Atholl Brose, a traditional Scottish Drink

Atholl Brose, a little history Late in 1475 a sentence of death and forfeiture was pronounced upon John, Lord of the Isles. The Earls of Atholl and Crawford were sent into the West with a fleet to enforce the sentence, and the rebellious Lord took to the hills. The Earl of Atholl discovered where the fugitive was drawing his water, and ordered the well be filled with a mixture of whiskey, honey and oatmeal, so as to beguile him into staying put while he surrounded the place. Thus was Lord John captured, and thus came into being “Atholl Brose”. Aye since he wore the tartan trews He dearly lo’ed the Atholl Brose. Note: Atholl Brose is traditionally served in Scotland on New Years Eve to the first guests crossing the threshold of the host’s home, hence it’s other name, First Footing.

Recipe Put 3 cups of oatmeal (Quaker Oatmeal, rolled oats, or steel cut oats) into a bowl and cover the level of oats with water. Cover the bowl and let soak overnight. Next day add water to just cover the oatmeal again and soak another 2-3 hours. Strain the oat water out of the oatmeal through a kitchen strainer or cheese cloth. Save the oat water, and discard the oatmeal (or have for breakfast, lunch or dinner). Add 2 cups honey to the oat water, and 4 cups single malt scotch whiskey (Tomatin 12 year old scotch is what I use). Stir slowly, traditionally a silver spoon is used.

Mix well and bottle. Before serving, mix well as the oat/honey mixture will settle. Serve straight, over ice or with cream. Enjoy!