A Simple Guide to Creating Whisky Sauce for Haggis
Are you ready to take your meals to the next level and experiment with our whisky? If so, whisky sauce is the perfect condiment to start integrating into your meals.
Whisky sauce is commonly paired with haggis, dating back to Scotland's culinary heritage. This elegant whisky sauce elevates the flavour of haggis, creating a one-of-a-kind dish.
Whether you’re celebrating Burns Night or having a simple night in, we’ll walk you through creating whisky sauce to impress your guests and bring Scottish tradition into your own home.
What is Whisky Sauce?
Whisky sauce is a delicious, creamy condiment that adds an extra layer of flavour to a variety of dishes. However, it’s most commonly paired with haggis.
This sauce is created by combining the smoky flavours of whisky with cream, shallots, and mustard for a flavorful sauce.
The subtle tang of whisky sauce, along with its sweet and smoky flavour, pairs perfectly with the earthy and spicy notes of haggis. However, it can also improve the flavour of roasted meats, grilled vegetables, and even seafood, providing a sophisticated touch to any meal.
Choosing the Right Whisky
With so many varieties of whisky available, choosing the right one for your sauce may seem daunting.
To make your decision easier, we’ve broken down the characteristics of different whisky types:
- Single malt whisky: This is known for its rich, nuanced flavours. It often features notes of peat, smoke, fruit, and oak. This is particularly good for pairing with haggis.
- Blended whisky: Blended whisky has a smoother and lighter consistency, making it perfect for those looking for a milder sauce.
- Bourbon: This American whisky has a sweeter flavour with combinations of vanilla, oak, and caramel notes. This is ideal for those who love a mix of sweet and savoury meals.
Ingredients
- 100ml (about ⅓ cup) of whisky
- 200ml (about ¾ cup) of double cream
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 2 small shallots, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 clove of garlic (optional)
- Thyme and parsley (optional)
A Step-by-Step Recipe for Whisky Sauce
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to get into the cooking process for whisky sauce:
1. Sauté the Shallots
Melt two tablespoons of butter in a medium-sized pan on medium heat. Then, add the finely chopped shallots to the pan with minced garlic, if you prefer.
Cook the shallots for around 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they appear soft and translucent. Don’t let them turn brown, as this can affect the flavour of the sauce.
2. Add the Whisky
Pour 100 ml of whisky into the pan with the sautéed shallots, increasing the heat slightly to allow them to gently simmer.
To concentrate the whisky flavour and cook off some of the alcohol, allow the whisky to simmer for 2-3 minutes or until it has reduced by half.
3. Incorporate the Cream and Mustard
Reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly add 200 ml of double cream, stirring frequently until it blends well with the whisky.
Then, add one tablespoon of Dijon mustard and stir thoroughly. Continue to simmer the sauce for around 3-4 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
4. Season your sauce
Add salt and pepper to your sauce to enhance the taste. Add as much or as little as you prefer.
Simmer the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thin, let it simmer a bit longer, and if it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or cream.
5. Add in Optional Ingredients
If desired, add in your thyme and parsley for an extra layer of flavour.
Taste the sauce to see if it's to your liking. If it’s too strong, add a small amount of honey or brown sugar to balance the flavours.
Serving Suggestions
When presenting your sauce, place a generous amount of haggis in the centre of the plate and gently drip your sauce over the top, allowing it to drizzle down the sides.
Add some fresh parsley or thyme on top for a dash of colour and flavour. Pair it with some roasted root vegetables, green vegetables, or Scottish neeps and tatties for a delicious meal.
You could even add some small edible flowers for a touch of elegance and use a ring mould to shape the haggis in a neat circle for a beautiful presentation.
Pair Your Sauce With Our Whisky
No meal is complete without a good glass of whisky to go with it.
Our whisky selection is perfect for trying out new tastes and testing how well they pair with haggis. Each box comes with five miniature whiskies for a luxurious drinking experience.
If you like what you see, you can join our whisky subscription to have a fresh box of whisky delivered to your door every three months!