Wednesday, January 6, 2021

The Bobby Burns Cocktail

The Bobby Burns Cocktail

Celebrate the Scottish poet Robert Burns with this namesake cocktail

January 25th is the birthday of Robert Burns, perhaps Scotland’s most beloved poet. During non-COVID times, people throughout the world would gather on or about the 25th to celebrate at a Burns Supper. Much eating and drinking would ensue. Along with toasting.

We won’t be gathering this year. But we can still enjoy our favorite toasting tipple: The Bobby Burns Cocktail is a delightful combo of Scotch whisky and sweet vermouth, seasoned with Bénédictine liqueur.

Care to join us (virtually, of course)? Kilts and bagpipes optional.

The Bobby Burns Cocktail

Recipe: The Bobby Burns Cocktail

There are actually two cocktails that might have been named after Robert Burns: The Bobby Burns Cocktail, and The Robert Burns Cocktail. Cocktail history is always murky, but it’s likely the Robert Burns was actually named after a cigar salesman. We think the Bobby Burns cocktail is the better of the two, but we provide a recipe for the Robert Burns in the Notes.

Originally, the Bobby Burns Cocktail was made with equal parts blended Scotch whisky and sweet vermouth, with a wee drop of Bénédictine added. Modern versions of the drink tend toward a 2:1 ratio of Scotch to sweet vermouth, and a bit more Bénédictine. Our recipe reflects this.

This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and serves 1.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces blended Scotch whisky (see Notes)
  • 1 ounce sweet (Italian) vermouth (the red stuff)
  • ¼ ounce Bénédictine (or to taste)
  • lemon or orange twist for garnish (very optional; lemon is traditional, but we prefer orange)

Procedure

  1. Combine all the ingredients (except garnish) in a mixing glass half filled with ice. Stir vigorously until the contents are well chilled (at least 30 seconds).
  2. Strain into a cocktail glass or coupe, preferably one that has been chilled. Add garnish, if desired, and serve.
The Bobby Burns Cocktail

Notes

  • Why stir rather than shake? Because all the ingredients are clear. Shaking introduces tiny oxygen bubbles, which can cloud the drink. But shake if you prefer – we often do. And the oxygen bubbles will dissipate after a few minutes.
  • Traditionally, this drink is served “up” in a cocktail glass. But we like it on the rocks, too.
  • Most of the Scotches you’ll see in liquor stores are blended – and blended Scotch is ideal for this drink (a single malt would likely be too strong). At the moment, our favorite blended Scotches for cocktails are Teacher’s and Famous Grouse. Teacher’s in particular has a nice peaty flavor that we like. For kicks, you might use Cutty Sark, even though its flavor is a bit light (a “cutty sark” figures prominently in one of Burns’s most famous poems – see below).
  • Our usual reminder: We’re noncommercial and don’t get compensated for mentioning brands. We buy our booze with our own money, and recommend only what we use and like.
  • Now for some cocktail history: The Robert Burns Cocktail was probably created before the Bobby Burns. It most likely sprang to life sometime before Prohibition at the original Waldorf Astoria bar in New York City. It may have been named to honor a cigar salesman of the same name who frequented the bar (and was generous in purchasing drinks for other patrons). Or it could have been named after the cigar brand called Robert Burns. No one knows. The traditional recipe for the Robert Burns Cocktail is 1½ ounces blended Scotch, ½ ounce sweet vermouth, 1 to 2 dashes orange bitters, and 1 dash absinthe.
  • BTW, the flavor of absinthe works pretty well with Scotch. We sometimes add a dash (about 1/8 of a teaspoon) to our Bobby Burns recipe just for the heck of it.
  • A recipe for the Bobby Burns Cocktail first appeared in Harry Craddock’s The Savoy Cocktail Book. It may or may not have been named after the poet (who would probably have preferred the nickname Rabbie to Bobby). But whether that was the original intent or not, the cocktail soon became associated with him. The recipe for the original Bobby Burns called for equal parts of Scotch and sweet vermouth (say, an ounce each) and 1 dash of Bénédictine. But we like our recipe better.
  • Robert Burns lived a short life (January 25, 1759 to July 21, 1796). His upbringing was hardscrabble and his education spotty – his father was his primary teacher, although he did have some formal schooling. His early poverty probably contributed to his disdain for the class system that pervaded Scotland at that time. He eventually became fairly radical, supporting the French Revolution and democratic reform in Scotland. 
  • Burns wrote both in English and in Scots (or more often in a Scots dialect that was understandable to English speakers). A lyric poet, he is considered one of the founders of the Romantic movement.
  • One of Burns’s best-known poems is Tam o’ Shanter, a narrative poem about Tam, a farmer who likes to drink and carouse with his friends at a public house until the wee hours. One night, after a particularly festive time, he sees witches and warlocks dancing at the local haunted church as he is riding home. He notices a particularly fetching witch by the name of Nannie Dee who’s wearing a short dress, which prompts him to shout enthusiastically, “Weel done, Cutty-sark” (a cutty sark is a short shirt). The witches and warlocks give chase to Tam, who manages to escape by crossing a bridge over the River Doon (Brig o’ Doon). Witches and warlocks won’t cross a running stream, it’s said, so galloping over the bridge saves him. But it’s a close call – Nannie pulls the tail off Tam’s horse just before he crosses the stream. 
  • This poem provided an eponym for the clipper ship Cutty Sark. Built in 1869, she was one of the last – and fastest – tea clippers sailing between Britain and East Asia. The figurehead of the Cutty Sark is a carving of Nannie Dee holding a horse’s tail.
  • The clipper ship Cutty Sark in turn served as an eponym for the brand of blended Scotch whisky called Cutty Sark. There’s a drawing of the ship on the label. Weel done, Cutty-sark!
  • The first Burns Supper was celebrated by some of his friends on July 21, 1801, to commemorate the 5th anniversary of his death. Since then, the tradition has shifted to celebrating his birthday.
  • The traditional main course for a Burns Supper is haggis. That’s a savory pudding (cooked in a sheep’s stomach) that contains the heart, liver, and lungs of the sheep, along with onion, oatmeal, and other goodies. We’ve never had it, but it’s supposed to be quite good.
  • And the traditional drink? Well, Scotch whisky, of course. We like to serve it in a Bobby Burns Cocktail.
The Bobby Burns Cocktail

