Do you need a stiff drink to deal with election night? Whether you use the Maple Rob Roy to toast victory or lessen your sorrows, remember to “Live, Laugh and Love.”

I found this recipe in the December 2018 issue of Costco Connection, courtesy of mixologist Keith Meicher of Sepia in Chicago. There were three other drinks listed in the “Holiday Cocktails” article.  I made all four and offered taste tests at several gatherings. This one was hands down the winner.  I made some minor changes to the original recipe, which was called Winter Scotch Warmer.  Why limit a drink this good to a single season?  The ratio of scotch and vermouth is the same as in a Rob Roy. Since this one has maple syrup instead of bitters, it’s a bit sweeter than a traditional Rob Roy. 

Meicher’s recipe called for sweet vermouth. The first time I made it I used extra-dry vermouth.  I’m not a vermouth connoisseur; I didn’t even realize there was a difference.  I bought a bottle of sweet vermouth and did a taste test.  There was a big taste difference when I tasted them straight, but not so much in the finished drink. The predominant flavors are scotch and salted maple syrup. I had a slight preference for the extra-dry. 

This recipe makes a one-quart batch instead of single servings. Refrigerate any leftovers; they’ll keep for a long time.  If you pace yourself, you could even make it through all the recounts. 

Active time: 5 minutes  Total time: 15 minutes

Specialized Kitchen Utensils:

• This Rubbermaid 1-Quart Pitcher is perfect for a batch of cocktails or salad dressing. 

Serves 10 to 12

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 2 pinches of sea salt (or more to taste)
• 2 cups blended scotch
• 1 cup sweet or extra-dry vermouth
• Rosemary sprig, for garnish, optional
• Ice

Instructions

Pour maple syrup, hot water, and sea salt into pitcher.  Let cool to room temperature.  Add scotch and vermouth. Shake to combine. Serve over ice. Garnish with rosemary sprig if desired.