The Bobby Burns Cocktail: A Contemporary Classic
The origins of this drink are often attributed to legendary Scottish poet Robert Burns, also known as “Bobby.” Though the exact origin remains uncertain, it’s believed to have been created in the late 1800s by bartender George Sinclair.
This contemporary classic has come a long way since its heyday in the early 1900s when it was featured on menus around the world. Today, there are several variations on the original recipe with some bartenders using different combinations of ingredients such as orange peel or absinthe. Whatever your preference, this sophisticated tipple is sure to please both connoisseurs and novices alike.
As more people explore craft cocktails and drinks made from quality spirits, the Bobby Burns cocktail continues to be a go-to choice for anyone looking for an elevated drinking experience. Its perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavours make it an ideal accompaniment for any occasion – whether you’re enjoying a night in with friends or hosting an evening soiree.
Bobby Burns Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz Scotch whisky
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes of aromatic bitters Angostura is recommended
- Lemon twist for garnish optional
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in the Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, and aromatic bitters into the mixing glass and stir until chilled.
- Strain your cocktail into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist (optional).
Glassware
The typical glassware used for serving a Bobby Burns cocktail is a rocks glass or an old-fashioned glass. The shape also helps concentrate and release the aromas from the whisky and bitters, which enhances the taste of this classic beverage.
To bring out its full flavor potential, some bartenders prefer to serve their Bobby Burns cocktails in stemmed glasses such as a coupe or martini glass; however, these are not essential for enjoying this timeless tipple.
Flavors
The Bobby Burns is a classic cocktail with a modern twist. It combines the smoky, woody notes of Scotch whisky with sweet vermouth for an extra layer of sweetness.
A few drops of aromatic bitters provide just the right amount of complexity to this drink, adding subtle herbal and citrus undertones that bring out its unique flavor profile. This combination creates a smooth, sophisticated taste that will please even the most discerning whiskey connoisseur.
This contemporary classic is easy to make and can be enjoyed by itself or as part of a larger selection of drinks. Serve it up neat in an old-fashioned glass or on the rocks in a highball glass – either way you’ll appreciate its balanced flavor profile! With each sip you’ll notice hints of smoke, caramel, spice and herbs that combine together into one truly enjoyable drinking experience.
3 Tips for Making Your Bobby Burns
- Choose a higher quality Scotch whisky to ensure the best flavor in your cocktail.
- Consider opting for an Italian sweet vermouth, as it tends to be slightly sweeter than French varieties and can provide extra depth of flavor.
- Try experimenting with different aromatic bitters until you find one that complements the other flavors in your drink perfectly!
