The Rob Roy cocktail brings together elegance and bold character in a single glass. The rich, smoky notes of Scotch whisky blend beautifully with the velvety sweetness of vermouth, while Angostura bitters add a subtle touch of spice. Although it closely resembles the beloved Manhattan cocktail, the Rob Roy sets itself apart by using Scotch whisky instead of rye or bourbon. At first glance the swap may seem minor; however, Scotch transforms the drink completely, giving it a deeper, more complex personality.
Story
The Rob Roy cocktail first appeared in 1894 at the Waldorf Astoria bar in New York. It takes its name from the famous Scottish folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor, a legendary outlaw often compared to Robin Hood. At the time, the Manhattan cocktail had already been a major success since the 1880s, dominating gentlemen’s clubs and elegant bars. Even so, the Rob Roy quickly found its own audience and soon secured a place among the classic whisky-based cocktails.
Ingredients
2 oz (60 ml) Scotch whisky (preferably blended or slightly peaty)
¾ oz (22.5 ml) sweet red vermouth
3 dashes Angostura bitters
How to Make a Rob Roy Cocktail
First, pour the Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters into a mixing glass. Add plenty of ice, then stir with a bar spoon for about 25–30 seconds to properly chill and dilute the drink. Once well chilled, strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass, keeping the texture smooth and crystal clear.
Serving and Garnish
The Rob Roy cocktail is traditionally served in a coupe or martini glass. For garnish, add a maraschino cherry or, if you prefer a brighter aroma, a spiral of lemon peel.
Calorie Content
A single serving of a Rob Roy cocktail contains approximately 160–170 calories, depending primarily on the alcohol content of the Scotch and the sugar content of the vermouth.