Rob Roy

To make a Rob Roy cocktail, you will need the following ingredients:

• 50ml Scotch whisky
• 25ml sweet vermouth
• 1 dash Angostura bitters
• Maraschino cherry, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters to the mixing glass.
3. Stir the ingredients well to combine.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry, if desired.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Note: The Rob Roy is similar to a Manhattan, but it is made with Scotch whisky instead of rye or bourbon.

History:

The Rob Roy cocktail is named after Robert Roy MacGregor, also known as Rob Roy, who was a Scottish folk hero and outlaw in the early 18th century. The drink itself was created in the late 1800s and became popular in the United States in the early 20th century.

There are several theories about the origin of the Rob Roy. One theory is that it was created at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City in 1894 to honor the opening of the play “Rob Roy,” which was based on the life of the Scottish folk hero. Another theory is that the drink was created in Scotland in the late 1800s and was named after Rob Roy as a tribute to his bravery and heroism.

There are several variations of the Rob Roy cocktail that you can try. Here are a few options:

1. Dry Rob Roy: To make a dry Rob Roy, use dry vermouth instead of sweet vermouth. This will give the cocktail a drier, more astringent flavor.
2. Perfect Rob Roy: To make a perfect Rob Roy, use equal parts sweet and dry vermouth. This will give the cocktail a more balanced flavor.
3. Rob Roy Scotch Cocktail: To make a Rob Roy Scotch cocktail, add a splash of Dubonnet Rouge (a red wine-based aperitif) to the mix. This will give the cocktail a slightly fruity flavor and a beautiful red color.
4. Rob Roy with Bitters: To give your Rob Roy a bit of a kick, add a few extra dashes of bitters to the mix. This will add a deeper, more complex flavor to the cocktail.
5. Rob Roy with Orange Liqueur: To add a hint of citrus to your Rob Roy, add a splash of orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier) to the mix. This will give the cocktail a brighter, fresher flavor.

The best Scotch whiskies to use in a Rob Roy are those that are rich, smooth, and full-bodied, with a distinctively peaty or smoky flavor. Some good options to consider include:

• Glenmorangie Original: This is a classic highland single malt Scotch whisky that is smooth, rich, and floral, with hints of citrus and vanilla.
• Lagavulin 16 Year Old: This is a powerful, full-bodied Islay single malt Scotch whisky that is intensely peaty and smoky, with notes of seaweed, iodine, and honey.
• Glenfiddich 12 Year Old: This is a well-balanced, fruity Speyside single malt Scotch whisky that is smooth, rich, and elegant, with hints of apple, pear, and honey.
• Oban 14 Year Old: This is a smooth, well-rounded, and balanced highland single malt Scotch whisky that is rich, fruity, and slightly smoky, with hints of toffee, honey, and spice.
• Laphroaig 10 Year Old: This is a bold, full-bodied Islay single malt Scotch whisky that is intensely peaty and smoky, with notes of seaweed, iodine, and oak.

Remember to use a good-quality Scotch whisky in your Rob Roy, as the flavor of the whisky will be a key element of the cocktail.