This straightforward Rob Roy recipe is perfect for winter! It's a warming mix of Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, and a touch of Angostura bitters.
Prep time:
1 minute minute
Mixing time:
1 minute minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
195
Ingredients
- 2 oz Scotch Whisky
- ¾ oz sweet Vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
- Maraschino cherry - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
- Mixing Glass
Instructions
- Chill Glass: First, chill your cocktail glass.
- Add Angostura aromatic bitters: Drop 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters in the mixing glass.
- Add Sweet Vermouth: measure and pour ¾ oz sweet Vermouth.
- Pour Scotch Whisky: Add 2 oz Scotch Whisky to the mixture.
- Add ice: Fill your mixing glass with ice cubes.
- Stir Well: Give it a good stir until well combined.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into your chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish: Drop a maraschino cherry into the glass for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Scotch Whisky: If you don't have Scotch, use bourbon or rye whiskey. The flavor profile will change, but still make a tasty cocktail.
- Sweet Vermouth: Dry vermouth can be used as a substitute for a less sweet cocktail. You could add a dash of simple syrup to balance out the bitterness.
- Angostura Bitters: Orange bitters can be used as an alternative to Angostura bitters for a slightly different flavor profile.
Making a Pitcher of Rob Roy:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of Scotch whisky, 6 oz of sweet vermouth, and 16 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Mix: Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher with ice and stir well.
- Serve: Strain the mixture into individual chilled cocktail glasses, garnish with a maraschino cherry, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Scotch Whisky Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whisky substitute; several brands are available that mimic the smoky flavor of Scotch.
- Sweet Vermouth Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic sweet vermouth substitute or make a simple syrup infused with herbs and spices.
- Angostura Bitters Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic bitters substitute. There are several options available in the market.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
- Maraschino Cherry: Some brands of maraschino cherries use artificial colors and flavors that are not vegan-friendly. Look for organic or natural brands that do not use these additives or omit the cherry garnish.
- Vermouth: make sure to check with the producer, many brands are filtered using isinglass or albumen.
What is a Rob Roy Cocktail?
A Rob Roy Cocktail is a Scotch whisky-based classic cocktail made of Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. It’s not difficult to make as it only requires three ingredients and a simple stirring technique. This cocktail is a variant of the Manhattan but uses Scotch whisky instead of American rye whiskey.
What is a Rob Roy Cocktail made of – The ingredients
To put together a Rob Roy Cocktail, use these ingredients:
- Scotch Whisky: The base spirit of the cocktail, it provides a smoky and robust flavor.
- Sweet Vermouth: This fortified wine adds sweetness and complexity to balance the strong taste of whisky.
- Angostura Bitters: A few dashes enhance the flavor profile, adding depth and complexity.
- Maraschino Cherry: Used as a garnish, it adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal to the cocktail.