Today in 1759, Robert Burns was born in Ayrshire, Scotland. He became the country's most famous poet and lyricist, was known as Bard of Ayrshire, and in Scotland simply as The Bard. He wrote the song “Auld Lang Syne,” is considered a pioneer of the Romantic movement, and was influential to the Socialist movement after his death. He remains an important cultural icon in Scotland.

Why do we care about all this? Because there's a cocktail name after him, of course!

The Bobby Burns, which first appeared in Harry Craddock's 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book, is made with Scotch (of course), and is similar to a Rob Roy except that it takes a couple of dashes of Benedictine, for a smooth, herbal drink. Scotch cocktails are both trendy right now and often not very good (or at least not as good as the scotch would have been on its own) but this drink puts its odd peaty characteristics in the best light.

So cheers to Robert Burns — happy birthday, Bard!

Bobby Burns Cocktail

Makes 1 cocktail

Note: Adapted from The Savoy Cocktail Book: The Savoy calls for equal parts Scotch and vermouth, but we've adapted for a more modern, boozy cocktail.

2 ounces blended Scotch whisky

1 ounce Italian vermouth, such as Punt E Mes

1 dash angostura bitters

2 dashes Benedictine

1. Stir with ice and strain into a cocktail glass

2. Garnish with lemon twist

See also:

Cocktail Nerdom: Prohibition, Those Who Flouted It + Eric Alperin's Scofflaw Cocktail Recipe

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