Rob Roy Cocktail Recipe
Scotland’s answer to the Manhattan.
The Rob Roy, a cocktail invented in the late 1800s at the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan, New York City. If you haven’t heard of the Rob Roy, you may be familiar with its cousin the Manhattan. The 2 recipes are exactly the same with one key difference - a Rob Roy uses Scotch whisky while the Manhattan uses Bourbon Whiskey.
Fun Fact: This cocktail was named after Scottish folk hero Robert MacGregor. Born in 1671, Robert MacGregor was a Scottish outlaw who would frequently sign himself Rob Roy (Red Rob), in reference to his dark red hair. He become known as a Scottish Robin Hood type fellow.
Rob Roy Drink Ingredients
The Essence of a Rob Roy
Let's start by breaking down the essentials – what makes a Rob Roy tick? Picture this: a stage where Scotch whisky takes the spotlight, sweet vermouth performs a perfect balancing act, and a dash of bitters adds that final flourish. It's a trio that dances gracefully on your palate, creating a symphony of flavors.
Now, the Rob Roy isn't just a drink; it's a journey into the rich history of mixology. Back in the day, when a customer ordered a Rob Roy, it felt like a nod to the golden era of cocktails – a tradition worth preserving.
Rob Roy Cocktail History
Every cocktail has a story, and the Rob Roy is no exception. Its roots trace back to the early 20th century, capturing the essence of a bygone era. Legend has it that the cocktail was named after the Scottish folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor, adding a touch of romanticism to your glass.
Best Scotch for a Rob Roy
Choosing the Right Scotch
Ah, the heart of the matter – selecting the perfect Scotch for your Rob Roy. Scotch whiskies come in a myriad of flavors, from the peaty embrace of Islay to the honeyed notes of Speyside. As a bartender, I often find that guiding patrons through this whisky journey is an art in itself.
If you're aiming for a well-rounded and versatile Rob Roy, a blended Scotch can be your go-to. It harmonizes the diverse flavors, creating a balanced and approachable cocktail. However, for those seeking a more profound experience, a single malt might be the ticket. It's all about tailoring the Rob Roy to the individual's palate.
Exploring Scotch Varieties
Picture this scenario: a seasoned Scotch enthusiast walks into the bar, eager to savor a Rob Roy. This is the moment where your expertise shines. Engage them in a conversation about their preferred Scotch profile – do they lean towards the smoky embrace of an Islay or the nuanced elegance of a Highland? Recommending specific Scotch brands based on these preferences not only showcases your knowledge but ensures a memorable drinking experience.
I recall a night when a couple celebrated their anniversary at the bar. The husband was a devoted Islay fan, and the wife favored the Speyside sweetness. Crafting a Rob Roy with a blend of these contrasting Scotch whiskies turned a simple cocktail into a personalized celebration. Check out this guide for a better understanding of Scotch whisky.
What is the Difference Between a Scotch Manhattan and a Rob Roy?
Deciphering the Scotch Manhattan
Before we delve deeper into the Rob Roy, let's unravel another whisky classic – the Manhattan. Both the Manhattan and the Rob Roy share a kinship, rooted in their use of sweet vermouth and bitters. However, the key distinction lies in the choice of whisky.
In a Manhattan, bourbon or rye takes center stage, showcasing the robust and spicy characteristics of American whiskey. On the flip side, the Rob Roy stays true to its Scottish roots, featuring the nuanced and diverse flavors of Scotch whisky.
Rob Roy vs. Manhattan
Now, let's debunk a common misconception – the idea that a Rob Roy is simply a Scotch-infused Manhattan. While they share a similar framework, the choice of whisky transforms the experience entirely.
I've had patrons assume that a Rob Roy is just a Manhattan with a Scottish twist. Clarifying the distinct flavor profiles and cultural influences behind each cocktail sparks a newfound appreciation. It's not about one being better than the other; it's about celebrating the diversity within the world of whisky cocktails.
How to make a Perfect Rob Roy
Now when I say “Perfect” Rob Roy, I’m not saying it in the context of - this drink is really good, it’s perfect.
I mean, it is! but that’s not quite what I mean.
In drinks mixed with vermouth such as Martinis. You’ll come across the word “perfect”. You see, you have 2 different types of vermouth - Dry and Sweet.
For a dry Rob Roy Cocktail, you will use dry vermouth. For a “wet” Rob Roy Cocktail, or “sweet” Rob Roy, you’d use a sweet vermouth.
Perfect is the word we use when you use half sweet and half dry vermouth. Make sense? If not check out this guide to Marini’s because I go in more detail about the different words and what they mean.
But putting that into use. For a perfect Rob Roy cocktail, just swap out the 20ml of sweet vermouth for 10ml of sweet vermouth and 10ml of dry vermouth.
Rob Roy Cocktail Video Recipe
Rob Roy Recipe
Rob Roy
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fill a Nick and Nora or Coupe with ice and set it to one side, this is just to chill the glass, when it comes to serving dump this ice out. I also recommend storing your stemmed glasses in the freezer if you have the space, if so, you can skip this step.
- Add your Whisky, Bitters and Sweet vermouth to a mixing glass. Fill the glass with ice and stir till you reach your preferred dilution.
- Using a julep strainer, strain your cocktail into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with an orange peel twist.
Notes
For the Rob Roy video recipe, keep scrolling.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
166.84Fat
0.02Sat. Fat
0Carbs
5.19Fiber
1.27Net carbs
3.92Sugar
0.44Protein
0.19Sodium
0.36Cholesterol
0The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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