The Rob Roy is a classic whisky cocktail that is suitable for any occasion. It’s made with scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, and bitters and is usually garnished with a cherry. The Rob Roy is a refined cocktail that is perfect for a special occasion. It’s also an excellent way to appreciate the flavour of scotch whisky.
The cocktail is said to have originated in the late 1800s at New York City’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel. According to legend, the hotel’s barman was asked to make a Manhattan, but the customer preferred scotch whisky over rye whisky. The Rob Roy cocktail, named after the Scottish folk hero Robert ‘Rob’ Roy MacGregor — a notorious outlaw and folk hero in the 18th century — was created by the barman, and it quickly became a popular choice among hotel guests.
The cocktail is a simple one to make, but the best flavour comes from using high-quality ingredients. A single malt scotch is ideal, such as Glenfiddich or Glenlivet. The bitters should be Angostura bitters, and the sweet vermouth should be dry and not overly sweet.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces scotch whisky
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherry, for garnish
How to Make it
- Add the scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, and bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
- Serve and enjoy!
Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients. The quality of your ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of your cocktail.
- Use a good quality scotch whisky. There are many different types of scotch whisky available, so take some time to find one that you like.
- Use a sweet vermouth that is not too sweet. You want the vermouth to complement the flavour of the scotch whisky, not overpower it.
- Don’t over-stir the cocktail. Over-stirring will make the cocktail cloudy.
- Use a chilled cocktail glass. A chilled glass will help to keep your cocktail cold.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry. A maraschino cherry is the traditional garnish for a Rob Roy.
Variations
There are loads of different variations of the Rob Roy cocktail. Some popular variations include:
- The Dry Rob Roy: This variation uses dry vermouth instead of sweet vermouth.
- The Perfect Rob Roy: This variation uses equal parts scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, and dry vermouth.
- The Rusty Nail: This variation is made with scotch whisky and Drambuie, a scotch whisky liqueur.
The Rob Roy will impress your guests with its complex flavour profile and elegant presentation. So, the next time you’re looking for a refreshing cocktail, try the Rob Roy.
