Rob Roy cocktail recipe

The Rob Roy is a twist on the Manhattan – where a Manhattan is made with American whiskey, like rye or bourbon, the Rob Roy features Scotch whisky. A simple recipe with just three ingredients – whiskey, vermouth and bitters – it’s a classic for a reason and a cocktail everyone should try at least once.

Like so many cocktails, the exact origins of the Manhattan are unknown. And, as neither the name nor the ingredients are so unusual as to provide any clues, the mystery is likely to remain unsolved. While many speculate the Manhattan was named after New York City’s Manhattan Club, it was most likely named after one of the five boroughs that jointly form New York City.

The Rob Roy, on the other hand, has an unusually well-documented origin story. The drink was created in 1894 by a bartender at the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan. It was made to celebrate the premiere of Rob Roy, an operetta by composer Reginald De Koven and lyricist Harry B. Smith loosely based on Scottish outlaw-come-folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor.

With a veritable treasure trove of Scotch whiskies to play with, the Rob Roy is incredibly versatile. Whether you choose a blended or single malt Scotch is a matter of taste, but a blended whisky is often the more conventional choice. Whatever your preference, the simplicity of the drink allows the whisky to shine through, so be sure to select a style you enjoy. And don't worry, this is one cocktail where your premium whisky will not go to waste.

There are five different Scotch Whisky regions, and each offers different characteristics that will shape the flavour of your Rob Roy. Whiskies from Campbeltown tend to be robust and flavoursome, with notes of dried fruit, brine, smoke and seaweed. And for something especially rich and earthy, opt for an Islay whisky – this island region is home to some of the most heavily peated offerings in Scotland. For something lighter, try a whisky from Speyside and the Highlands. These regions are known for producing soft, smooth malts with notes of fruit, sweet spice and toast. And if you want a milder Scotch, head to the Lowlands. These lithe whiskies give lovely citrus and floral notes and make very elegant cocktails.

Like the Manhattan, the Rob Roy can be made ‘sweet’, ‘dry’, or ‘perfect’. The standard Rob Roy is the sweet version, made with sweet vermouth, while a ‘dry’ Rob Roy is made by replacing the sweet vermouth with dry vermouth. A ‘perfect’ Rob Roy is made with equal parts sweet and dry vermouth, so have a play to see how you like it best.