Rob Roy

Do you like to drink Manhattans? Well, give the Rob Roy a go! It's pretty similar to a Manhattan but Scotch Whiskey instead of Rye. Basically it's a nice twist on a classic.

Yes, there will be some who say that this ruins perfectly good Scotch. However, this is just a new way to experience good Scotch. Different Whiskeys have different flavours, so mixing them with some Sweet Vermouth and some Bitters can really change them into something new!

This recipe may not work as well with a smokey Scotch Whiskey, but it's worth trying to see how it goes with specific brands. Plus everyone's taste varies. It may also be worthwhile adjusting what bitters you use depending on the style of Scotch.

Anyway you look at it though, this is a great cocktail.

Total Time 2

Servings 1 cocktail

Ingredients

60 mL Scotch Whiskey any style will work, have fun with it.
15 mL Sweet Vermouth
3 dashes Angostura Bitters
Garnish with a cherry

Instructions

Add Scotch, Sweet Vermouth, and Angostura Bitters to a mixing glass with plenty of ice and stir until cold.
Strain into a coupe glass.
Garnish with a cherry and serve. Have fun.

Notes

Don't bother using cheap Scotch in this recipe. The Vermouth will soften things somewhat, but the cocktail is still very Scotch forward, so you need a good one. If you're not sure where to start, try a blended Scotch or a softer style. From there you may want to play around with bolder Scotch styles, even styles with a bit of smoke to them (if smokey Scotch is your thing).

That's the beauty of Scotch, and Whiskey in general. The taste profiles of different Whiskeys are so varied, you'll get very different drinks based on what you use. All the more reason to make multiple cocktails with different spirits and see how they turn out!

Our Review of the Rob Roy

There’s not much that can be said about the Rob Roy that hasn’t already been said about the Manhattan, with really the only difference of note between the two cocktails is that the Rob Roy uses Scotch while the Manhattan uses Rye. But that’s where the Rob Roy Cocktail gets exciting.

I’m not going to say that all Rye Whiskeys are the same, because there can be some big differences between Ryes depending on who makes it, the quality of the ingredients, the specific grain bill being used to make the spirit, and much more. But what I will say is that the differences in flavour between Scotch Whiskeys can often be much more pronounced, especially for people with a less developed palate. There’s nothing wrong with being less experienced with Whiskey and not being able to pick up every finer note and flavour, but often people can more easily tell the difference between different types of Scotch.

The big difference between varieties of Scotch can really open the door with a cocktail like the Rob Roy. Try making it with some light and smooth and it’s a completely different cocktail to making this recipe with a smokey Scotch. The Rob Roy is a great excuse to play around with Scotch and see how you like it the best!

For me, a big peaty Scotch goes very well in a Rob Roy. I may be in the minority here, but it’s what I like. Highly peated Scotches can be off putting for many people, but adding some sweetness to it via the Vermouth calms things down and smooths it out. This creates a sweet and smokey cocktail that can be a bit of a slow sipper, but something to savour. But the enjoyment of the Rob Roy doesn’t end there. If you want to have another one, but also want something different, just use a different Scotch!

Obviously, for fans of the Manhattan, making and trying a Rob Roy is a must! You may find that you like the original better, but your world may open up with a Rob Roy. For people who like basic, simple cocktails that are easy to make and easy to drink, the Rob Roy is just another cocktail to add to your menu.

Any way you look at it, although the Rob Roy is essentially just a riff on the Manhattan, it deserves to be a cocktail of its own.

9/10

Review by Emily

If you like a Rob Roy, why not look at other Whiskey cocktails?

We have ore than a few Whiskey cocktails for you to enjoy. Take a look below on where to find them all.

All cocktail recipes with Scotch: Scotch isn’t always the most common ingredient in cocktails, but it exists! If you’re enjoying your Scotch cocktails, check out our other recipes.

All Whiskey cocktail recipes: if you’re looking for Whiskey cocktail recipes in general, we have plenty. You’ll sure to find something interesting.

Top 10 Whiskey cocktail recipes: if that’s too much choice for you, perhaps it’s easier if we narrow it down to our favourite ten cocktails featuring Whiskey. You’re welcome!

Top 15 three ingredient cocktails: another wonderful thing about this cocktail is that it’s only three ingredients and very easy to make. Here’s some more.