Skip to main content

We're sorry Ballantines.com won't work in this browser

Try the Edge browser

8 whisky cocktails to drink with your Burns Night supper

ballantines finest 12 atholl brose new aspect ratio 16 9

On January 25th, Scots and poets come together to honour the life and words of Robert Burns. This annual celebration marks a national treasure. And there’s plenty of ways to get involved. From addressing the haggis to poetic readings, Burns Night traditions are far and wide. And one tradition we can get behind is a glass or two of whisky. Specifically, scotch whisky, seeing as this is a Scottish celebration.

What do you drink on Burns night?

It wouldn’t be Burns Night without scotch whisky. Celebrating with a dram is a Scottish tradition. And Scotland’s national day is no different. Sip it neat, in a classic Old Fashioned or warm up with a Hot Toddy. From a scotch on the rocks to a modern whisky cocktail, there’s plenty of ways to join in.

So raise a toast to Robert Burns with our best Burns Night cocktails.

Bobby Burns

Where better to start than a drink named after the man himself. The Bobby Burns is a simple classic created in honour of Scotland’s national bard. You’ll want to drink this one till the wee hours.

Whisky, sweet vermouth and herbal bitters combine to create a smoky, sweet flavour that we love served neat with a lemon twist. Take a sip of this Burns Night drink between bites of haggis and raise a glass to Bobby.

Rob Roy

Another drink named after another national treasure. Scots really know how to celebrate their heroes. The Rob Roy cocktail pays tribute to Robert Roy MacGregor, a Robin Hood-like outlaw who helped the poor. And the drink’s just as legendary.

The classic recipe is whisky twist on a Manhattan cocktail, made with Ballantine’s 12 for extra warming smoothness. There’s also a bunch of Rob Roy cocktail variations you can remix to put your own spin on Burns Night drinking.

Scotch on the Rocks

Do as the Scots do and drink a dram of whisky neat. Or serve it chilled with a Scotch on the Rocks. A simple cube of ice (extra large to slow down the melt) elevates the whisky’s natural flavours. 

Use your favourite bottle of Ballantine’s, or if you don’t know where to start, serve up our 30 year old whisky. This rich, golden blend is powerful, luxurious and complex. Perfect for drinking this Burns Night.

b10 bottle shot Rob Roy 214 hero 1 (1)

Atholl Brose

Hold dessert, this Burns Night cocktail is taking centre stage. The Atholl Brose is an epic Scottish drink that deserves a place at your Burns Night supper. It’s sweet, creamy and seriously easy to sip all night long.

Serve after dinner, before dinner or alongside your last course to end on a sweet note. Made with honey, cream, Drambuie, oats and Ballantine’s whisky, there’s not much in this recipe that isn’t Scottish.

Old Fashioned

Celebrate Burns Night with a cocktail that’s said to be as old as the poet himself. The Old Fashioned is as good as they come. It’s perfectly smooth and spicy. The ultimate way to drink Ballantine’s 7 American Barrel, our take on a sweet bourbon.

Whisky, sugar, bitters and orange peel are the traditional ingredients to an Old Fashioned. But we’ve gone for extra citrus with dashes of orange bitters to contrast the sweetness of our scotch. Make it your way with our favourite Old Fashioned variations

Sazerac Twist

Add a bit of smokiness to your Burns Night celebrations with griddled meats, smoked salmon and our rich and smoky cocktail, the Sazerac. We’ve added a few twists to pump up the complex, spicy flavours. Notably bitters and absinthe, which both add a lingering herbal taste.

Make your Sazerac-style cocktail with Ballantine’s 17 Year Old, our velvety blend that has a subtle smoky depth.

Whisky Sour

Another whisky classic, another great cocktail for Burns Night. You can’t go wrong with a Whisky Sour. This silky, smooth drink highlights the best parts of scotch, adding a slightly sour tang with fresh lemon.

Drink it original, or do it your way with a Whisky Sour variation. We love a Cherry Whisky Sour for extra fruitiness or a New York Sour that adds an extra layer or red wine for spicing up those winter nights.

Whisky and Bitters

Whisky and Bitters is a classic combo – essentially an Old Fashioned without the orange, all you need is scotch, sugar and bitters. 

This simple drink is made for sharing – and impressing. Simple, sophisticated and seriously easy to make. The perfect Burns Night cocktail for when your supper’s coming to a close.

Discover more whisky cocktails to drink this Burns Night from classic serves to mixers and highballs. We’ve also got ideas on how to pair your whisky with food to inspire your Burns Night supper. Celebrate your way with Ballantine’s.

12 of the easiest scotch whisky cocktails anyone can make

Raise a glass to International Scotch Day with these easy scotch cocktails. Each is simple to make and guaranteed to be delicious.

Discover more

10 cocktails to make with Ballantine’s whisky this St Patrick’s Day

Discover 10 of the best whisky cocktails to sip this St Patrick’s Day including simple green-themed drinks, delicious beer mixers and celebratory tipples.

Discover more

Blog

You already know we’ve nailed the Finest Whisky to ever grace a glass. But that’s just a little drop of what we’re about. Scroll on for the latest news and features from across the world of Ballantine’s whisky, True Music and much, much more.

DISCOVER MORE