The Best Rob Roy Recipe - VinePair

How To Make A Rob Roy

This 19th century cocktail is believed to have been created at New York City’s Waldorf Hotel (known today as the Waldorf Astoria). The cocktail was reportedly named after an operetta about the life of Scottish folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor, although cocktail historian David Wondrich has questioned the drinks’ origin story. The Rob Roy is a riff on a Manhattan, made with Scotch instead of Rye Whiskey.

Rob Roy Ingredients

• 2 ½ oz Blended Scotch
• 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura

Rob Roy Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir.
3. Strain into chilled rocks glass over fresh ice.
4. Garnish with a cherry and enjoy.

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Yield: 1 Cocktail Calories: 152 Updated: 2026-01-07

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Rob Roy FAQ

What is the difference between a Rob Roy and a Manhattan?

A Rob Roy and a Manhattan are two very similar cocktails with their only difference being the base liquor. A Rob Roy is made using blended Scotch while a Manhattan is made with rye whiskey.

What alcohol is in a Rob Roy?

A Rob Roy contains two types of alcohol — blended Scotch and sweet vermouth.

What does a Rob Roy taste like?

A stirred, spirit-forward cocktail, the Rob Roy tastes predominantly like the blended Scotch used in it. As such, the cocktail is malty and smooth, with a bit of spice on the finishing end. The drink is sweetened a touch with the addition of sweet vermouth, and balanced for a well-rounded mouthfeel by the Angostura bitters.

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