Rob Roy Recipe
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The Rob Roy is a blend of Scotch and vermouth sharpened by a dash of angostura bitters. Experts everywhere would agree that a martini is to a vodka martini as a Manhattan is to a Rob Roy. A Manhattan is a blend of rye or bourbon and sweet vermouth, and the Rob Roy is a mixture of Scotch and sweet vermouth; the difference is as sharp as that between a yam and a Yukon Gold. Anyone familiar with the 1995 film Rob Roy knows the source for the name of this cocktail—Robert MacGregor, the Scottish Robin Hood. Of course, unless you’re a Scottish history buff, if you heard someone order a Rob Roy before 1995 you may have been a bit puzzled. Although we do not know who christened the Rob Roy for that feisty Scottish hero, according to William Grimes in Straight Up or On the Rocks, the drink was named for a Broadway play based on Sir Walter Scott’s 1817 novel Rob Roy. Just as feisty, the Rob Roy gives you a wealth of enjoyment; the only thing it may rob you of is your memory after one too many.
Follow your instincts on whether to stir or shake, but as with the Manhattan, a Rob Roy doesn’t lose much by not being served glacially cold. The classic Rob Roy is served with a maraschino cherry, but some shudder at this and substitute a twist of lemon peel.
- 2 1/2 ounces Scotch
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- Dash of angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherry or twist of lemon peel
- Shake the Scotch, vermouth, and bitters with ice; then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry or lemon peel.
Variations:
Dry Rob Roy: Substitute dry vermouth for the sweet vermouth.
Perfect Rob Roy: Use 3/4 ounce each of sweet and dry vermouth.
Green Briar: Substitute Cointreau for the bitters.
This recipe, while from a trusted source, may not have been tested by the CHOW food
team.
Copyright Quirk Books
manhattans have been a fall back for years. last night i tried some derivations on whiskey which included arusty nail, old fashioned, and of course the rob roy. the rob roy is a pretty good drink but i was surprised how pronounced the flavor of the peat was from the addition of the scotch. to me the rob roy is more flavorfull than the manhattan. im still sticking with manhattans but will order an ocassional rob roy just to mix it up.
I think I'm going to have me one of those, next bar outing. And I think I know which bar...I'll get it with a twist.