 oz)

Method

  1. Shake the blended Scotch, lemon juice and honey-ginger syrup with ice.
  2. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass.
  3. Float the smoky Islay Scotch on top by pouring it gently over the back of a spoon.
  4. Garnish with candied ginger.

Description: A modern classic that layers a smoky Islay float over a bright, gingery Scotch sour — one of the most influential 21st-century cocktails.

Cultural Background: Created by bartender Sam Ross at Milk & Honey in New York in 2005, named half-jokingly for its honey-and-ginger "medicinal" quality.

Tips: Make the honey-ginger syrup by simmering equal parts honey, water and fresh grated ginger, then straining.

Variations: Use a lighter peated Scotch for the float if you find Islay whiskies too intense.

Serving Suggestion: Let the smoky float sit on top rather than stirring it in — the layered aroma is the point.

Nutrition: Approx. 185 kcal per serving

FAQs:

Q: What Islay Scotch works for the float?
A: Laphroaig or Ardbeg are the classic choices for their strong peat smoke.