Penicillin

Created by Sam Ross at Milk & Honey in New York in 2005, the Penicillin is the most important whisky cocktail of the 21st century. It balances the warmth of honey, the zing of ginger, the brightness of lemon, and the smoke of Islay Scotch into something genuinely medicinal in the best way.

The Two-Scotch Technique

The genius of this drink is using two different Scotches: a blended whisky as the base (for smoothness) with a float of smoky Islay malt on top (for drama). When you sip, you get the smoke first, then the sweet-sour body underneath.

Honey-Ginger Syrup

Combine equal parts honey and water, add sliced fresh ginger (about 2 inches per cup), simmer for 10 minutes, strain. This syrup is the backbone of the cocktail.