Rob Roy MacGregor born in 1671, was a Scottish outlaw and folk hero. An Operetta was written about him in the 1800s and in 1894 a bartender at the Waldorf Hotel named a cocktail in honor of the man and the operetta that told his story. My Elderflower Rob Roy recipe is a little twist on this great classic cocktail.

The Rob Roy cocktail recipe is one of my favorites, very similar to the Manhattan cocktail with only two minor differences. The Rob Roy recipe uses Scotch Whisky and Angostura bitters, the Manhattan recipe uses Rye Whiskey with both Orange and Angostura bitters, both cocktails are mixed with Sweet Vermouth.

ROB ROY recipe:

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Ounces Scotch Whisky
• ¾ Ounce Sweet Vermouth
• 3 Dashes Angostura Bitters

MANHATTAN recipe:

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Ounces Rye Whiskey
• 1 Ounce Sweet Vermouth
• 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
• 1 Dash Orange Bitters

-Both should be stirred over ice and served in a chilled coupe.

There is not much difference between the two, both magnificent! I guess it depends on whether you’re in the mood for a whisky or a whiskey, the ‘E’ makes all the difference.

The cocktail I made here today is substituting the vermouth for an Elderflower Liqueur and a splash of Maraschino Cherry Liqueur in place of the bitters. And although it technically not a Rob Roy, the elderflowers should be blooming in Scotland shortly and the combo with a good Scotch Whisky is too good to miss.

ELDERFLOWER ROB ROY recipe:

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Ounces Scotch Whisky
• 1 Ounce St Germain Elderflower Liqueur
• ¾ Ounce Luxardo Maraschino Cherry Liqueur

-Add all the ingredients in a mixing glass over ice, and stir until well-chilled.

-Strain into a chilled coupe.

-Garnish with a Maraschino Cherry

Cheers!