Your Ultimate Guide to Celebrating Burns Night with a Burns Supper
January can feel dull and dreary, especially after the excitement and festivities of the holidays. But there is one evening that we thoroughly look forward to during the first month of the year–Burns Night. On January 25, the people of Scotland (and revelers around the world) come together to celebrate one of their most beloved writers, Robert Burns. The evening is marked by a feast, multiple toasts, songs, and Burns poetry recitals, making it a great excuse to host family and friends for a cozy, enjoyable evening.
To learn more about Burns Night and why it’s so special to the people of Scotland, we chatted with Aeneas O'Hara, CEO and Founder of Away from the Ordinary, a company that crafts tailor-made travel experiences in Scotland. With his expertise, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to celebrating Burns Night so you can enjoy this winter holiday as much as we do.
"Dana Linnet Speaking at Burns Supper" by usembassylondon is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
Who was Robert Burns?
Robert Burns (familiarly known as “Rabbie”) was born on January 25, 1759 in Alloway in Ayrshire. Though his upbringing on the family farm was nothing fancy, his parents were able to give him a decent education. He wrote his first poem at age 15 and became known for his love of women, booze, and dark humor.
“Scotland has a deep love of storytelling and the written word: Both are woven into the fabric of who we are as a nation,” O’Hara says. “Scotland is lucky enough to have a plethora of incredible writers but Burns holds a very special place in most people's hearts. He represents a down to earth sensibility, but at the same time, his ideas and writing are aloft with ideas and aspiration. There is a deep compassion felt in his words which still feels relevant today. This humanity is matched with a dark and sometimes wolfish sense of humor, which is hard to resist.”
While The Scots love to celebrate Rabbie Burns, it’s the act of gathering and merrymaking that most people really enjoy. “More than anything else, Burns Night offers a perfect opportunity to celebrate and come together, which is definitely something we all need at the moment,” O’Hara adds.
What to Eat & Drink
You can’t celebrate Burns Night without great food and drinks. While there are a few Scottish dishes that are typically served, it’s easy to make it your own when hosting a gathering at home. The traditional main course of Haggis–a savory pudding made with suet, sheep offal, oatmeal, and spices that is cooked in a sheep’s stomach–might be daunting to prepare for first-timers, so O’Hara insists that an alternative dish can be just as delectable. “I would recommend something like lamb meatballs,” he says. “They offer a delicious substitute, providing a meaty and soulful feast which will fill the stomach. You also still get a connection to the land which inspired Burns.”
Cock-a-leekie–a soup made with chicken stock, leeks, and thickened with rice or barley–makes for a wonderful starter, while mashed neeps and tatties (aka turnips and potatoes) is a traditional side that’s easy to prepare. O’Hara suggests slotting in a cheese course because it pairs well with Scotch, especially if you can get your hands on a Scottish cheddar or blue cheese. “For dessert, traditional Scottish shortbread is surprisingly easy to make, and there are plenty of recipes online,” O’Hara says. “Cranachan, paired with an end of the evening whisky, is also a delight.” The latter is a Burns Night tradition that’s made with berries, cream, honey, whisky, and toasted oatmeal.
Libations are always in order on Burns Night, and scotch is the drink of choice. “Often, I have found that starting the evening with a whisky cocktail, rather than something neat, will help many people ease into the evening,” O’Hara says. You can’t go wrong with a classic like a Rob Roy, Penicillin, or Blood and Sand, but feel free to mix up whatever your palate is craving.
After everyone has finished their welcome cocktails, it’s time to bring out the good stuff. “In my opinion, there is no better way to enjoy a Burns celebration than with a series of storied Scottish single malt whiskies,” O’Hara says. “Scottish whisky is narrative in a glass, so it matches perfectly with the inspired poetry of Rabbie Burns.” If you need inspiration on what to drink, Away from the Ordinary has curated two scotch tasting sets that are perfect for toasting on Burns Night.
Toasts, Poetry & Songs
During a traditional Burns Supper, there is a specific order of toasts and poems to enjoy at certain points during the evening. “However, in the spirit of the man who inspired the celebrations, hosts should feel free to select the poetry which they feel most connected to,” O’Hara says. He suggests buying a physical copy of a Burns book, which is widely available in the United States, so you can pick and choose from the many different poems and songs.
“The Toast to the Lassies and the Reply to the Toast the Lassies are usually highly enjoyable and very tongue in cheek, although they can occasionally cause a slightly raucous atmosphere,” O’Hara says. “Personally, my favorite is To A Mouse, a beautiful poem where a farmer accidentally destroys a mouse's home right before winter. The farmer's deep sadness at this highlights Burns' compassion and connection to the natural world.”
O’Hara adds that A Red, Red Rose is another great poem, especially if you want to add a romantic flourish, and no Burns Night is complete without singing Auld Lang Syne before the festivities come to a close.
In the end, O’Hara says there is no wrong way to celebrate Burns Night, but these expert suggestions will help you tailor the occasion to your liking. “Most important is a willingness to engage and have fun,” he adds. “Burns evenings are about celebrating inclusiveness and human connection. Let the poetry and conversation flow as freely as the whisky and let yourself embrace an evening of true Scottish hospitality.” And don’t forget to check our guide to Eloquent Toasts for Burns Night!
More Scotch
Looking for more outstanding bottles of whisky to enjoy on Burns Night and beyond? You won’t go wrong with any of these Double Gold winners of the 2021 New York International Spirits Competition:
