Rob Roy
A classic Scotch cocktail combining whisky, sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters.
Drink details
Glass
Coupe Glass
Ice
No Ice
Method
Stirred
Strength
Strong
Servings
1
Recipe
Ingredients
Blended Scotch Whisky
60 ml
Sweet Vermouth
30 ml
Angostura Bitters
2 dashes
Garnish
Maraschino Cherry
1 piece
Rating
Rate this drink
Method
Preparation
- 1
Add the Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth and Angostura bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- 2
Stir until well chilled and properly diluted.
- 3
Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
About the Rob Roy
The Rob Roy is a classic Scotch whisky cocktail closely related to the Manhattan. Traditionally traced to New York City in the 1890s, it replaces the Manhattan's American whiskey with Scotch while retaining sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters. This substitution gives the drink a distinctly malty and sometimes lightly smoky character. Its simple spirit-forward construction makes the choice of Scotch particularly influential on the finished cocktail.
What does a Rob Roy taste like?
The Rob Roy tastes rich, aromatic and whisky-forward, with Scotch contributing malt, oak and potentially subtle smoke. Sweet vermouth provides herbal sweetness and complexity, while Angostura bitters adds spice and a restrained bitter edge. The result is smooth and warming with a long herbal and whisky-driven finish.
Tips for making a Rob Roy
Use a Scotch whose character you enjoy because the whisky remains prominent throughout the drink. Stir with plenty of ice rather than shaking to preserve a smooth, clear texture while achieving the necessary chilling and dilution. Chill the serving glass beforehand and finish with a maraschino cherry.
