Rob Roy Cocktail Recipe – Scotch, Vermouth & Bitters Balance

Smooth, sophisticated, and steeped in history, the Rob Roy is a cocktail that showcases the elegance of Scotch whisky in a simple yet refined recipe. First created in 1894 at New York’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel and named after the Scottish folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor, this drink mirrors the Manhattan but with a distinctly Scottish flair. Blending Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, and aromatic bitters, it’s a drink that can be enjoyed in classic form, as a Dry Rob Roy, or as a Perfect Rob Roy. In this post, we’ll share the authentic recipe, tips on choosing the right Scotch, and variations to suit every palate. Whether you’re new to whisky cocktails or a seasoned enthusiast, the Rob Roy is a must-try classic.

9/13/20251 min read

📖 Ingredients (1 serving):

2 oz Scotch whisky (blended Scotch is traditional; single malts give a smokier depth)
1 oz sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Ice

🍒 Garnish:

Brandied cherry (classic)
Lemon twist (optional, for brightness)

🛠️ Equipment Needed:

Mixing glass
Bar spoon
Jigger or measuring tool
Fine strainer
Coupe or Nick & Nora glass

🍹 Instructions:

Chill your glass – Place your coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer or fill with ice water.
Mix the drink – In a mixing glass, add:
- 2 oz Scotch whisky
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Stir gently – Fill with ice and stir for 20–30 seconds until chilled and silky.
Strain & serve – Strain into your chilled glass.
Garnish – Add a brandied cherry for richness or a lemon twist for a more citrus-forward profile.

✨ Tips for the Perfect Rob Roy:

Sweet vs. Dry vs. Perfect: The traditional Rob Roy uses sweet vermouth. Swap for dry vermouth for a Dry Rob Roy, or split half-sweet/half-dry for a Perfect Rob Roy.
Scotch choice matters: Blended Scotch keeps it smooth; single malt makes it smokier and more complex.
Bitters balance: Angostura bitters are classic, but orange bitters add a citrus twist.