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Make Me a Cocktail

Rob Roy
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.56 / 5

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The Rob Roy is essentially the Scotch-led sibling of the Manhattan, built on the same elegant template of whiskey, vermouth,... ... more

The Rob Roy is essentially the Scotch-led sibling of the Manhattan, built on the same elegant template of whiskey, vermouth, and bitters. You’ll find it sits firmly in the late-19th-century wave of stirred, spirit-forward cocktails that prized balance and polish, swapping rye for Scotch to bring a different kind of depth. Its enduring appeal comes from that simple, bar-staple structure: a strong base, a fortified wine for softness, and bitters to knit everything together.

On the palate, whiskey provides the backbone, with its character taking center stage against the richer, winey sweetness of red vermouth. The vermouth rounds the edges and adds a smooth, dark-fruit-like richness, while a dash of aromatic bitters tightens the profile, adding a dry, spiced lift that keeps the drink from feeling heavy. Expect a warming, silky sip with a clean, gently bitter finish.

Serve it in a cocktail glass when you want something classic, composed, and unapologetically grown-up. It suits pre-dinner sipping, quiet nights in, or any moment you’d normally reach for a Manhattan but want a Scotch accent instead. If you like spirit-forward drinks with a touch of sweetness and a crisp, bitter snap at the end, this one lands right in your wheelhouse.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail

Microbadges

15 key ingredients
Cocktail Of The Day
Invented
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1894
Base ingredient
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Whiskey
Calories
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132 calories
Garnish
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Cocktail cherry
Alcohol content
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31.43% | 2.2 units *
Details
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Easy
Classic
Stirred

Tags

Whiskey ingredient icon
Whiskey cocktails
tag icon
Easy cocktail
tag icon
3-ingredient cocktail
tag icon
Strong cocktail

Cocktail glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

Whiskey leads with a firm, warming backbone while red vermouth brings a dark, winey sweetness, and a dash of aromatic bitters adds clove-and-herb snap that tightens the finish. It works because the vermouth rounds the whiskey’s edges and the bitters keep the sweetness in check; ideal for drinkers who like spirit-forward, silky cocktails.

Method
How to make a Rob Roy

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Whiskey 45ml, Red vermouth 25ml, Aromatic bitters Dash
Add all the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir quite vigorously combine the ingredients
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
Garnish with two maraschino cherries and serve

Power tips
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Use a high-quality single malt Scotch for a more authentic and robust flavor profile.
A 2:1 ratio of vermouth to Scotch can be more balanced for some, depending on the sweetness preferred.
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Rob Roy masterclass

Master the craft of the Rob Roy cocktail with one of our cocktail deep dive masterclasses

The History of the Rob Roy

An irresistible combination of vermouth, Scotch whisky, and bitters, the Rob Roy is a smooth, tasty...

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Stir  ·  Garnish  · 

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FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the history behind the Rob Roy cocktail?

The Rob Roy cocktail was created in 1894 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. It was named after the Scottish folk hero Robert Roy MacGregor, similar to how the Manhattan cocktail was named after a New York borough. The drink was created to commemorate the premiere of an operetta based on MacGregor's life, quickly becoming a popular choice for its distinct flavor.

Faq icon

How does a Rob Roy differ from a Manhattan?

The primary difference between a Rob Roy and a Manhattan lies in the type of whiskey used. While a Manhattan typically uses rye or bourbon whiskey, a Rob Roy is made with Scotch whiskey. Additionally, while both drinks use sweet vermouth, the choice of Scotch in a Rob Roy offers a more profound and smoky flavor profile compared to the smoother, sweeter profile of a Manhattan.

Faq icon

Can I use any type of whiskey for a Rob Roy?

Traditionally, a Rob Roy is made with Scotch whiskey, which imparts a distinct flavor profile to the cocktail. While you can technically use other types of whiskey, such as bourbon or rye, doing so would significantly alter the drink's traditional taste and character, possibly turning it into a different cocktail experience altogether. For an authentic Rob Roy, it is recommended to use Scotch whiskey.

Faq icon

What is the significance of stirring and not shaking a Rob Roy?

Stirring a Rob Roy, rather than shaking, is crucial for maintaining the cocktail's clarity and texture. Shaking can introduce air bubbles and cause the drink to become cloudy, which is not desired in a classic Rob Roy. Stirring gently ensures that the ingredients are well mixed without compromising the cocktail's elegant presentation and smooth mouthfeel.

Faq icon

Are there variations of the Rob Roy, and if so, what are they?

Yes, there are several variations of the Rob Roy, catering to different palates. The most common variations include the Dry Rob Roy, which uses dry vermouth instead of sweet vermouth for a less sweet, sharper taste; the Sweet Rob Roy, which opts for more sweet vermouth for a sweeter profile; and the Perfect Rob Roy, which strikes a balance by using equal parts sweet and dry vermouth. These variations allow drinkers to enjoy the cocktail's distinctive flavor in a way that best suits their taste preferences.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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