Reading Esquire’s article on the best bars in America put me in the mood to have a drink. Specifically a Rob Roy. Unfortunately, according to the rules a Rob Roy can only be imbibed during winter. Rules are for suckers.

I was also feeling some regional pride and decided to modify the recipe and introduce some Dirty South Flavor. No city in the Dirty South is filthier than New Orleans, so I looked there for inspiration. I came up with the following and had three for quality control purposes:

• 2 ounces of blended scotch;
• 1/2 ounce of sweet vermouth; and
• a dash of Peychaud bitters.

Combine ingredients over cracked ice in a mixing glass and stir. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Drink.