Channel your inner Ron Swanson with this distinguished Scotch cocktail! 🏴 It’s basically Parks & Rec meets Outlander in a glass, and we’re here for it! 🥃
Frank Meier’s version of this drink in The artistry of mixing drinks (1936) calls for one part sweet vermouth and one part dry vermouth. For this recipe, we’ve chosen a more contemporary version of the popular cocktail.
The Scottish Connection
Named after Scotland’s beloved poet Robert Burns, this cocktail was originally created in the early 1900s 🏴. Fun fact: It’s traditionally served on Burns Night (January 25th) alongside haggis and poetry readings!
The Bobby Burns has seen many variations over the years, from Frank Meier’s equal-parts version to modern interpretations. Today’s version strikes the perfect balance between spirit-forward and sophisticated.


Best Ingredients for a Bobby Burns:
Scotch
- Compass Box Great King Street Artist’s Blend (my personal favorite)
- Johnnie Walker Black Label
- Monkey Shoulder
- Famous Grouse
Sweet Vermouth
- Carpano Antica Formula (the gold standard)
- Cocchi Vermouth di Torino
- Martini & Rossi Rosso
Bénédictine
- There’s only one producer of genuine Bénédictine D.O.M.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re celebrating Burns Night or just in need of a sophisticated sipper, this Bobby Burns cocktail delivers perfectly balanced flavors with true Scottish soul! Just remember: drinking it doesn’t make you a poet, but it might make you think you are!