Penicillin Cocktail And Peated Scotch: Understanding Its Role In The Zesty Drink
Introduction
The penicillin cocktail is a modern classic concoction that has carved a niche for itself among mixology enthusiasts. Its balanced blend of sweet, smoky and zesty flavours offers a unique taste. The penicillin cocktail’s smoky element comes from the peated scotch whisky.
Peated scotch is an essential ingredient of the penicillin cocktail. Peated whiskies are characterised by their robust, earthy flavours. They serve to anchor the drink and add layered nuance to it. Without them, the penicillin cocktail may depend too heavily on sweet and tart elements.
Not many drinks can support a peaty scotch, but the right combination of ingredients. Such cocktails allow the base flavours to shine while making the smoky scotch more accessible. The penicillin cocktail is one such drink. It is traditionally made using two kinds of scotch whisky, lemon juice, ginger and honey.
The peated whisky contrasts beautifully with the sweet honey, tart lemon and spicy ginger. This creates a multilayered drink. However, the smokiness is not overwhelming. The interplay between the various ingredients creates a dynamic flavour profile that evolves with each sip.
To make this cocktail for 1, you need 20 ml blended scotch, 15 ml freshly-squeezed lemon juice, 10 ml peated scotch, 10 ml honey syrup and 3 thin slices of ginger. Place 2 ginger slices in a shaker and use a wooden spoon muddle till bruised and broken. To it, add ice, blended scotch, lemon juice and honey syrup. Shake until the cocktail is icy cold, for around 20 to 30 seconds. Strain into a glass filled with ice cubes. Pour in the peated scotch to create a floating layer. Garnish with the last slice of ginger and serve chilled.
Understanding The Role Of Peated Scotch In The Penicillin Cocktail
The use of peated scotch upgrades the taste profile of the penicillin cocktail in various ways.
-
Balancing Sweetness And Acidity
The slight bitterness and smokiness of peated whiskies have a balancing effect on the drink. It balances the sweetness of honey and the tartness of lemons. Without the smoky finish, the cocktail can become overly sweet or acidic.
-
Adding Layers Of Flavour
The peated scotch whisky has a unique purpose in the penicillin cocktail. Unlike the other ingredients, it is not mixed with the rest in the cocktail shaker. It is layered last, right before serving the drink. This adds a nuanced touch to the cocktail, evocating aromatic wood, leather and smoke notes. Depending on the type of peated scotch used, the flavour profile can vary and offers diverse variations.
-
Unique Signature Taste
Adding peated scotch whisky to the penicillin cocktail gives it a unique taste and aroma. The smoky notes also showcase the subtle interplay of sweet, sour and slightly spicy flavours.
Popular Alternatives To Using Peated Scotch In The Penicillin Cocktail
If you wish to venture beyond peated scotch whisky but do not wish to miss out on the smoky flavour, try these popular recipes.
Smoked Tea Penicillin Cocktail
To make this nuanced drink with a roasted astringency for 1, you need 30 ml blended scotch whisky, 20 ml Himalayan Lapsang Souchong tea (a smoky variety of black tea), 15 ml lemon juice, 15 ml ginger honey syrup, candied ginger and lemon slice for garnishing. In an ice-filled cocktail shaker, add the whisky, tea, lemon juice and syrup. Shake thoroughly till the drink is chilled. Strain into a coupe glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with candied ginger and lemon slices before serving.
Mezcal Penicillin Spritz Cocktail
To make this agave-based, smoky cocktail for 1, you need 30 ml mezcal, 15 ml lemon juice, 15 ml honey ginger syrup and lemon peel twist for garnishing. To an ice-filled cocktail shaker, add the mezcal, lemon juice and syrup. Shake vigorously till the shaker is frosty. Strain into an ice-filled cocktail glass. Express the lemon twist before garnishing with it and serving the cocktail.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
