description Rob Roy Overview
The Rob Roy is a classic cocktail made with Scotch whisky and vermouth, usually accompanied by aromatic bitters. It follows the basic structure of a Manhattan but substitutes Scotch for American rye or bourbon, giving the drink a profile shaped by the whisky style selected. The cocktail is commonly served straight up and garnished with a cherry when made with sweet vermouth, while dry and perfect variations use different vermouth combinations.
help Rob Roy FAQ
What is the difference between a Manhattan and a Rob Roy?
The only significant difference is the base spirit; a Rob Roy uses Scotch whisky while a traditional Manhattan uses American rye whiskey or bourbon. Both cocktails combine the base spirit with sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters.
What type of Scotch is best for a Rob Roy cocktail?
A blended Scotch whisky, such as Famous Grouse or Cutty Sark, is traditionally used because it provides a balanced flavor without overpowering the sweet vermouth. However, many modern bartenders use lightly peated single malts from Speyside for a more robust flavor profile.
Why is the cocktail named a Rob Roy?
The drink was named after the Scottish folk hero and outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor, similar to how the Manhattan is associated with New York. It was reportedly created in 1894 at the original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City to promote an operetta of the same name.
Do you garnish a Rob Roy with a cherry or a lemon twist?
A classic Rob Roy made with sweet vermouth is typically garnished with a maraschino cherry. If you order a "dry" Rob Roy—which uses dry vermouth instead of sweet—an orange or lemon twist is the standard garnish.
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