The Pill: Penicillin

Scotch, honey-ginger, lemon, smoky Islay float. Modern classic in the pill vessel. Service for 4 to 6.

Spec (4-person batch)

  • 12oz blended Scotch
  • 4oz fresh lemon juice
  • 4oz honey-ginger syrup
  • 2oz Islay Scotch (Laphroaig 10) — float, served separately

Build

Combine blended Scotch, lemon, honey-ginger in mixing vessel. Shake with ice. Strain into chilled pill vessel over fresh ice.

Garnish vessel

Candied ginger pieces, one per guest. Skewered.

Islay float

Served in a small carafe on the side. Each guest floats their own onto the surface of their glass.

Service note

The Islay float is the move. Walk the guests through it. "Pour a teaspoon onto the top of your pour. Sip through the smoke."

Tasting notes

Honey. Citrus. Ginger heat. Smoke on the finish.

Cost

Pour cost target: 20% (Islay is expensive). Selling price: $165 for 4 servings. Margin: $132.

Tags: penicillin, scotch, pill, large-format, signature, smoky