Bobby Burns Cocktail Recipe

The Bobby Burns is a cocktail with history, character, and a touch of Scottish pride. Named after Scotland’s beloved poet, Robert Burns, this drink is a must for whisky lovers who appreciate a smooth, well-balanced sip.

The Bobby Burns cocktail recipe dates back to the early 1900s, first appearing as the “Baby Burns” before evolving into the version we enjoy today. Made with Scotch, sweet vermouth, and a hint of herbal liqueur, it’s a sophisticated yet approachable drink that’s perfect for any occasion.

If you’re looking to mix up something classic yet easy to make, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into its origins, key ingredients, and how to craft the perfect Bobby Burns at home. Grab your favorite Scotch, and let’s get shaking!

Ingredients for a Classic Bobby Burns Cocktail

A great Bobby Burns cocktail recipe starts with the right ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating this smooth, well-balanced Scotch classic. Let’s break them down and talk about why they matter.

Scotch Whisky

For a Bobby Burns, we go with blended Scotch. It’s smoother and more balanced in a cocktail, while single malts can be a bit too bold.

Brands like Monkey Shoulder, Chivas Regal, or Famous Grouse are solid choices. They bring great flavor without breaking the bank. If you want to level it up, a 12-year-old Scotch adds just the right mix of smoothness and complexity.

Sweet Vermouth

This is where the magic happens. Sweet vermouth balances out the smoky, malty notes of Scotch with a touch of sweetness and herbal depth.

We lean toward drier, more botanical vermouths like Noilly Prat or Carpano Antica. They add just enough complexity without overpowering the drink.

You might also like: Best Vermouth Cocktails

Benedictine Liqueur

This herbal liqueur is what makes the Bobby Burns stand out. With 27 secret ingredients, Benedictine brings layers of honeyed herbs and warm spice.

Instead of bitters, we use Benedictine to tie everything together. Its slight sweetness smooths out the Scotch and vermouth, creating a rich and balanced sip.

Optional Garnishes

A twist of lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy note that lifts the drink’s aroma and flavor.

And if you want to take the experience up a notch, pair it with some shortbread. It’s a simple nod to Scottish tradition and a perfect match for the cocktail’s herbal notes—especially for a Burns Night toast.

How to Make a Bobby Burns Cocktail

Let’s mix up a Bobby Burns cocktail the right way. We only need a few key ingredients and tools, so let’s get started.

First, we grab a mixing glass and fill it with ice. This chills everything and sets us up for a perfectly balanced drink.

Next, we measure out our blended Scotch and pour it in. Then, we add sweet vermouth and a splash of Benedictine. These three ingredients work together to create a smooth, rich flavor.

Now for the most important step. We always stir this cocktail, never shake it. Stirring keeps the drink silky smooth and crystal clear. About 30 seconds does the trick, chilling everything and adding just the right amount of dilution.

Once it is ready, we strain it into a chilled coupe glass. For the final touch, we express a lemon peel over the drink to bring out a bright citrus aroma. We can drop it in as a garnish or go for a cocktail cherry instead.

The full recipe card is below, but these steps will help you craft a Bobby Burns with confidence. Now, let’s mix one up and enjoy a classic.

Related: Shaken vs. Stirred: How to Mix Cocktails?

Variations of the Bobby Burns Cocktail

We love experimenting with classic cocktails, and the Bobby Burns is perfect for a little creativity. Here are some fun ways to put a twist on this Scottish favorite.

• For a bolder Scotch flavor, we bump up the whisky to 2 ounces and slightly reduce the vermouth and Benedictine. This version is stronger and really lets the Scotch take center stage.
• Prefer a sweeter sip? Try doubling the Benedictine. This enhances the honeyed herbal notes, giving the drink a richer, almost dessert-like quality.
• Feeling adventurous? Swap the Scotch for Irish whiskey and create an “Irish Bobby Burns.” It’s a smoother, slightly lighter take but just as flavorful.
• For a modern twist, replace Benedictine with green Chartreuse or Amaro. These add bold herbal or bitter notes that bring a fresh depth to the cocktail.
• Looking for expert-approved flavors? The Cocktail Codex version features Compass Box Great King Street Artist’s Blend Scotch with Cocchi di Torino vermouth and yellow Chartreuse. It’s a beautifully balanced take on the classic.

