At first glance, a Rob Roy might seem like just a Manhattan with scotch. And in a way, it is. Much like the Manhattan, the Rob Roy is a classic cocktail that fell out of popularity for a time, only to be revived in the mid-2000s.
The Rob Roy, which shares its name with a Broadway play, originates from the late 19th century. Think of it as the Manhattan’s more assertive relative because it uses the same liquor ratio but substitutes scotch for bourbon or rye.
Recommended Scotch for a Rob Roy
A blended scotch is ideal here—a pricier bottle’s nuance would be overshadowed. The taste profile of scotch varies greatly, from nearly sweet and oaky to smoky, akin to a fire pit.
Use a scotch you’re familiar with and enjoy. I personally favor a smoky scotch for a Rob Roy, but if smoke isn’t to your liking, try a milder scotch like The Famous Grouse or a gently smoky blend like Duncan Taylor’s 12-year blend.
Simply Recipes / Elana Lepkowski
Suggested Vermouths
With only two key ingredients, choosing a vermouth you enjoy on its own is essential. Carpano Antica’s bold and spicy flavor pairs well with smoky scotch, while Noilly Prat Sweet Vermouth offers lighter, fruitier notes suited for softer blended scotches.
Serving a Rob Roy
A Rob Roy is traditionally served in a classic coupe, but I sometimes opt for a globe glass. Whichever you choose, add a generous slice of orange zest, pressing it to release the oils. This brightens the cocktail with a pleasant floral scent.
Simply Recipes / Elana Lepkowski
Timeless Classic Cocktails
To prepare a large batch of Rob Roy cocktails, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings desired. Use a large pitcher filled halfway with ice to mix the ingredients, excluding the garnish. Stir for 20 to 30 seconds to chill, then strain into serving glasses and garnish each with an orange peel.
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)
-
Ice, for chilling
-
2 ounces blended scotch whiskey
-
1 ounce sweet vermouth
-
2 to 3 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
-
Fresh orange peel, for garnish (optional)
-
Stir the cocktail together: In a mixing or tall glass filled two-thirds with ice, combine scotch whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Stir for 20 seconds to chill.
-
Strain and serve: Pour the mixture into a coupe glass and add an orange peel for garnish. Enjoy.
Did you love the recipe? Leave us stars below!
Simply Recipes / Elana Lepkowski
Simply Recipes / Elana Lepkowski
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 191 | Calories |
| 0g | Fat |
| 4g | Carbs |
| 0g | Protein |
×
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 1 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 191 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| 0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 0g | 0% |
| 0mg | 0% |
| 3mg | 0% |
| 4g | 2% |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 2g | |
| 0g | |
| Vitamin C 0mg | 0% |
| Calcium 2mg | 0% |
| Iron 0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 28mg | 1% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. If multiple ingredient alternatives are provided, the first listed is factored into nutrition calculations. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
