Burns Night is one of those occasions that could be intimidating unless you realise it’s really just a great excuse to share a plate, a dram and some poetry with good people.
You don’t need tartan curtains, a piper, or the ability to recite Address to a Haggis from memory. Don’t get me wrong - the piper helps. But what you lack in friends with musical talent you can make up for in some decent whisky and a Spotify playlist.
Here’s how to host a Burns Supper that keeps things relaxed, and properly celebratory.
First Things First: What Actually Is a Burns Supper?
A Burns Supper or Burns Night Dinner is held on or around 25 January, celebrating the life and poetry of Robert (Rabbie) Burns. Traditionally, the evening includes:
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A welcome dram
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A meal centred around haggis
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A reading of Address to a Haggis
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A toast to the haggis
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Eating the haggis
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More whisky (duh.)
Now I know what you're thinking - 4 of these steps are just centred around serving, celebrating and eating the haggis. You are correct. Moving on...
The Welcome Dram.
Dram #1: Lochlea Dark Briar, The tone setter
Lochlea Dark Briar is a brilliant opener. It’s rich, dark-fruited and quietly elegant, without being overpowering. Think berries, gentle spice and a soft sweetness that works beautifully before food.
Serve this as guests arrive.
Next, The Meal.
This is not the night to attempt a seven-course tasting menu. Burns Suppers are comforting, forgiving and more about keeping the laughter and music (and whisky) flowing.
Classic Starters (Choose One)
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Smoked salmon with oatcakes and crème fraîche
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A simple leek and potato soup
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Cullen skink if you’re feeling confident
The Main Event
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Haggis, neeps and tatties
Buy a good-quality haggis (traditional or vegetarian), mash your tatties with an unhealthy amount of butter and maybe cream, and roast them neeps. That’s it. Don’t overthink it.
**Haggis bon bons are also a wonderful option if you’re not wanting a full sit down meal
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Include gravy or whisky cream sauce
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Serve your 2nd dram. I recommend pouring a bit over your haggis. GO ON DON’T BE SHY.
Dram #2: The Glendronach Ode to the Valley
Ode to the Valley is layered, sherried and deeply satisfying – exactly what you want alongside haggis and all the trimmings.
It’s robust enough to stand up to rich, savoury flavours, but still bright and expressive.
Puddings
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Cranachan (1. Toast some oats 2. Puree raspberries with a bit of caster sugar 3. Whisk double cream till set and fold in honey 4. Layer cream, oats and raspberries. Voila!)
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A good cheese board with oatcakes
Dram #3: Ardbeg Uigeadail, the Memory Maker
Uigeadail is unapologetic. Big smoke, dark sweetness - this dram has main character energy - and with the main meal out of the way this is it's time to shine.
With a good after dinner dram, the conversation will start to get louder, which raises the stakes for any poetry readings to become more animated than the ones before. If decorum gets thrown out the window directly after pudding, you've done a good job.
Addressing The Aforementioned Haggis.
Now, I have been to Burns Nights where multiple readings of The Bard's work are recited through the night; I have also been to Burns Nights that had a bad poetry contest which all guests MUST enter - the more painful, the more rewarded; However I believe that the one poem that should be delivered on the night for it to truly feel like a Burns Supper is Address to The Haggis. It's most lovely if you have a nominated Scot at the event to do the honours, however a few of you taking turns line by line is also very effective. BYO dagger.
And that's really it! Good food. Great whisky. Even better company. And perhaps a bit of a knees up afterward.
In case of emergency: Just top up some glasses and blast The Proclaimers.
Want to join Spirited for our annual Robbie Burns Supper? Here are the details!
