The Penicillin is a modern classic — created in New York in 2005, it became one of the most influential cocktails of the last 20 years. Smoky, citrusy, spiced with ginger. Here's how to make it without alcohol.
What You Need
- 2 oz No. 86 Non-Alcoholic Whiskey
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz honey-ginger syrup (recipe below)
- 3–4 drops liquid smoke (optional, for the smoky finish)
- Candied ginger to garnish
- Ice
- Rocks glass
Honey-Ginger Syrup
Combine ½ cup honey, ½ cup water, and 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger in a small saucepan. Simmer on low for 5 minutes, stirring until the honey dissolves. Let cool, then strain out the ginger through a fine mesh strainer. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
This syrup is the key to the drink. Make extra — it works in tea, sparkling water, and a dozen other cocktails.
How to Make It
- Combine No. 86, lemon juice, and honey-ginger syrup in a shaker with ice.
- Shake hard for 10–12 seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Add 3–4 drops of liquid smoke over the top if using — it floats on the surface and hits your nose with every sip.
- Garnish with a piece of candied ginger on a cocktail pick.
The Smoky Note
The original Penicillin gets its smokiness from a float of Islay Scotch — a peaty, heavily smoked whisky drizzled on top. In the non-alcoholic version, a few drops of liquid smoke on the surface achieves the same effect. Use it sparingly — 3 drops is enough. More than that and it overwhelms everything else.
You can skip the smoke entirely and still have an excellent drink. The honey-ginger-lemon combination is strong enough to stand on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a Penicillin different from a Whiskey Sour?
The honey-ginger syrup instead of plain simple syrup, and the smoky top note. The ginger adds heat, the honey adds complexity, and the smoke adds drama. It's a more layered drink.
Where can I find liquid smoke?
Most grocery stores carry it in the condiment aisle — Colgin and Wright's are common brands. A small bottle lasts years when used in cocktails.
Can I use store-bought ginger syrup?
Yes. Monin and Torani make ginger syrups that work in this drink. They won't have the honey note of the homemade version, so add a small amount of honey separately — about a teaspoon dissolved in warm water.
Make something worth the effort.
No. 86 builds the base of one of the best modern cocktails — without the alcohol.
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Make this recipe with No. 86 non-alcoholic whiskey — built for cocktails like this one.