Rob Roy Cocktail Recipe

First appearing in New York City around 1890, the Rob Roy is a cocktail similar to a Manhattan. The drink is named for the Scottish folk hero Robert Roy MacGregor. The Rob Roy is made with Scotch whisky, while the Manhattan is traditionally made with rye and today commonly made with bourbon or Canadian whisky.

The Rob Roy owes its existence partially to the introduction of Dewars Scotch Whisky to the United States, as well as the New York City premiere of the operetta of the same name composed by Reginald de Koven.

Like the Manhattan, the Rob Roy can be made sweet, dry, or perfect. The standard Rob Roy is the sweet version, so there is no need to specify a sweet Rob Roy when ordering. A dry Rob Roy is made by substituting dry vermouth for the sweet vermouth. A perfect Rob Roy is made with equal parts sweet and dry vermouth.

The Rob Roy is usually served in a cocktail glass and garnished with a lemon twist (for the perfect and dry versions), or maraschino cherry (for the sweet version).

In Season 1, “Mid-Life Chrysalis,” Doctor Venture orders a Roy Roy and the bartender look’s up the recipe behind the counter.

ROB ROY COCKTAIL RECIPE

• 1 1/2 oz Scotch
• 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
• dash Angostura Aromatic Bitters
• Stir with ice, strain into a cocktail glass
• Garnish with a lemon twist

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Photo by Adam Jaime on Unsplash