The Rob Roy is the answer for anyone who’s ever wanted to taste a Manhattan cocktail but with their favorite scotch whisky flavors. It’s a simple cocktail that embodies class, elegance, and enough booziness to keep the conversation going for hours.
Check out how to mix the perfect Rob Roy below.
Rob Roy Cocktail Overview
The Rob Roy is named after an operetta about a Scottish folk hero similar to Robin Hood, and you can taste a sense of danger and adventure with every sip.
Here’s what you’ll need to make the cocktail:
- 2 ounces of blended scotch whiskey
- 1 ounce of vermouth
- A few drops of orange bitters
- 1 brandied cherry to garnish
To get the classic, smooth flavor of the Rob Roy, follow these steps:
- Add all your ingredients plus ice to a mixing glass.
- Stir until chilled and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Add a cocktail cherry as a garnish.
Sweet or Dry Vermouth?
Both sweet and dry vermouth are types of fortified wine. The standard Rob Roy is made with sweet (red) vermouth, but you can also make it dry if you want to avoid the sweeter version. It’s a matter of personal preference.
Calories and Alcohol Content
One Rob Roy serving comes with roughly 145 calories and 3g of carbs. Though it may not look like it, this scotch drink packs a strong punch.
If you follow our recipe, your cocktail will have an ABV of around 27%, which is nothing to sneeze at. It’s best to pace yourself when in the presence of a Rob Roy.
Serving Tips for a Rob Roy Cocktail
Here’s how to elevate your Rob Roys:
- Choose your favorite scotch: Some say blended scotch whisky; others claim the real Rob Roy drink needs single malt scotch. We say it’s better to choose a scotch you enjoy drinking on the rocks, too, since it will be on full display in this cocktail. The vermouth and bitters will accentuate its aromas, not mask them.
- Serve as an after-dinner drink. The Rob Roy is on the stronger side, so it doesn’t pair well with foods. But it’s a great after-dinner drink when you and your guests are sitting around and talking. In fact, you can even say Rob Roy will keep any conversation going!
- Add more elegance: This is a sophisticated cocktail, but if you want to drive this idea home, serve it in a coupe glass with a Luxardo cherry garnish.
Rob Roy Recipe Variations
After you booze it up in the company of a Rob Roy, check out these other great cocktail recipes:
- Scotch Sour: It’s the Whiskey Sour, but for Scotch drinkers. A blended whisky works best for this particular recipe, but a single malt whiskey works just as well.
- Gin & It: Take a mixing glass and add gin, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Garnish with a lemon twist for a potent and delicious gin cocktail.
- Use Angostura bitters: These will lower the citrus notes of the standard Roy Roy, which may be a great move if you’re not usually a fan of orange bitters.
Wrapping Up
The Rob Roy drink can make any scotch lover happy, but even if you’re not a fan of this type of whiskey, you should give this sophisticated drink a try.
It’s a powerful cocktail that feels smooth and classy with every sip. Plus, one serving is guaranteed to offer a great buzz.
