The Bobby Burns cocktail is a rich, spirit-forward drink that warms you from the inside out. It’s perfect for sipping on Burns Night (a celebration of the Scottish poet Robert Burns), but it’s delicious any time of year.
If you like a Manhattan or Rob Roy, you’ll love this cocktail. The Bobby Burns recipe shares many characteristics with those drinks, but with a unique twist.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect Bobby Burns cocktail, from the ingredients to the technique.
Understanding the Bobby Burns: Ingredients and Flavor Profile
The Bobby Burns is a sophisticated cocktail with a short list of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in the drink’s final character.
Key Ingredients
- Scotch Whisky: While a Highland or 12-year Scotch is traditional, blended malts like Monkey Shoulder work beautifully.
- Sweet Vermouth: Opt for a quality vermouth like Cocchi Vermouth di Torino.
- Bénédictine Liqueur: This adds a unique herbal and honeyed sweetness that sets the Bobby Burns apart.
Flavor Profile
The Bobby Burns is a spirit-forward drink. It has a balanced flavor, with a blend of sweetness, herbal notes, and a subtle spicy undertone.
How to Make a Bobby Burns Cocktail
Here’s how to make a Bobby Burns, step by step:
- Gather your supplies. You’ll need a mixing glass, a jigger (or measuring spoons), a bar spoon, a strainer, and a chilled coupe glass.
- Combine the ingredients in your mixing glass:
- 2 oz. Scotch
- 1 oz. sweet vermouth
- 0.5 oz. Bénédictine Liqueur
(If you’re using the metric system, that’s 60 ml Scotch, 30 ml sweet vermouth, and 15 ml Bénédictine.)
- Add ice and stir. Stir it for about 30 seconds. You want to chill the cocktail and dilute it a little.
- Strain into your chilled coupe glass. Serving it “up” in a chilled glass makes a big difference.
- Garnish. Express lemon oil over the top and across the rim.
Tips for the Perfect Bobby Burns
Want to take your Bobby Burns to the next level? Here are a few tips:
- Stir, don’t shake: Stirring the drink is key to chilling it without clouding it.
- Use a chilled glass: A chilled coupe glass looks elegant and keeps your drink cold.
- Use good ingredients: The better the scotch and vermouth you use, the better the cocktail will taste.
Closing Thoughts
The Bobby Burns is a sophisticated, flavorful cocktail that’s perfect for a special occasion or a quiet evening at home. Feel free to experiment with the ratios to find what you like best.
Now, raise a glass and enjoy this classic Scotch cocktail!