Inspired by the classic Rob Roy, this bourbon variation swaps smoky Scotch for rich Kentucky bourbon, creating a smoother, warmer cocktail with notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice.
Elegant and spirit-forward, the Bourbon Rob Roy drinks somewhere between a Manhattan and a classic Rob Roy — making it a perfect cocktail for bourbon lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- ¾ oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Ice
Garnish:
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
- Stir until well chilled, about 20–30 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass or rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Express an orange peel over the drink and garnish with a premium cocktail cherry.
Pair It With
Elevate your cocktail hour with these Curious Kitchen favorites:
- 🍸 Bourbon-Infused Gourmet Gift Set — A curated collection of Southern bourbon favorites, perfect for gifting or stocking your entertaining pantry.
- 🧀 Jaläpeño Pimento Cheese (2-Pack) — Creamy, spicy, and irresistible alongside a spirit-forward bourbon cocktail. Serve with crackers for the perfect pairing.
Why It Works
Replacing Scotch with bourbon creates a softer, richer cocktail that highlights warm caramel and vanilla notes. Sweet vermouth adds herbal complexity while the bitters balance the drink beautifully.
Crafted in Kentucky by In the Curious Kitchen — where Southern heritage meets bourbon tradition — Boozy Cocktail Cherries® are made with imported dark Italian Amarena cherries soaked in bourbon syrup, making them an ideal garnish for spirit-forward bourbon cocktails like this Bourbon Rob Roy.
