The History of the Rob Roy

An irresistible combination of vermouth, Scotch whiskey and bitters, this smooth, tasty cocktail is very similar to a Manhattan. The main difference is that the whiskey of choice in a Rob Roy is always Scotch. Unlike many other classic cocktail recipes, the history of the Rob Roy is pretty well-known, with few others contesting the truth of the story.

Who Invented the Rob Roy Cocktail?

The drink was created in homage the Scottish hero Robert Roy. Robert Roy, or Robert MacGregor, as he was also known, was actually an outlaw who lived in the Scottish highlands. Despite being on the wrong side of the law, he became known as the Scottish Robin Hood and was the inspiration behind many a folk tale. It was these exaggerated stories that led to Roy’s royal pardon in 1726 and how he became an inspiration to many.

The tales continued long after Roy’s death in 1734, and eventually an opera made its way to New York in 1894. Created by Harry B. Smith and Reginald De Koven, two well-known composers at the time, the opera was highly anticipated event. A bartender at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel, situated just round the corner from the theatre, felt it was only fitting that the show was promoted via a cocktail, and so he made up the whiskey-based drink.

Variations of the Rob Roy Cocktail

The most obvious variation of the Rob Roy is to replace the Scotch whiskey with Rye to create a Manhattan. In doing so, you would also have to change the cherry or orange twist garnish to an olive one. However, there are lots of other ways you can mix up this cocktail to make something completely new.

The Perfect Manhattan focuses on the use of vermouth, substituting half of the sweet variety for a dry vermouth. This drink also uses Rye whiskey, although the garnish remains the same.

The Brooklyn cocktail also prefers the use of Rye whiskey but switches the vermouth completely to a dry variation. A little maraschino liqueur and French bitters adds a sweet-sour flavour that is incredibly moreish.

The Rob Roy is a drink that invites variations simply in the ingredients it uses. As an amateur bartender, it can be fun to play with the different whiskeys and vermouths used, as each brand will add something slightly different to the cocktail. Let us know your favourite ingredients!