Rusty Nail
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Rusty Nail
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.57 / 5
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.
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Microbadges

IBA Official Drink
Cocktail Of The Day
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die
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 *
Details
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Classic
Stirred

Tags

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Christmas cocktail
Drambuie ingredient icon
Drambuie cocktails
Drambuie ingredient icon
Top ten Drambuie cocktails

Whisky glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Drambuie cocktail ingredient icon for the Rusty Nail cocktail
Drambuie
Whiskey cocktail ingredient icon for the Rusty Nail cocktail
Whiskey
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

The Rusty Nail is a testament to the elegance of simplicity, leveraging the harmonious interplay between Drambuie's honeyed sweetness and the deep, smoky notes of whiskey to create a drink that's both robust and refined. This cocktail's subtle herbal undertones from the Drambuie blend seamlessly with the whiskey, offering a warming, sophisticated sip that makes it a revered choice for those who appreciate the nuanced interplay of classic flavors.

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

Power tips
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Find out more
Use a high-quality single malt Scotch whisky to bring out the best nuanced flavors when combined with the Drambuie.
Add a twist of lemon peel to the drink for a slight zesty touch that can cut through the sweetness and balance the overall profile.
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The History of the Rusty Nail

The Rusty Nail is a potent blend of scotch whisky and Drambuie, a drink that earned a place in the p...

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

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FAQ's

Ingredient specifics icon

What type of whiskey works best for a Rusty Nail?

A Rusty Nail can be made with various types of whiskey, but Scotch whisky, particularly a blended Scotch, is traditionally used for its smooth, smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of Drambuie. Some prefer using a single malt Scotch for a more distinct flavor profile.

Customization ideas icon

Can I adjust the sweetness of a Rusty Nail?

Yes, the sweetness of a Rusty Nail can be adjusted by varying the ratio of Drambuie to whiskey. For a less sweet drink, decrease the amount of Drambuie or increase the amount of whiskey. Conversely, for a sweeter drink, increase the Drambuie or decrease the whiskey.

Faq icon

Is it necessary to use ice in a Rusty Nail?

While not strictly necessary, serving a Rusty Nail over ice is common and recommended. The ice dilutes the cocktail slightly as it melts, mellowing the flavors and making the drink more refreshing. However, some may prefer it neat, especially if using a high-quality whiskey.

Origins history icon

What is the history behind the name 'Rusty Nail'?

The origins of the name 'Rusty Nail' are a bit murky, but it's believed to have been popularized in the 1950s and 1960s. Some tales suggest the name comes from the practice of stirring the drink with a rusty nail, though this is more likely apocryphal than factual. It gained significant popularity among the cocktail elite of the time and has been associated with a classic, enduring appeal.

Faq icon

Are there any popular variations of the Rusty Nail cocktail?

While the classic Rusty Nail sticks to Drambuie and whiskey, some variations include the addition of lemon peel for a citrusy twist, bitters for added complexity, or substituting part of the whiskey with another spirit for a different flavor profile. However, any significant alterations might lead to a different cocktail altogether, so it's all about personal preference.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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