When was the Rob Roy Invented
The Rob Roy is a classic cocktail named after the Scottish folk hero, Rob Roy MacGregor. The cocktail is essentially a Manhattan made with Scotch whisky instead of American rye whiskey. While the exact origin of the Rob Roy is uncertain, it is believed to have been invented in the late 19th or early 20th century, not long after the Manhattan was invented.
The first known recipe for the Rob Roy appeared in the 1908 edition of “The World’s Drinks and How to Mix Them” by William Boothby. The cocktail quickly gained popularity, especially in the United States, and remains a beloved classic to this day.
What You Need
- Scotch whisky
- Sweet vermouth
- Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
- Ice
How to Make a Rob Roy
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add the Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters to the mixing glass.
- Stir the mixture with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds, or until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass using a julep strainer to catch the ice and any small particles.
- Garnish the drink with a maraschino cherry.
Variations:
- For a Perfect Rob Roy, use a combination of sweet and dry vermouth instead of just sweet vermouth.
- For a Smoky Rob Roy, use a peaty Scotch whisky, such as Islay Scotch, to give the drink a smoky flavor.
- For a Blood and Sand, substitute orange juice for the sweet vermouth and cherry brandy for the bitters.
- For a Bobby Burns, substitute Drambuie for the sweet vermouth and add a lemon twist for garnish.
Tip For Making a Rob Roy
- Choose your Scotch whisky wisely: Since Scotch whisky is the main ingredient in a Rob Roy, it’s important to choose a high-quality whisky that you enjoy. You can use either blended Scotch whisky or single malt Scotch whisky, depending on your preference. Blended Scotch whisky is typically milder in flavor and less expensive, while single malt Scotch whisky is more complex and can be more expensive.
- Use the right vermouth: Sweet vermouth is the traditional choice for a Rob Roy, but you can also experiment with using different types of vermouth, such as dry vermouth or a combination of sweet and dry vermouth, to find your perfect combination.
- Stir the cocktail: Unlike other cocktails that are shaken, a Rob Roy is stirred to mix the ingredients together without diluting the whisky. Stir the cocktail for about 30 seconds using a bar spoon to ensure that the ingredients are well-chilled and well-mixed.
- Use a julep strainer: A julep strainer is designed to catch the ice and any small particles in the mixing glass, resulting in a smooth and clear cocktail. Use a julep strainer to strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass for best results.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry: The maraschino cherry is the classic garnish for a Rob Roy and adds a pop of color and sweetness to the drink. Be sure to use a good-quality maraschino cherry and skewer it with a cocktail pick to place it in the cocktail.
Frequently asked questions
What type of Scotch whisky is best for a Rob Roy?
The type of Scotch whisky you use in a Rob Roy is a matter of personal preference. You can use either blended Scotch whisky or single malt Scotch whisky, depending on your preference. Blended Scotch whisky is typically milder in flavor and less expensive, while single malt Scotch whisky is more complex and can be more expensive.
What type of vermouth is best for a Rob Roy?
Sweet vermouth is the traditional choice for a Rob Roy, but you can also experiment with using different types of vermouth, such as dry vermouth or a combination of sweet and dry vermouth, to find your perfect combination.
How is a Rob Roy different from a Manhattan?
A Rob Roy is similar to a Manhattan, but is made with Scotch whisky instead of rye whiskey or bourbon. The use of Scotch whisky gives the cocktail a smoky and peaty flavor that is different from the spicy and herbal notes of a Manhattan.
What is the best way to garnish a Rob Roy?
The traditional garnish for a Rob Roy is a maraschino cherry, which adds a pop of color and sweetness to the drink. Skewer the cherry with a cocktail pick and place it in the cocktail. You can also experiment with using other garnishes, such as a lemon twist or orange peel, to add a different flavor or aroma to the drink.
What is the proper way to serve a Rob Roy?
A Rob Roy is typically served in a chilled cocktail glass, strained over ice. The cocktail is stirred rather than shaken to avoid diluting the whisky, and is garnished with a maraschino cherry.
Rob Roy
The Rob Roy cocktail first appeared in New York in 1894, named after the folk hero of the time, Robert Roy McGregor, the warrior known as "Redhead McGregor", Rob Roy was his nickname. The drink is similar to the Manhattan, but the raw material is made from Scotch whisky, while the Manhattan is made from rye whisky or bourbon.
Ingredients
- 1½ oz scotch whiskey
- ½ oz sweet vermouth
- 1-3 drops of bitters
- 1 red cherrie for garnish
Instructions
put the ice in a mixing glass, stir to cool down and strain the water, then add the whisky, the vermouth and the bitters in turn, stir and pour into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with a skewer of red cherries.
Notes
The Rob Roy can be made with either blended Scotch whisky or single malt Scotch whisky, depending on your personal preference. Blended Scotch whisky is typically milder in flavor and less expensive, while single malt Scotch whisky is more complex and can be more expensive. You can also experiment with different types of sweet vermouth and bitters to find your perfect combination.
