Bobby Burns recipe
Scotch, sweet vermouth, and Benedictine make a honeyed, quietly smoky alternative to a Rob Roy.
Method: Stir ·
Glass: Coupe glass ·
Time: 3 min ·
Difficulty: Intermediate ·
Family: The Martini Family
Ingredients
- 2 oz Blended Scotch Whisky
- 3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 1/4 oz Benedictine
- 1 dash Orange Bitters (optional)
How to make a Bobby Burns
- Chill a coupe glass.
- Add Scotch, sweet vermouth, Benedictine, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir for 25 seconds until cold and smooth.
- Strain into the chilled glass.
- Express a lemon twist over the drink before serving.
Garnish
Lemon twist.
Pro tip
Choose a blended Scotch with soft honey and orchard-fruit notes. Heavy smoke can overpower Benedictine very quickly.
History of the Bobby Burns
Named for the Scottish poet Robert Burns, this Scotch variation appeared in printed drink books in the early twentieth century. The extra Benedictine is what separates it from a simple Rob Roy.
Flavour profile
Honey, Herbal, Malt, Citrus
Variations
- Smoky Bobby Burns — Float 1/4 oz of lightly peated Scotch over the finished drink.
- Dry Bobby Burns — Reduce sweet vermouth to 1/2 oz and add an extra dash of bitters.
- Bobby Burns on Ice — Serve over one large cube in a rocks glass for a slower sip.
Practise making the Bobby Burns in the free Virtual Bar game.