Dangerously dark and delicious, this “Scotch Manhattan” will definitely help you forget about the work week behind you. The Rob Roy, best described as “a gentleman’s drink that will put hair on your chest”, has been around for a long, long time.

The cocktail is thought to have been invented at the Old Waldorf Hotel in 1894, around the time an opera inspired by Sir Walter Scott’s book Rob Roy, opened in Herald Square, and thus the name. Another factor that may have contributed to the creation of this drink, is that Dewar’s Scotch Whiskey was first introduced to New York also around this time, and the name may have been given to stimulate liquor sales. Regardless the drink is now considered a true classic and part of the American culture.

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Rob Roy

Dangerously dark and delicious, this Scotch Manhattan is best described as “A gentleman’s drink that will put hair on your chest.”

Course Cocktails

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Ingredients

Classic Rob Roy

• 1 ½ oz scotch
• ½ oz sweet vermouth
• 1-2 dashes Angostura bitters

Dry Rob Roy

• 1 ½ oz scotch
• ½ oz dry vermouth
• 1-2 dashes Angostura bitters

Perfect Rob Roy

• 1 ½ oz scotch
• ½ oz equal parts dry/sweet vermouth
• 1-2 dashes Angostura bitters

Instructions

Classic Rob Roy

• Pour scotch, vermouth and bitters over ice. Stir and strain into a stemmed cocktail glass.
• Garnish with maraschino cherry.

Dry Rob Roy

• Pour scotch, vermouth and bitters over ice. Stir and strain into a stemmed cocktail glass.
• Garnish with lemon twist

Perfect Rob Roy

• Pour scotch, vermouth and bitters over ice. Stir and strain into a stemmed cocktail glass.
• Garnish with maraschino cherry or lemon twist.

The story of Rob Roy was also retold in a 1995 movie by director Michael Caton-Jones, starring Liam Neeson and Jessica Lange.

Perhaps it would be a good night to rent the movie, drink a scotch, and maybe enjoy some shepherds pie?. Well whatever your weekend holds for you, I hope you take some time to enjoy!