A Festive Scottish Sip.
It’s Christmas and the sideboard (or your classy 1930s drinks trolley) will be groaning with the usual suspects. This year that number should include a bottle of Drambuie. One sip will tell you why.
A good few decades ago we didn’t have the amazing drink choices we have these days, but it was likely that there was that instantly recognisable bottle of this unique whisky-based liqueur. If it has fallen out of fashion, then I don’t know why, and I am driven to conclude that it’s just an unfortunate fad.
Drambuie is a classic, and especially during the festive season. Drambuie is a whisky liqueur, a blend of aged Scotch whisky infused with sweet heather honey along with aromatic herbs and spices. It is the oldest British whisky liqueur brand and can be traced to a secret recipe created for Bonnie Prince Charlie by his Royal Apothecary in the 18th Century. There is a legend which says that after the Battle of Culloden, he gave the secret recipe for his personal liqueur to John MacKinnon, the clan leader. It’s a lovely story but, true or not, the taste will have you convinced.
Drambuie has whisky to the fore but is mellow with honey and other aromatics. It’s the drink of choice for whisky lovers who didn’t think they liked liqueurs, and of liqueur lovers who didn’t think they liked whisky. It’s perfect when served neat or over a large clear rock – but it’s a versatile drink too. Drizzle some over vanilla ice cream, add a shot to trifle, spoon over a ginger or marmalade pudding.
Iconic Drambuie is a Christmas and Hogmanay tradition for many of us. So – Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna mhath ùr! (Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!)
Learn more about Drambuie here