The History of the Rusty Nail

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The Rusty Nail is a potent blend of scotch whisky and Drambuie, a drink that earned a place in the pantheon of classic cocktails during the glamorous era of the 1960s. It was a favorite of the Rat Pack, giving them the Dutch courage they needed for their outrageous exploits while ensuring they maintained an air of suaveness and sophistication. The strength of the cocktail only added to their cool façade, proving that they had a great handle on life.

TL;DR

• The Rusty Nail is a classic cocktail of scotch whisky and Drambuie, famously enjoyed by the Rat Pack.
• Its exact origin is unclear, but it first appeared at a British Industries Fair in New York.
• The name 'Rusty Nail' was popularized in the 1950s, with several intriguing stories behind its naming.
• Bartenders now experiment with variations, substituting whisky with tequila, mezcal, or gin.

When Sinatra and his friends were at the height of their fame, what they drank became a point of fascination for their fans. So, who created this iconic drink enjoyed by the coolest boys in swing?

Who Created the Rusty Nail Cocktail?

The exact origin of the Rusty Nail remains shrouded in mystery, but its first recorded appearance was in New York at a British Industries Fair. Some say it was introduced at the fair by a representative from the prestigious 21 Club in Manhattan. Initially named the B.I.F., the drink included a dash of bitters and was so unpopular that it disappeared from public knowledge for a few years.

The cocktail suddenly found its footing in the 1950s, albeit under various names including Mig 21, Knucklehead, Little Club No. 1, and D&S. However, it was the Rusty Nail moniker that finally stuck. The name was popularized by Gina MacKinnon, the chairwoman of Drambuie, who publicly endorsed it.

How Did the Name 'Rusty Nail' Originate?

There are a few captivating stories about the origins of the name. One of the most popular tales is that it was originally stirred with a rusty nail. Others believe the name came from the rusty nails that held the cases of Drambuie together, or it could be inspired by the golden tones in the finished drink that resemble aged, rusted metal. Regardless of its true origin, the name Rusty Nail has a timeless allure.

Like the Rat Pack, the Rusty Nail seems to be a cocktail remembered fondly but rarely found on modern cocktail menus. Yet, its unique character and history suggest it might be time for a revival.

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Rusty Nail

Recipe card

4.57 / 5

Whisky glass

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Invented

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(1960)

Base ingredient

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Drambuie

Calories

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156 calories

Alcohol content

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40% | 2.8 units of alcohol ^*

Details

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Classic

Stirred

The Rusty Nail is a classic cocktail that beautifully marries the honeyed, herbal sweetness of Drambuie with the rich, robust flavors of whiskey. Drambuie itself is a liqueur made with Scotch whisky, heather honey, herbs, and spices, which complements the whiskey base to create a layered and complex drink. Typically served in a whiskey glass, the Rusty Nail is a simple yet sophisticated cocktail that has a warming and smooth taste profile. Its simplicity in preparation belies the depth of flavor it offers, making it a longstanding favorite among whiskey aficionados. Perfect for sipping slowly, this cocktail often evokes a feeling of old-world elegance and comfort.

Ingredients

Drambuie

Whiskey

Method

How to make a Rusty Nail

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes

Mix the ingredients directly in an old fashioned glass filled with ice cubes

Stir and serve

Makers mode

View the full recipe

Variations of the Rusty Nail

While the base of Drambuie rarely changes in a Rusty Nail, bartenders have enjoyed experimenting with different spirits to replace the whisky. If you want to mix things up, try swapping the whisky for tequila, mezcal, or even gin. The richness and depth of flavor from the Drambuie mean that there's little need for any additional mixers or syrups. Here are some interesting variations to try:

• Mexican Nail: Replace the whisky with a good quality tequila. The agave notes from the tequila add an interesting twist to the cocktail.
• Smoky Nail: Substitute the whisky with mezcal for a smoky, earthy flavor that complements the Drambuie beautifully.
• Gin Nail: For a lighter, more botanical twist, use gin instead of whisky. This version is less traditional but offers a refreshing alternative.

The Rusty Nail is made with 100% liquor, save for a healthy serving of ice cubes, making it a drink to be savored slowly and responsibly. It is perfect as an aperitif, helping to cleanse the palate after dinner and bring an evening to a delightful close.

Serving Suggestions

The Rusty Nail is best served in a short, stout glass like an old-fashioned glass, over a large chunk of ice. The large ice cube dilutes the drink slowly, allowing you to enjoy the evolving flavors as the ice melts.

For the purists, the classic recipe is hard to beat. Pour 45 ml of whisky and 25 ml of Drambuie over ice, stir gently, and savor. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, don’t hesitate to try one of the variations mentioned above. Pair it with a cigar, and you might just find yourself channeling the spirit of the Rat Pack.

Conclusion

The Rusty Nail is more than just a cocktail; it’s a piece of history that has stood the test of time. From its enigmatic origins to its rise to fame in the 1960s, this drink embodies a unique blend of tradition and sophistication. Whether you're a fan of classic cocktails or looking to try something new, the Rusty Nail is a drink that deserves a spot on your cocktail list.