IRN-BRU: The Other Scottish National Drink

I well remember the first time I tasted this poisonous-looking drink, called IRN-BRU, on our first trip to Scotland.

I’ve never seen anything like this before.

For me, it fell into the another-weird-Scottish-thing category. Much like haggis and fried Mars Bars.

The colour did put me off a bit at first. But it was also too tempting not to try it.

Plus, at that time you could only get it on the island. So it was now or never.

But first a wee bit of history.

This fizzy bright orange drink is as Scottish as it can get. It is iconic! I mean, it even has its own tartan. Of course, it does.

Scotland’s other national drink (screw whisky) was first launched in 1901.

Back then, it was meant to be a ‘healthier’ alternative to beer that was consumed in masses by steel workers in Glasgow.

So Barr came up with a tonic-like soft drink with loooots of sugar (told you ‘healthy’) and caffeine to keep them going. Iron Brew was born.

Why is it called IRN-BRU now? Well, it’s actually not brewed, so the name was a bit misleading and they had to change it in 1946.

By the way, locals often refer to it as ‘juice’, which is basically another Scottish word for ‘fizzy drink’.

Now, the most interesting question. What does it taste like? A question that divides the nation …

So, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect.

Its orange colour might indicate something Fanta, orangey-like taste maybe.

Some do say it does taste like orange. Some get a hint of blackberry?!

Or even better, a sweetened version of Listerine. Never used Listerine, so can’t comment on this one unfortunately …

For me it’s bubble gum. 100%. The one you had as a kid.

The original recipe contains 32 flavours. Mostly artificial, I’d say ... And like it is the case with Coca Cola, the recipe remains a secret.

To finish off some more unusual ways to consume your juice.

As you know, baking is my thing. So I wondered how you could use IRN-BRU as an ingredient.

What about combining a very British bake with THE Scottish cult drink? I’m talking IRN-BRU Scones. Sounds yum? Is yum! Check out this recipe.

Here’s another one. Forget about the red velvet cake, let’s go orange all over with these delicious IRN-BRU cupcakes.

Maybe baking isn’t your thing and you want to stick to the liquid version? No worries. IRN-BRU also makes a great mixer.

Give your G&T a twist or turn it into a Margarita. Time to get creative.

The Edinburgh Fringe Madness