With a taste that is sweet, tangy, and just a little smoky, this soothing Honey-Lemon Whisky Cocktail is just right for the change in seasons.
Winter is coming, and with World Whisky Day on May 20, why not whip up a round of hearty Honey-Lemon Whisky Cocktails. Taking the delicious world-famous Penicillin cocktail as inspiration, we’ve teamed two types of Scotch whisky with tangy lemon juice and a delicious homemade honey-ginger syrup that cuts through the whisky burn beautifully. If you want to save by cutting back on ingredients, this cocktail still works well with only one type of whisky. But if you want to go all out, try floating the smoky single malt on top for an extra peaty aroma that hints at the warmth of a crackling log fire.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
Method
Also known as the Penicillin cocktail, this tasty whisky combo was invented in 2005 by talented Aussie bartender Sam Ross while he was working at the Milk and Honey bar in New York. Riffing on a bourbon-based Gold Rush, Sam’s mission was to bring together the smokiness of Scotch with the sweet and sour flavours of honey and lemon. Made using two types of whisky, his masterpiece delivered layers of flavour and was catapulted onto cocktail lists the world over.
While the original calls for two whiskies, you can give your Honey-Lemon Whisky cocktail a budget twist by just using one. Try slightly smoky Dimple 12YO Scotch Whisky, a deluxe well-rounded whisky with hints of honey and fruits that blends beautifully with the homemade honey-ginger syrup.
If adding a single malt whisky, make it good and smoky and try floating it on top – to do this, gently pour it into the glass over the back of a spoon just before serving. It helps if you pour your drink over a large square ice cube to create a flat even surface for the peated Scotch. The idea is to keep the smoky aroma at the top of your cocktail to contrast with the zingy citrus and ginger spice that follows. Laphroaig 10YO Malt Whisky is renowned for its rich peaty flavour, created by drying malted barley over a peat fire. A classic single malt, it’s won multiple awards including the Gold Medal at San Francisco World Spirits Awards in 2019.
Wondering about food pairings for your Honey-Lemon Whisky Cocktail? The ginger kick makes it a good match for spicy Asian food, so order in your favourite Indian or Thai, or cook up your own. Think chilli naan breads with chicken or a hearty Indian vegetarian curry. A simple pad thai will work too.
Your Honey-Lemon Whisky Cocktail can be served warm to take the chill off a cold evening. Just add hot water to your lemon juice and honey-ginger syrup and stir in the whisky. Or omit the ginger, and voila, it’s a Hot Toddy. You can also give your favourite whisky cocktails a seasonal makeover – think Candy Apple Whisky, Toffee Whisky Sour and Spiced Old Fashioned.
