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Atholl Brose

The Quirky Foodster Team

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10 min plus overnight soaking
Prep
0 min
Cook
4
Servings

Ingredients

  • 100g (1 cup) pinhead oatmeal
  • 250ml (1 cup) cold water
  • 120ml (1/2 cup) Scotch whisky
  • 3 tbsp runny honey
  • 100ml (1/3 cup plus 1 tbsp) double cream

Method

  1. Soak the oatmeal in the cold water in a bowl, cover and leave overnight at room temperature.
  2. The next day, strain through a fine sieve or muslin cloth into a jug, pressing to extract the milky oat liquid, and discard the solids.
  3. Stir the honey into the oat liquid until fully dissolved.
  4. Add the whisky and stir well to combine.
  5. Lightly whip the cream to soft peaks and fold gently into the mixture before serving in small glasses.

Introduction: Atholl Brose is a centuries-old Scottish drink combining oatmeal, honey, whisky and cream, said to date back to the 15th century Earls of Atholl.

Cultural Background: Atholl Brose is a centuries-old Scottish drink combining oatmeal, honey, whisky and cream, said to date back to the 15th century Earls of Atholl. Traditionally the oats are soaked in water, strained to extract a milky liquid, then blended with honey and whisky, producing a rich, warming drink often served at Hogmanay and other winter celebrations.

Tips: Press the soaked oats firmly through the sieve to extract as much of the creamy liquid as possible. Serve well chilled in small glasses, as this is a rich, potent drink meant for sipping.

Variations: Omit the cream for a lighter, more traditional version closer to the original historic recipe. Use heather honey for a more distinctly Scottish floral note. Naturally vegetarian; use a plant-based cream alternative to make fully vegan.

Storage: Refrigerate in a sealed bottle or jug for up to 3 days; stir well before serving as it may separate.

Reheating: Not applicable; this drink is served cold.

Nutrition: Calories: 260 kcal, Protein: 2g, Carbs: 22g, Fat: 10g, Fibre: 2g

FAQs:

Q: Can I make Atholl Brose without alcohol?

A: The whisky is central to this traditional drink, but a non-alcoholic version can be made by omitting it, though it will taste quite different.

Q: How long does the oatmeal need to soak?

A: An overnight soak, around 8-12 hours, gives the best creamy extraction from the oats.

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