Now it’s your turn! Try one of these variations or create your own unique spin. Which version is your favorite? Snap a photo, share your thoughts, and tag us. We’d love to see how you make the Bobby Burns your own!

Other Scotch-based Cocktails to Try

If we love a Bobby Burns, there are plenty of other Scotch cocktails worth exploring. Here are a few classics we should add to our list.

• Rob Roy
• Rusty Nail
• Blood & Sand
• Penicillin

Which one will you try first? Let us know what you think or share your favorite Scotch cocktail with us!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history of the Bobby Burns cocktail?

The Bobby Burns cocktail dates back to the early 1900s, first appearing in Fancy Drinks around 1900 and later in The Savoy Cocktail Book in 1930. Over the years, bartenders have adjusted the ingredient ratios, but its deep connection to Scotland remains. It belongs to the family of classic Scotch-based cocktails that highlight the whisky’s complexity.

Why is the Bobby Burns cocktail named after Robert Burns?

The Bobby Burns cocktail is named after Robert Burns, Scotland’s most famous poet known for writing Auld Lang Syne. Some believe the drink was created to honor Burns Night, an annual celebration held on January 25th in his memory. While the exact origins of the name are debated, most agree it pays tribute to Scotland’s national bard.

What does a Bobby Burns cocktail taste like?

A Bobby Burns cocktail has a smooth and rich flavor with herbal and slightly sweet notes. Scotch whisky provides a malty or smoky base, sweet vermouth adds bitterness and aromatics, and Benedictine contributes a touch of honeyed herbs. It tastes similar to a Rob Roy or Manhattan but has a unique depth from the Benedictine.

How strong is a Bobby Burns cocktail?

A Bobby Burns cocktail has an alcohol content of approximately 25 to 30 percent ABV. This makes it as strong as a Manhattan or Martini. Since no mixers are added to dilute the drink, it remains bold and full-flavored.

What is the best Scotch for a Bobby Burns cocktail?

Blended Scotch works best for a Bobby Burns because it balances well with the other ingredients. Popular choices include Monkey Shoulder, Chivas Regal, and Famous Grouse. A 12-year-old Scotch is ideal as it adds complexity without overpowering the drink. While single malt can be used, it may alter the flavor profile.

What is the best vermouth for a Bobby Burns cocktail?

A drier, more botanical vermouth works well in a Bobby Burns cocktail. Noilly Prat and Carpano Antica are excellent choices. The type of vermouth used affects the cocktail’s sweetness and herbal complexity. A richer vermouth creates a sweeter drink, while an Italian-style vermouth adds more bitterness.

What are some similar cocktails to the Bobby Burns?

Several cocktails have similar elements to the Bobby Burns. The Rob Roy is a Scotch Manhattan that uses bitters instead of Benedictine. The Rusty Nail combines Scotch with Drambuie for a smoother, honeyed flavor. The Manhattan swaps Scotch for rye or bourbon, offering a spicier taste. The Blood and Sand blends Scotch with orange juice and cherry liqueur for a fruitier take.

Bobby Burns Cocktail Recipe

The Bobby Burns cocktail is a Scotch classic, perfect for cozy evenings or when we want something rich and refined. With its smooth whisky base, herbal depth, and just the right touch of sweetness, this drink is a must-try. Let’s walk through how to make it at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Servings 1

Equipment

• Mixing Glass
• Bar Spoon
• Jigger or measuring tool
• Hawthorne Strainer
• Coupe or martini glass
• Peeler or paring knife (for lemon zest)

Ingredients

  

• 2 oz Blended Scotch Whisky 12-year-old preferred
• 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 1/2 oz Benedictine Liqueur
• Lemon zest for garnish

Instructions

 

• Place a coupe or martini glass in the freezer to chill. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
• Pour in 2 oz Scotch, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and 1/2 oz Benedictine. Stir gently for about 30 seconds until well chilled.
• Strain the mixture into the chilled glass.
• Twist a lemon peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it in or discard it based on preference.

Notes

• Use a smooth, well-aged Scotch. It blends better with the other ingredients.
• Always use fresh vermouth. Old vermouth loses its flavor fast, so keep it refrigerated after opening.
• Adjust the Benedictine to taste. If we prefer a drier drink, we can start with a little less.
• Chill the glass before serving. This keeps the cocktail crisp and refreshing.

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