Scotch Cocktails for Burns Night 2014

Photo: Stuart Mullenburg

Burns night is, for the uninitiated, an often-rowdy night of Scotch-drinking, haggis-eating, kilt-wearing and bagpipe-wielding that happens every year on (or around) January 25 in honor of Scottish poet Robert Burns. Festivities generally involve a reading of one of Burns’ most famous pieces, ideally recited in a Highland brogue and enjoyed along with plenty of whisky. Want to celebrate like the Scots? Try mixing up one of these Scotch-soaked cocktails.

Scotch Lodge
Wrap yourself in the warmth of this rich, cozy Scotch cocktail from Portland’s Multnomah Whiskey Library.

The Smoking Gun
Two notoriously assertive ingredients—Scotch and Fernet Branca—balance each other out in this flavorful after-dinner sipper.

Islay Dawn 
The notoriously sea-salty, smoky bouquet of Islay Scotch is brought into the light with the addition of juicy-sweet elements like pear liqueur, fresh lemon juice and honey.

Dagny Taggart
Named for the fictional heroine in Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged, this cocktail combines Scotch with two Italian aperitifs to make one stunning sipper.

Golden Dog
Smoky, bold Scotch gets mellowed out with sweet, herbal Lillet and Benedictine. A bit of apricot brandy and a dash of bitters balance everything out.

El Nacional
The earthy richness of mezcal is paired with bitter orange and chocolate, then a few drops of smoky Islay Scotch boost this cocktail’s ethereal aromatics.

Odin’s Mead 
This potent combo of Scotch, heavy cream and beer takes its name from the infamous Norse god of wisdom, war and poetry, Odin.