Robert Burns Portrait – Born Jan 25, 1759 – Died Jul 21, 1796.
Since 1801, Burns Night has been held annually on January 25. Over the last 200 plus years, it has grown into an institution of Scottish life, celebrating the life and poetry of one of the world’s most popular writers, Robert Burns. Burns is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland. He’s best known worldwide for penning his poem in 1788, turned into song that we all sing at the stroke of midnight on New Years Eve, Auld Lang Syne.
Burns Night is marked by an evening of traditional Scottish elements, including bagpipes, Scottish fare, poetry and of course Scotch whisky. A Burns Night Supper makes for a truly unique and animated celebration.
How to Celebrate Burns Night
Not Sure How to Celebrate Burns Night? In case you missed the memo over the last two hundred years on how to celebrate Burns Night you’re in luck, here’s a step-by-step Infographic to help you celebrate in true Scottish style. Here’s a hint, grab a bottle of Scotch, open it, pour it slowly into glass over ice, neat if you prefer, then sip and enjoy. Everything on the list is totally optional.
This Burns Night “How To” infographic is your guide to what to eat, drink, and how to celebrate along with some fun facts to break out at your Burns Night party. We’ve also included the words to Auld Lang Syne, you see, it’s not just for New Years Eve.
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Guide to the Ultimate Burns Night Infographic
Click the image to see it full size.
Enjoy these two Burns Night Cocktails
Tam O’Shanter – By NYC mixologist Andrey Kalinin
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 parts Scotch Whisky
- 1/2 part Drambuie® Liqueur
- 1 part Red Wine
- 3 dashes Orange Bitters
- Orange Peel (for garnish)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients together in a mixing glass and stir.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass (served up).
- Garnish with a flamed orange twist.
Ode to Whisky [Sour] – By NYC mixologist Andrey Kalinin
Ingredients
- 2 parts Scotch Whisky
- 3/4 part Lemon Juice
- 3/4 part Honey Syrup
- 3 dashes bitters
- 1 Egg White
- Fresh Cardamom (for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker.
- Dry shake (if using egg white).
- Add ice and shake vigorously.
- Pour into a coupe or martini glass (served up).
- Garnish with cardamom flakes.
The Words to Auld Lang Syne
Should Old Acquaintance be forgot,
and never thought upon;
The flames of Love extinguished,
and fully past and gone:
Is thy sweet Heart now grown so cold,
that loving Breast of thine;
That thou canst never once reflect
On old long syne.
- CHORUS:
- On old long syne my Jo,
On old long syne,
That thou canst never once reflect,
On old long syne.
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