Barsys
Rob Roy
About
The Rob Roy cocktail is the Scotch lover’s answer to the Manhattan. Created in 1894 at New York’s Waldorf Astoria, it was named after the legendary Scottish folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor. This drink is all about simplicity and sophistication: Scotch whisky as the star, sweet vermouth for gentle sweetness, and a dash of bitters to bring it all together.
Stirred with ice and strained into a chilled coupe glass, the Rob Roy delivers a deep, warming sip that’s perfect for slow evenings. Elegant and classic, it remains one of the finest ways to enjoy Scotch in cocktail form.
Shaken or Stirred? Stirred. Stirring with ice chills and blends the drink while keeping it crystal clear and silky.
What You'll Need
For one Rob Roy cocktail:
- 60 ml Scotch whisky
- 30 ml sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters (recommended)
- Ice (for stirring)
Optional garnish: A maraschino cherry and a wide orange zest.
Pro tip: Chill your coupe glass in advance to keep every sip cold and smooth.
How to Make It
Prep time: 5 minutes
Skill level: Easy - spirit-forward and classic
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
- Stir gently for 20-25 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass with no ice.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and an expressed orange zest.
Using Barsys?
Barsys Coaster 2.0 ensures perfect pours of whisky and vermouth, removing any guesswork. You handle the stir and garnish, Barsys guarantees balanced flavor every time.
For the full recipe, download the Barsys App.
The Barsys Edge
A Rob Roy is all about precision. Too much vermouth and it turns overly sweet; too little and it becomes sharp. Barsys keeps every pour balanced so each cocktail is perfectly smooth.
Sip Setting
Perfect for elegant evenings, late-night conversations, or when you want a drink that’s both strong and refined.
Garnish Game
Classic is a maraschino cherry with an orange zest twist. Express the orange peel over the glass to release essential oils for an aromatic finish.
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FAQs
What is a Rob Roy cocktail?
A classic Scotch whisky cocktail made with sweet vermouth and bitters.
Is a Rob Roy the same as a Manhattan?
They’re close cousins. A Manhattan uses rye or bourbon, while a Rob Roy swaps in Scotch for a smoky, rich twist.
What kind of Scotch works best?
A blended Scotch is traditional, but a smooth single malt gives a more pronounced character.
Should a Rob Roy be served with ice?
No. It’s stirred with ice to chill and diluted slightly, then strained into a coupe glass.
Can Barsys make a Rob Roy?
Yes. Load Scotch and sweet vermouth into Barsys for precise pours, then simply stir, strain, and garnish.