Sunday, March 11, 2012

Cocktail of the Week - The Rob Roy

The Rob Roy is a classic cocktail that, despite the resurgance the cocktail, you don't see it very often.

The History:  First created in 1894 by a bartender at the Waldorf Hotel in New York City. The drink is named after the Scottish folk hero Robert Roy MacGregor who became famous for stealing from the rich and giving to the poor.  Don't feel bad for Robin Hood; he has a cocktail named after him but it certainly isn't as well known. I wonder if the two could trade places for Rob Roy would rather be known for his acts of humanity - like Robin Hood - or for his namesake cocktail

The Recipe
  • 2.5 oz Scotch.  I pref(er The Famous Grouse.  It's a very nice blended scotch that won't break the bank.)
  • .75 oz Sweet Vermouth.
  • A few dashes of bitters. (Angoustoura is traditionally used, but blood orange works equally as well.)
  • Stir with ice and serve up in a cocktail glass
  • Garnish with a twist or cherries (or do as I did and garnish with a twist and bourbon soaked cherries)