Recipes

Rob Roy Riches: The Bold Sip You’ll Wish You’d Stirred Sooner—With 2025 Picks

Samantha Kurz

Apr 4, 2025 — 2 min read

Rob Roy: The Whiskey Rogue You Can’t Pass Up

The Rob Roy is whiskey’s daring cousin to the Manhattan—Scotch, sweet vermouth, and bitters in a stirred, smoky twist that’s been stealing the show since the 1890s. Want the best in 2025? Here’s the smoothest recipe, plus whiskey picks to make it sing—no nonsense, just pure boldness. Let’s stir up the gutsiest sip you’ll crave all year.

Why the Rob Roy Rocks

A Rob Roy swaps Manhattan’s bourbon or rye for Scotch, blending it with sweet vermouth and bitters, stirred over ice for a rich, smoky kick. Scotch isn’t bound by U.S. law but typically uses malted barley, aged in oak—its peat or malt notes pair with vermouth’s sweetness for a rugged elegance. It’s whiskey’s rebel with a cause—complex and unforgettable.

The Best Rob Roy Recipe—Step-by-Step

This recipe keeps it sharp—bold, balanced, and Scotch-driven:

Ingredients:
- 2 oz Scotch whisky (blended or single malt)
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Ice (for stirring)
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Method:
Add Scotch, vermouth, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice. Stir for 20-30 seconds—smooth and chilled, not shaken—then strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Drop in a maraschino cherry. Sip slow—smoky richness awaits.

No rocks here—straight up keeps it sleek. A Luxardo cherry ups the luxe, but any maraschino works.

Whiskey Recommendations for Your 2025 Rob Roy

Pick a Scotch with character to match vermouth’s depth—here’s a 2025 lineup:

Blended Scotch: Johnnie Walker Black Label (80 proof, $35-$45)—smoky peat and malt balance the sweetness.
Single Malt: Glenfiddich 12 (80 proof, $35-$50)—fruity malt softens the edge, smooth and bold.
Bourbon Alternative: Maker’s Mark (90 proof, $25-$35)—corn sweetness swaps smoke for a twist.

Blended Scotch brings smoke, single malt finesse, bourbon a sweeter take—80-90 proof fits the stir.

Why This Rob Roy Rules 2025

This recipe’s a smoky stunner—Scotch leads, vermouth enriches, and bitters bite, all stirred to perfection. In 2025, its bold twist on tradition makes it a standout—stir it and steal the show. Ready for the rogue? Check out NEAT: Whiskey Finder—it’ll help you track down bourbon and whiskey near you.

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