When you think of Scotch whisky, the idea of sipping it neat in a fancy sitting room that’s slowly filling with cigar smoke as you talk business probably comes to mind. Maybe there’s a vintage bar cart in the corner filled with elegant decanters and cut crystal glassware.
And while drinking Scotch neat or on the rocks is how many devotees savor it, it’s not the most approachable way for Scotch newbies. Luckily, there’s a simple cocktail that shows off Scotch’s complex flavors while mellowing out some of its harshness: the Rob Roy.
What is a Rob Roy drink?
The Rob Roy is a combination of Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters and a cherry garnish. According to lore, this cocktail was first served at the Waldorf Astoria in the 1890s. The name comes from the operetta “Rob Roy,” which was playing just down the street from the Waldorf.
Now that you know what goes into a Rob Roy, let’s get into how to make one—then you can try these other classic cocktails that deserve a comeback.
Ingredients for a Rob Roy
- Scotch whisky: You’ll need a true Scotch to make this cocktail. Bourbon or Irish whiskey won’t offer the smokiness since they both lean sweeter.
- Sweet vermouth: This botanical fortified wine balances the smoky Scotch with its sweetness.
- Bitters: Just like you’d add spices or herbs to a dinner recipe, you want to “season” cocktails for a better depth of flavor. This is basically what bitters do. The Angostura bitters used in a Rob Roy have a clove-like spiciness.
- Maraschino cherries: We love using Luxardo cherries when making cocktails because they add an upscale look to homemade drinks. The Luxardo version is made in Italy, and the brighter red maraschino version is produced in the U.S.
Directions
Step 1: Mix
Pour the Scotch, sweet vermouth and Angostura bitters into the mixing glass and fill it three-quarters full with ice. Then, with the cocktail spoon, gently stir the cocktail until the ingredients are mixed and chilled, about 20 to 30 seconds.
Step 2: PourÂ
Pop the strainer on your mixing glass and strain the Rob Roy into a coupe, martini or lowball glass.
Step 3: Garnish
Thread two maraschino cherries on a cocktail pick and balance it on the rim of your glass.
Rob Roy Recipe Variations
- Try a different vermouth: For a more bitter cocktail, swap the sweet vermouth for dry, and garnish with a twist of lemon instead of cherries.
- Change the bitters: Brighten this cocktail by using orange bitters in place of or in addition to the classic Angostura. Or really switch things up and try a Rob Roy with these cherry bark and vanilla bitters.
- Swap the spirit: Using rye, bourbon or Irish whiskey technically turns this into a different cocktail, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it a try! Any of our picks for the best whiskey brands would work well.
- Experiment with proportions: This recipe has a 2:1 ratio of Scotch to vermouth, but that’s not your only option. Increase he Scotch proportion to 3:1, 5:1 or even 15:1 for a dry Rob Roy. For a wet cocktail, increase the vermouth for a 1:1 ratio.
Can you store a Rob Roy cocktail?
No. Unlike sangria or certain spiked lemonades, we don’t recommend making Rob Roys ahead of time or storing them. The drink will taste freshest when the ingredients are stirred together just before serving.
Rob Roy Cocktail Recipe Tips
What’s the difference between a Rob Roy and a Manhattan?
If you thought a Rob Roy sounded familiar, it’s because it’s basically a Manhattan made with Scotch instead of whiskey. Outside of that, there’s no difference.
What Scotch is best for a Rob Roy?
We recommend using blended Scotch for this cocktail. Single malt is usually reserved for enjoying on its own and the intense flavors could throw the cocktail off. Plus, blended tends to be a more affordable choice, which is good for those just getting into Scotch.