Smoke Signals

“Nice drink,” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. “Kind of like a Scotch Manhattan.”

“It is,” I said. “Scotch is really growing on me as a cocktail ingredient.”

“Think we’ll bring out the witches and warlocks?” said Mrs K R.

“How can they resist a dram of this?” I said

“The smoky, peaty flavor of the Scotch is pretty alluring,” said Mrs K R.

Indeed. Smokin’ good stuff. Just watch your tail.

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58 comments:

Angie's Recipes said...

A cocktail with a fascinating origin plus your beautiful photos..perfect!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Angie, it's a great cocktail. Plus we had the fun of reading some of Burns's poetry again. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Debra Eliotseats said...

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And days of auld lang syne?"

I would like to make this cocktail's acquaintance! Happy 2021!!!!!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Debra, yup, that's how you end a Burns Supper. :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy New Year!

savorthebest said...

It's a mighty handsome drink!!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pat and Dahn, tasty, too. :-) Thaznks for the comment.

Healthy World Cuisine said...

Very stylish way to escort in 2021! However, we might just skip the side of haggis... LOL. Love the little history behind the drinks, so interesting. Wishing you and Ms. Riff a fabulous 2021!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bobbi, this does have fun history. :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy New Year!

Gerlinde de Broekert said...

Forget about the haggis but I have the drink. Happy New Year to you and yours.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Gerlinde, we'll have to try haggis one of these days. Maybe. :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy New Year!

Happy Retiree's Kitchen said...

Beautiful photos of a very enticing drink. Despite my Scottish heritage on my Mum's side, I have never had a Robbie Burns cocktail. Perhaps this is the year for it on the 25th.I have eaten haggis though in Scotland, and it was pretty good. Thanks for the great story.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pauline, this is a really good drink! Scotch is becoming a real favorite of ours. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Eha said...

A warm hello to all in the States on a sad day to remember . . . the distances twixt us point out a difference or two again . . . I may not reach for a cocktail glass nut absolutely love to make and eat haggis and black pudding and blood pancakes are firm favourites . . . as is the poetry of Rabbie Burns, the name always used for the guy who changed around a Scottish line or two and gave us 'Auld Lang Syne' . . .

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Eha, definitely an historic day here. We need to try haggis one of these days. We're actually supposed to visit Scotland this summer, but not sure COVID will permit that. Haven't read Burns's poetry in years -- had fun getting reacquainted with it. Fun fact that didn't make it into the post: Burns is one of only 4 authors to have a statue honoring him on Literary Walk in NYC's Central Park. Thanks for the comment.

Pam said...

Another tasty cocktail. Great photo.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, it's really good stuff. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes said...

Now this drink is exactly what I want for my birthday drink tonight!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ashley, Happy Birthday! :-) And thanks for the comment.

Pam said...

It's amazing how many dishes and cocktails originate at the Waldorf Astoria! I like the story about the cigar salesman, Robert Burns cocktail, but this drink you posted, sounds delicious, love the taste of Scotch whiskey and sweet vermouth. Sip this and read a little Robert Burns poetry, life is good! Happy New Year!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, the Waldorf Astoria was a happening place. :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy New Year!

mjskit said...

Scotch used to be my drink, but I had never heard of this cocktail. I'm sure it's tasty. It sure is pretty.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MJ, there aren't a lot of Scotch whisky cocktails, but this is one of the better ones. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Amy (Savory Moments) said...

I love reading your cocktail histories. This one looks very elegant and yummy.

Cocoa and Lavender said...

For once, John, I actually have all the ingredients for this cocktail. Mark and I have always gone to a Bobby Burns dinner each year to celebrate the poet. I will miss the joy, camaraderie, poetry, and (believe it or not) the haggis. I’m one of the few people who loves the stuff… Oh, and kilts and bagpipes are never optional! I will make this and we will drink a toast to you and Mrs. KR.

Eva Taylor said...

We’re all about the cocktail particularly when haggis isn’t one of our favourites. This is such a beautiful shot.
Eva http://kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com/

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amy, we love history, and cocktail history in particular! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi David, we've never been to a Burn Dinner -- definitely need to. And haven't had haggis either, although I suspect I might like it (I like weird stuff). Enjoy this -- it's a nice drink. And thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Eva, we really need to try haggis! Until we can, we'll enjoy this drink. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Jeff the Chef said...

This is an esecially interesting post, John. I had no idea that witches and warlocks won't cross a running stream. That information could have come in so handy over the years! Still, I have a feeling that, on broom at high enough altitude, they probably can. I also had no idea that Brigadoon - one of my favorite musicals - means "Doon Bridge." I think this weekend, I'll put watch Brigadoon, and whip out the Cutty Sark.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jeff, we're fonts of useless facts. :-) Although your point about witches, brooms, and altitude probably demands research! Thanks for the comment.

Denise Browning said...

A great cocktail and a marvelous poet!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Denise, hear, hear! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

My parents lived in Scotland for a year and Bill and I were lucky enough to visit them. That's where I learned about Robert Burns. When they got back to the states, the would have the occasional Burns Night party. Before that trip abroad, my dad was not a scotch drinker, but he became a fan. Wish I could serve him one of your cocktails!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, we've always liked scotch (kinda, sorta) but it wasn't our favorite. We're becoming fans, too! This is a terrific drink. :-) Thanks for the comment.

handmade by amalia said...

Must be nice to have a cocktail named after you.
Amalia
xo

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amalia, we all need to start writing poetry! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Jeff the Chef said...

They are not useless! Your posts are entertaining. I love them a lot. :-)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jeff, thanks -- we enjoy finding out all the stuff that we put in the posts. We actually leave out quite a lot sometimes -- just not enough room. This post in particular could have been three times longer. The history and lore about drinks (and stuff associated with them) is loads of fun. :-)

priya said...

This drink looks so beautiful John :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Priya, tastes great, too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

beyondkimchee said...

You are the master of all cocktails. What a beautiful presentation! Thanks for the story about the Scottish poet. Intriguing!

Food Gal said...

Absinthe with Scotch? I'm going to have to try that. I can only take absinthe in small amounts, as it's such a potent taste. Now, I know how to make use of that bottle that's been gathering dust. ;)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Holly, Robert Burns was really an interesting person. And this is an interesting drink! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, absinthe and scotch work! Just use a really small amount of absinthe, though -- maybe 1/8 of a teaspoon, perhaps a little more. Thanks for the comment.

Fran @ Gday Souffle said...

Ooh, I don't think I'll try eating haggis but definitely will give ol' Bobby Burns cocktail a go!

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

Love the story behind the drink and I will now have to look up the image of the Cutty Sark. Just did and what a story about the figurehead. Thanks for a fun story and a cocktail my husband, the scotch drinker, would probably enjoy.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Fran, haggis doesn't sound that attractive, but I've heard it's good. Maybe one of these days. Or not. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Karen, bet your husband will love this! Really good stuff. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Abbe@This is How I Cook said...

The story makes the drink! No tall tales here!

Balvinder said...

A stylish cocktail!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Abbe, a lot to talk about with this one. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Balvinder, it is. Rather good, too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Sippity Sup said...

Make the kilts obligatory. You might as well. I'll be too tipsy to care, thanks to Mr. Burns. GREG

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Greg, OK, kilts -- and bagpipes!! -- obligatory. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Raymund said...

Another fascinating cocktail! I love whisky single malt or blended, I am all for it

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Raymund, scotch is tricky in cocktails, but when it works, it works. And it works in this drink! Thanks for the comment.

Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness said...

I always love to read the history on your cocktails. This one sounds perfect.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dawn, cocktail history is so interesting! Thanks for the comment.