Penicillin Recipe

Combine and simmer

In a small saucepan combine 0.5 cup raw honey, 0.5 cup water and the sliced fresh ginger. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring until the honey dissolves. Bring to a gentle simmer and allow to infuse for 8–10 minutes.

Strain and cool

Remove from heat, let cool to room temperature, then strain out the ginger slices. Store syrup refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks. Use 0.75 oz of this syrup per cocktail.

Prepare glass

Chill an old-fashioned or rocks glass if desired. Add one large cube or several pebbled ice cubes to the serving glass.

Shake

In a cocktail shaker add 2 oz Johnnie Walker Black Label, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.75 oz honey-ginger syrup and ice (about 6 cubes). Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.

Strain

Double-strain (or fine-strain) the cocktail into the prepared rocks glass over the large cube to keep the drink cold but not overly diluted.

Finish with smoky mist

Measure 0.25 oz Lagavulin 16 Year into a small pipette, atomizer, or a small glass. Using one of the following methods, apply a light mist/float of peat smoke to the drink: 1) Use an atomizer to spritz the Lagavulin over the surface of the cocktail; 2) Pour the Lagavulin into a small metal spoon and carefully ignite for a half-second then extinguish and hover the spoon over the drink to impart smoke (exercise caution); 3) If available, use a smoking gun loaded with peat chips and a brief 3–5 second burst to envelop the glass and then cover to trap smoke briefly. The objective is a subtle smoky aromatics — do not overpower the cocktail.

Garnish and serve

Garnish with a slice of fresh or candied ginger on a pick and a lemon wheel or twist. Present immediately so the guest experiences the smoky aroma and bright ginger-lemon notes. Serve as a single cocktail.