Friday Cocktail: The Rob Roy

Dulce Periculum!

Created by a Waldorf bartender in 1894 to honor the premiere of the operetta Rob Roy, which itself honored the Scottish folk hero, the Rob Roy cocktail is simply a Scotch whisky version of the oft-versioned Manhattan cocktail. You can have it dry. You can have it perfect, but I prefer it sweet.

Recently, I took some of that good old Macallan Select Oak and turned it into a Rob Roy cocktail. I was reminded after the first sip of what a lovely rendition this "Manhattan" produces. The Select Oak was nice, but a Lagavulin or a Laphroaig are my ideal whiskies for this cocktail. The sweet of the vermouth and the smoke of the scotch create together something that even the best rye can not produce. 

Rob Roy (Chowbacca! Style) Raibeart Ruadh

50ml Islay Single-Malt Scotch Whisky

20ml Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth

3 dashes Angostura Bitters

Stir with a couple of ice cubes, strain, and serve in a well-chilled cocktail glass with a brandied cherry.

There is little in this world as relaxing as good Scotch whisky. It can be as warm and welcoming as an evening fire. As cooler months approach, consider letting a Rob Roy or two put some fire under your kilt, responsibly.

From the Trivia Tardis: The fictional Rob Roy Macgregor is cooler than a fez. Why? Well, because he has met The Doctor twice!