The Rob Roy Revival cocktail adds a modern twist to a classic Scotch Manhattan from the 1890s. The drink takes its name from Robert Roy MacGregor, a Scottish folk hero who fought against English rule in the early 1700s.
A proper Rob Roy Revival mixes smoky Scotch whisky with sweet vermouth, orange bitters, and a touch of absinthe for an elegant sipper that suits both casual and formal occasions.
The recipe gained new fans in recent years as craft cocktail bars brought back pre-Prohibition drinks. Its blend of flavors works well year-round, though many enjoy it most during cool autumn and winter evenings.
Rob Roy Revival Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing glass
- Bar spoon
- Hawthorne strainer
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Nick and Nora glass or coupe glass
- Ice for mixing
Ingredients
- 2 oz blended Scotch whisky
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters optional
- Brandied cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Fill mixing glass 3/4 full with ice.
- Add Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, and both types of bitters to the mixing glass.
- Stir with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled Nick and Nora glass or coupe.
- Garnish with a brandied cherry.
Notes
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Tasting Notes
The Rob Roy Revival starts with rich, smoky notes from the scotch whisky. Sweet vermouth adds layers of herbs and spices, while orange bitters bring bright citrus accents.
The blend creates a smooth, warming sip with hints of vanilla and caramel. The drink maintains a balanced sweetness that doesn’t overpower the base spirit.
Primary Flavors:
- Smoky scotch
- Sweet herbs
- Orange zest
- Vanilla notes
A velvety texture coats the palate. The finish stays warm with lingering whisky character and gentle spice notes.
The cocktail’s amber color catches the light beautifully. Its aroma combines whisky and orange peel with subtle herbal undertones.
This modern take on the classic Rob Roy offers a refined taste that’s both complex and approachable. The flavors work together while letting each ingredient shine.
Temperature affects the drinking experience. Served cold, the drink is crisp and refreshing. As it warms slightly, more subtle flavors emerge.
Substitute
The Rob Roy cocktail needs Scotch whisky as its base spirit. When Scotch isn’t available, Irish whiskey makes a good replacement. The drink will taste different but still maintains a similar profile.
Bourbon or rye whiskey can work in place of Scotch. These American whiskies create a sweeter cocktail with less smoky notes. The resulting drink is closer to a Manhattan than a classic Rob Roy.
Sweet vermouth alternatives include Punt e Mes or Dubonnet Rouge. These fortified wines bring similar flavors but each adds its own character to the final drink.
Common Substitutes:
- Base Spirit: Irish whiskey, bourbon, rye whiskey
- Vermouth: Punt e Mes, Dubonnet Rouge
- Bitters: Orange bitters or chocolate bitters instead of Angostura
For a non-alcoholic version, try mixing apple juice with grape juice and a dash of non-alcoholic bitters. This creates a drink with similar fruity notes without the alcohol content.
Make sure to adjust the ratios when using substitutes. Some ingredients may need more or less than the original recipe calls for.
