Stir the mixture with a cocktail spoon for 5 - 10 seconds.
Get a martini glass out of the freezer. Cap the shaker and strain the liquid into the glass.
Add the cherry to the glass.
maraschino cherry
Sip, smile, enjoy.
Notes
Helpful tips
The choice of Scotch whiskey significantly impacts the flavor of your Rob Roy. Opt for a high-quality blended scotch or single malt that you enjoy drinking.
Traditionally, the Rob Roy is made with sweet vermouth, but you can tailor it to your taste. For a drier version, use dry vermouth, or for a balanced profile, mix half sweet and half dry vermouth.
Start with how I make the cocktail. It's not exactly a 2:1 scotch-to-vermouth ratio, but it's close. Feel free to adjust the proportions to suit your preference, whether you like it stronger or more mellow.
Stirring the cocktail with ice, rather than shaking, ensures a smooth, clear drink without the extra dilution or air bubbles that shaking can cause.
Serve your Rob Roy in a chilled glass to keep it refreshingly cool. Fill the glass with ice and water while you prepare the drink, then empty it before pouring. Or place the glass in the freezer for at least ten minutes before starting the recipe.
A dash of Angostura bitters adds complexity to the cocktail. Don't overdo it; a little goes a long way in providing that hint of spice and depth.
A classic Rob Roy is garnished with a maraschino cherry. Rinse the cherry before adding it to your cocktail. You don't want the sweetness of the syrup in the drink.
For a twist, try twisting the lemon peel and expressing the oils over the drink for a hint of citrus aroma.
For a smokier variant, use a peated Scotch whisky. It adds a distinctive, smoky character to your Rob Roy.
While traditionally served up (without ice), you can also serve it on the rocks in an old-fashioned glass if you prefer a cooler and more diluted drink.