Bobby Burns Cocktail

This scotch-based dram might inspire you to craft the next great love poem. Or to have another Bobby Burns.

Robert Burns was a Scottish poet, who lived between the years 1759 and 1796. Dying young at 37, “Rabbie”, as he was sometimes called, crafted some of the most beautiful and lyrical pieces of the Romanticism movement that peaked in the early-to-mid 1800s. 

Considered a pioneer of this period of poetry, Burns inspired countless artists, writers and musicians throughout history, along with the founders of liberalism and socialism. In his native country of Scotland, reverence for the iconic poet reached almost cult-like levels during the 19th and 20th centuries. In 2009, he was voted as the greatest Scot in a poll run by the local STV television channel. 

Every year on New Year’s Eve, as the clock strikes midnight and the champagne is popped, friends and loved ones the world over gather together and sing Robert Burns’ words:

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

and never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

and auld lang syne? 

Tonight’s cocktail is inspired by the iconic poet and was aptly named after him, the Bobby Burns. First appearing in the 1900 edition of Fancy Drinks, the recipe was originally referred to as the Baby Burns. Back then it was made with Irish whiskey, vermouth and absinthe, and as it continued appearing in more publications through the early 20th century, it ended up going from being called the Robert Burns to adopting the informal “Bobby” in its name.

While Robert Burns has widely been acknowledged as the national poet of Scotland, the cocktail that bears his name is not recognized as a national drink.

What is Bénédictine?

Bénédictine is a French herbal liqueur that was created in the 19th century by vintner Alexandre Le Grand. Amber colored with a silky and smooth texture, it is made with 27 ingredients, including spices, berries, roots and flowers. Often served with soda water or tonic, it is also used in many cocktails such as the Poet’s Dream, Widow’s Kiss and Vieux Carré.

What is the Best Alcohol to Use to Make a Bobby Burns Cocktail?

I wasn’t a big scotch fan. Always thought it tasted the way my father’s old army WEB gear smelled. Or a band-aid, which many folks over the years have commented on. What I’ve learned, however, is the older the scotch, the smoother and better tasting it is. It’s a bit on the pricey side, but I’m madly in love with Macallan’s 12-year-old double-cask single malt. Like I said, it can be a little expensive, but totally worth it and will change your mind about scotch. The velvety texture when sipped neat will offer notes of citrus, butterscotch, fudge and spices. Complex and delicious, it makes an incredible Bobby Burns and mixes beautifully with the vermouth and Bénédictine.

FAQs & Tips

Similar Cocktails to the Bobby Burns

If you’re new to scotch and are keen to do a little exploring with the cocktails that use it as a base, Twist & Toast can point you in the right direction. Or if you’re just looking for recipes that favor the simplicity and elegance of the Bobby Burns, try a few of these drinks out below. More than a few of them belong in every enthusiast’s repertoire.

• Rob Roy – With the bold bite of scotch, this old-school sipper will defeat your thirst.
• Martinez – Somewhere between a Manhattan and a Martini sits this classic cocktail.
• Godfather – This scotch-forward tipple will make you an offer you can’t refuse.
• Rusty Nail – Scotch and Drambuie combine to make this popular concoction.