Classic Cocktails: Rob Roy

With whisky all the rage, and scotch arguably the king of whisky the Rob Roy is one drink you need to try. Built from a complex base spirit this drink is a cocktail whose true origins have been partially lost in time. The history that surrounds scotch only aids in allowing for a Rob Roy you can call your own.

This mixed drink, believed to have been named after a popular operetta at the time, dates back to 1894. The operetta was performed at Herald Square in New York, not far from the original Waldorf Astoria. So who created this cocktail, nobody knows for certain. After looking into the records at the Waldorf there were some good guesses however the original creator of the Rob Roy cocktail seems to have been lost in history due, in part, to the prohibition era. Regardless of its history, this cocktail is simple to make and a great pleasure to consume.

Recipe:

2 oz. Scotch Whisky

¾ oz. Sweet Vermouth

2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Garnish with a cherry.

This classic is a slight variation on the Manhattan and you have an easy opportunity to make this drink your own. Due to the variety of styles of scotch many options present themselves when deciding upon the precise bottle to be used. Peated vs. non-peated and single malt vs. blend are the two major choices. Single malt has its place, the smoothness and luxuriousness will be sure to raise your Rob Roy to new heights, and higher costs. When deciding on the peated nature of your cocktail, let your pallet guide you, use what you enjoy most. As for myself, I lean towards a peated blended scotch. That being said there is more to a Rob Roy than scotch.

There is no doubt that scotch is an integral ingredient however the importance of sweet vermouth and Angostura bitters cannot be undersold. Nearly every cocktail creates a balance between the base spirit and its’ supporting characters. The mild undertone of a sweet red wine plays off the heat of a sensational Scotch whisky to tame the drink. Bitters, as a rule, are used as a shot of spice to cocktails. Just as a tablespoon of vanilla extract can completely change a recipe in the kitchen the dash or two of Angostura bitters adds elements of cloves, nutmeg and several other spices to really add a new dimension to this cocktail.

Next time you are looking for something a little different, and are in the mood for a sipping drink, call out for a Rob Roy. This spirit forward drink with notes of wood, smoke, wine and spice blends together into a complex companion on even the coldest of nights.