Tag Archives: Ginger Syrup

The Penicillin Cocktail is Good for What Ails You

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Sam Ross created The Penicillin Cocktail in 2005. This was a time when it was almost unheard of to place even a single cube of ice in a glass of scotch. It kind of still is. But Sam went the distance and shook an entire serving of scotch with ice and created an amazing drink. Watch Sam make and explain the detail behind his signature Penicillin cocktail.

The Penicillin cocktail is good for ails you. It’s warming, lightly sweet with wonderful smoky spice. Ginger sweetness lilts through the drink bit by bit the longer this scotch cocktail sits in the glass. And will you just take a look at that amazing piece of ice. One Gläce Luxury Ice G-Cubed went the distance of two Penicillin cocktails with minimal melt factor.

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The Penicillin Cocktail with Gläce Luxury Ice G-3

Penicillin

2 ounces Single Malt Scotch

3/4 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

3/4 ounce Ginger Vanilla Syrup*

1/4 ounce Islay Single Malt Scotch

Candied or Fresh Ginger Disk Garnish – optional

Place single malt Scotch, lemon juice and ginger syrup in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Float Islay Scotch on top. Garnish with candied or fresh ginger disk.

You might have noticed the recipe I’ve listed above varies just a bit from the one Sam describes in the video. As he mentioned, it is nearly impossible to duplicate his honey-ginger syrup. I also prefer Single Malt Scotch as mentioned when writing about the Cameron’s Kick scotch cocktail.

The Ginger Vanilla Syrup I created is listed below and posted in Mixers & Garnishes with step by step photos. This syrup is spicy sweet, caramel in color and delicious. It would be a terrific addition to dark rum Daiquiri’s.

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Ginger Vanilla Syrup – created by Cheri Loughlin

3 Tablespoons Garden Gourmet Ginger Paste

1 cup Demerara Cane Sugar

2/3 cup Water

1 ounce Homemade Vanilla Extract

Place ginger, sugar and water in saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until sugar has melted and mixture begins to lightly bubble. Remove from heat. Double strain into heat resistant measuring cup. Allow to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Add vanilla. [store purchased Vanilla Extract may be substituted] Stir. Once syrup is completely cool, place in glass container with lid. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.

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Ginger Vanilla Syrup

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This Ginger Vanilla Syrup was created specifically for use while sampling the Penicillin Cocktail. However, it would be a terrific addition to dark rum Daiquiri’s. I could also see pairing the Ginger Vanilla Syrup with some of the more herbal liqueurs, lemon juice and then topping with brut champagne. This might also pair nicely with vanilla based liqueurs and citrus vodkas and rums. Just experiment. Cocktails are supposed to be fun!

The Ginger Vanilla Syrup I created is listed below and posted with the Penicillin Cocktail. This syrup is spicy sweet, caramel in color and delicious.

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You can use fresh ginger if you choose, but I opted for Gourmet Garden Ginger Paste. You can find it in the fresh produce aisle. I like it because it’s quick and easy to use. There isn’t any peeling or chopping. It really is a no fuss, no muss product.

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Just eyeball level tablespoons when measuring the ginger paste.

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Your strainer is going to get a little heavy with ginger pulp. Take a spoon and pull some of the ginger away from one side of the strainer. Tilt the strainer so the syrup can flow through the section you’ve cleared. Then just be patient.

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The syrup needs to cool, so just let it sit and finish dripping. Don’t press any of the solid ginger through the strainer.

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Ginger Vanilla Syrup – created by Cheri Loughlin

3 Tablespoons Garden Gourmet Ginger Paste

1 cup Demerara Cane Sugar

2/3 cup Water

1 ounce Homemade Vanilla Extract

Place ginger, sugar and water in saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until sugar has melted and mixture begins to lightly bubble. Remove from heat. Double strain into heat resistant measuring cup. Allow to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Add vanilla. [store purchased Vanilla Extract may be substituted] Stir. Once syrup is completely cool, place in glass container with lid. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2013 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Mother’s Day Sparkles with Zipang

Bring Mother’s Day brunch up a notch this year by tweaking the average cocktail into the extraordinary. Sparkling sake is a unique topper on the usual bubbly brunch cocktail. Sparkling sake is lively and vivacious with hints of tropical fruit that add a delightful amount of sweetness without overwhelming the palate.

Sparkling Sugarplum – Created by Tippling Bros.

Call it Kismet - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin2-1/2 parts Zipang Sparkling Sake

1/2 part Gekkeikan Plum Wine

1/2 part Ginger Liqueur or Ginger Syrup

1 part Passion Fruit Nectar or Puree

Lemon Twist Garnish

Combine wine, liqueur and nectar in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled flute. Top with sparkling sake. Stir gently. Garnish with lemon twist.

Cheri Loughlin is a leading cocktail and photography resource for beverage companies, event planners, businesses and individuals. High resolution cocktail and beverage stock photography images are available in downloadable digital format in the newly redesigned Stock Photography Gallery at www.cheriloughlin.com.

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved. All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin.