Video about this cocktail on my YouTube channel.
Rob Roy (Robert Roy MacGregor) is a Scottish folk hero whose name has been immortalized in various forms: literature, music, monuments of stone and metal, and even in beverages (several Scotches bear his name).
His main occupation was that of an outlaw. Officially, he was a cattle farmer and dealer, but in reality, he frequently engaged in robbing his neighbors—primarily stealing cattle, as that was his “specialty.” Additionally, he offered protection services (for a fee, naturally) from other cattle thieves—a classic example of a protection racket.
For a significant portion of his life, Rob Roy was focused on exacting revenge on the 1st Duke of Montrose, who had seized part of his land due to debts. His form of revenge was also stealing the Duke’s cattle (again, staying true to his specialization). These particular dealings with the Duke likely contributed to Rob Roy earning the title of the “Scottish Robin Hood,” though unlike the famous English outlaw, he sold the cattle rather than giving it to the poor.
Rob Roy supported the Jacobite rising of 1715, although he attempted to maintain a degree of neutrality. Over the years, he was convicted of various offenses but was ultimately granted mercy each time. He eventually died at an advanced age in his own bed.
At first glance, his life may not seem like an ideal foundation for a national hero, but with the right storytelling, anything is possible.
The first step toward creating this image was taken by Walter Scott, who wrote the novel “Rob Roy”, which was only loosely based on the facts of MacGregor’s life. Many others followed suit, further cementing his legendary status.
In 1894, the Herald Square Theatre in New York premiered the operetta “Rob Roy”, loosely based on the real-life figure of Rob Roy MacGregor. The production, composed by Reginald De Koven with lyrics by Harry B. Smith, quickly gained popularity.
Just a block away, the newly established Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, located on 5th Avenue, capitalized on the excitement by introducing a new cocktail in honor of the operetta.
While it’s unclear who exactly first mixed the drink, the Rob Roy cocktail is essentially the Scotch lover’s answer to the Manhattan, differing only in the choice of whisky. Bourbon lovers enjoy the Manhattan, while Scotch enthusiasts gravitate toward the Rob Roy. It was through the bar at the Waldorf-Astoria that the cocktail became widely known, earning the hotel recognition as the birthplace of the Rob Roy.
So, if like me, you prefer Scotch over Bourbon and enjoy cocktails with vermouth, give the Rob Roy a try.
Rob Roy comes in three variations: “sweet,” “dry,” and “perfect.” The classic “sweet” Rob Roy is made with red sweet vermouth, the “dry” version uses dry white vermouth, and the “perfect” Rob Roy features equal parts of both sweet and dry vermouth.
So, classic sweet Rod Roy.
Ingredients:
1 1.2 oz / 45 ml Scotch whisky
5/6 oz / 25 ml Sweet vermouth
Dash bitters
Process:
Pour all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker over ice and shake gently. Strain into the chilled cocktail glass and enjoy.
Garnish – Maraschino cherry.
Drinkware:
Cocktail glass
Visit my online store for a unique poster featuring this cocktail, along with many other beautiful cocktails and other wine-related subjects.
It’s the perfect way to add a touch of sophistication to your kitchen or bar. Click here to shop now!
