The One Cocktail You Should Make With Smoky Scotch

We aren't here to argue the simple luxury of a smoky Scotch neat. But if you're looking for a fresh twist on the classic drink, we've got you. For smoky cocktail recommendations, we reached out to Robyn Smith, PhD, owner of This Blog's Neat, a spirits-focused blog that dives into the science behind the spirits. Having earned her PhD in chemical engineering, Smith served as a research chemist at a high-tech distillery in Los Angeles, creating whiskeys, rums, and brandies for the brand. Needless to say, she knows her liquors. When we asked her for her top smoky Scotch cocktail, she had a clear winner. "A Penicillin is my absolute favorite way to showcase peaty Scotches," Smith said. "Ginger pairs incredibly well with those smoky, phenolic notes, and the lemon and honey just help lift and balance everything."

Those phenolic notes are key to the distinct flavor profile of a peated whiskey. Phenolic compounds are released as peat burns during the barley malting process. "Smoke in Scotch comes from phenolic compounds, which we can detect at really low concentrations," Smith explains. "Because of that, the Scotch doesn't get lost in the cocktail; it actually cuts through and defines it." 

Smith is in good company with her recommendation. Alton Brown agrees that a smoky Scotch is key to making the Penicillin a truly unique cocktail. For a perfectly smoky Penicillin, grab your favorite smoky Scotch, or try one of our top picks for high-quality peated Scotch whiskies — but save it for last when you assemble the drink. "If you like really smoky flavors, go for a heavily peated Scotch from Islay, like Laphroaig," Smith says, adding, "That said, not all Scotch from Islay is peated, it's just the region most associated with it." If you prefer more subtle smoky notes, Smith says to look for moderately peated options, such as single malts like Springbank or Kilkerran. As for Smith, she prefers to dial up the peat. "My personal go-to for a Penicillin is Compass Box Peat Monster," she tells us. It's a blended malt layering intense peatiness with sweeter smoke whiskies for a complex finish.

To make the cocktail, combine a blended Scotch with lemon juice and honey-ginger syrup in a shaker, and shake with ice until it's well-chilled. Strain the drink over fresh ice. Then, pour the smoky Scotch on top as the finishing touch before garnishing with candied ginger. A Penicillin is intended to be enjoyed without a straw, so the peated flavor floating on top of the drink imbues each and every sip. "You get this contrast where the smoke adds depth and a slightly savory edge, while everything else brightens and rounds it out," Smith says.