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
- 2 oz Scotch Whisky
- ¾ oz sweet Vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
- Maraschino cherry - for garnish, optional
Cocktail Glass
Measuring Jigger
Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Mixing Glass
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.
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.