[drink] the Dorsey Penicillin

The Venetian's Cocktail Lounge, the Dorsey, makes a refreshing and memorable Penicillin, a drink that's made the rounds of late.  In it's 'Conversation Pieces' section of its cocktail menu, it's simply listed as scotch, fresh lemon, ginger, honey & an Islay [scotch] float.  Breaking down a version for home, meaning we don't want to necessarily break the bank, may take some finesse.

The cocktail itself was created in 2005 by NY bartender Sam Ross.  Meant to be a cure-all, because of it's reliance on two very important (and I would note some Asian-influence) ingredients, the ginger, lemon and honey.  As prepared, it's meant to be sipped, breaking through the layer of Islay scotch.  It is there that you break through that smokey start and into the citrus sweet in the body.

To finish, you have a candied ginger, that gives you sweet sharp candy...and a hope to cure your ails.

Vegas has its atmospheric challenges, for those that go often.  The mixture of dryness and constantly air-conditioned air.  Smoke.  Among the global vector of people...I like to enjoy this drink a few times during a stay.  Not demonstrably, but, by belief, it helps keep me going.

So, to make a home version that recognizes we aren't all jet-setters with deep pockets:

The drink first starts with a honey-ginger syrup.  Honey, ginger and a cup of water, reduce and chill overnight.  Strain to keep it clear of any solids.  Take some care in its preparation for best results.

In a cocktail shaker:
- 2 oz of Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whiskey - ranges from $75-$90 - I enjoy this particular scotch for its refined taste and good pairing in cocktails
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice - and use real lemons, avoiding the plastic yellow one, with no offense against it, but the tones are much different
- 3/4 oz of the honey-ginger syrup
- ice

Give it a good shake, taking care to feel the temp of the shaker and consider not allowing too much ice to melt in the process.

If we are following the Dorsey, strain over a massive cube of ice, in a traditional 'old fashioned' cocktail glass.  You know, like a half-sized tumbler.  A glass is important for any cocktail to maintain flavor.

Layer the drink with a splash of Laphroaig Islay Single Malt Scotch Whiskey - ranges from $75.  Don't overpower the drink, a light 'shot' suffices here.  Laphroaig is a totally doable Islay with a nice cask taste of peat and oak.

Wrap it up with candied ginger.  Now, fair warning, it is sometimes hard to find at normal supermarkets.  You'll have better luck at a Sprouts or Whole Foods.

Let me say that you want all of this to complete the drink.  I have tried variants, without even close results.
...
As to the namesake -

We owe great credit, as a civilization, to Dr Alexander Fleming.  In 1928, while studying colonies of Staphylococcus aureus (you'll know it as a staph infection), good ol' Penicillium notatum prevented its growth.  It was not until Dr. Howard Florey (with biochemist Dr Ernst Chain) saw the research some 10 years later and then 'industrailized' it for practical use.

The first recipient of the refined pencillin did well, then died, but it proved enough of its worth to continue what would ultimately become a success.  It's interesting to note that the first recipient merely scratched his face while gardening, with a streptococci and staphylocci spread to his eyes and scalp - then death.  Not cool.

Drink well!  For the full site visit, edwardianjackal.com.

[If you want to replicate the bubble bottom glasses of the Dorsey, Walmart has a similar set.]
...