Once upon a time, a Scottish folk hero set sail across the Atlantic — first as an operetta, then as a cocktail. His name was Rob Roy (1671–1734), the man who defied the Duke of Montrose, became an outlaw, and earned a lasting place in British legend. His story was first immortalized in a semi-fictional biography by Daniel Defoe in 1723, then elevated to literary fame by Walter Scott’s historical novel in 1818.
When and Where Did the Cocktail Come to Life?
Fast forward to 1894: two American composers, Reginald De Koven and Harry B. Smith, reimagined the rebel’s tale in a spirited operetta, rich in theatrical flair and far from historical accuracy — but wildly successful on stage.
At the same time, across the United States, a quiet romance with Scotch whisky was blossoming. And so, in this curious intersection of drama and drink, the story of the Rob Roy cocktail begins. It was 1895. The operetta Rob Roy had taken over Broadway’s Herald Square Theatre. One evening, a Scotch whisky salesman walked into a bar — some say it was the Duke’s House, others the Waldorf Astoria.
As conversation bubbled and glasses clinked, someone proposed a round of Manhattans. But when the whisky of choice turned out to be rye, the salesman raised a hand: “Not for me. I don’t drink cocktails without Scotch.” The bartender didn’t blink. “Then let’s make it with your spirit,” he said. The swap was made. The result? A revelation. Bold, balanced, unmistakably Scottish. The drink made its way into the hearts of those gathered, and someone — no one quite remembers who — proposed a name. Rob Roy.
Rob Roy Cocktail: The Recipe
Whether it was a tribute to the operetta or the man himself, the connection was clear. Four years later, the drink earned its place in the Applegreen’s Barkeeper’s Guide (1899). The outlaw had become a classic.
Ingredients
45 ml of Scotch whisky
45 ml of Italian vermouth
Method
Start by filling a mixing glass with ice cubes, then add the ingredients. Stir gently to chill and dilute, and strain into a coupe glass.
Garnish
A lemon twist.
The article first appeared on Coqtail – for fine drinkers. Order your copy here
Photo by Julie Couder, location Ceresio7, Milano – all rights reserved
