Burns Night: Rusty Nail

It’s January 25th, and all over Scotland, family and friends are getting together to celebrate the life of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet.

The highlight of the day is Burns Night.  While feasting on Haggis, guests read Burns work, and as you might guess, drink Scotch.

You are probably more familiar with the work of Burns than you might realize. Especially if you have ever sung in the New Year with Auld Lang Syne.  

While I won’t be making haggis this evening, I will don my kilt, and start the night off with a proper Scottish cocktail: The Rusty Nail

Rusty Nail

1 1/2 ounces Scotch
3/4 ounce Drambuie 

Pour the ingredients into an old fashioned glass with ice, and stir well.

I back off the Drambuie a bit, as I don’t want too much sweetness.  For the Scotch, I go between Glenlivet 15 year and Talisker 10.  If you prefer, you can also use a blended Scotch.

Scotch Drink
by Robert Burns

Let other poets raise a fracas
"Bout vines, an' wines, an' drucken Bacchus,
An' crabbit names an'stories wrack us,
An' grate our lug: I sing the juice Scotch bear can mak us,
In glass or jug.