Rob Roy Cocktail – The Scotch Manhattan Classic
A smooth, spirit-forward classic that swaps bourbon for Scotch. The Rob Roy blends smoky whisky, sweet vermouth, and bitters into a timeless Manhattan-style cocktail with Scottish soul.
A Scotch-Lover’s Manhattan
Born at New York’s Waldorf Astoria in 1894, the Rob Roy pays tribute to Scottish folk hero Robert MacGregor. Using Scotch instead of bourbon, it delivers a deeper, malt-rich twist on the Manhattan while keeping the same elegant balance of sweetness and spice.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Scotch – the smoky, malty base that defines the drink.
- Sweet Vermouth – adds herbal sweetness and body.
- Angostura Bitters – a dash or two for warmth and spice.
- Maraschino Cherry – the classic finishing touch (add a lemon twist for brightness).
Equipment
Mixing glass, bar spoon, strainer, and a chilled cocktail glass.
Why You’ll Love It
Silky, simple, and endlessly sippable—the Rob Roy is proof that minimal ingredients can create maximum sophistication. Its Scotch backbone gives a gentle smoke and complexity that bourbon can’t match.
Variations & Substitutions
- Dry Rob Roy – swap sweet for dry vermouth.
- Perfect Rob Roy – use half sweet, half dry vermouth.
- Bitters Swap – try orange or chocolate bitters for a twist.
Helpful Tips
- Stir gently, never shake—clarity matters.
- Chill the glass before pouring for perfect texture.
- Garnish with both a cherry and lemon twist for aroma contrast.
- Serve alongside smoked salmon, aged cheese, or dark chocolate.
Rob Roy Recipe
Type of Glass
Cocktail Glass
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz.
- 3/4 oz.
- 2 dashes
Directions
- Start by chilling your cocktail glass. You can do this by filling it with ice water while you prepare the drink.
- In a mixing glass, combine the Scotch, sweet vermouth, and a few dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir gently for about 30 seconds. This will chill the mixture and dilute it slightly, enhancing the flavors.
- Empty the ice water from your cocktail glass and strain the mixture into the chilled glass.
- Finish with a maraschino cherry on top for a classic touch.
With just Scotch, vermouth, and bitters, the Rob Roy proves that restraint and balance never go out of style.
