Rusty Nail
Scotch and Drambuie over ice. Honeyed and warming.
Stirred · Rocks glass · Medium · about 3 minutes · about 33% ABV
Ingredients
- 45 ml Blended Scotch
- 22.5 ml Drambuie
- Lemon twist (garnish)
Method
- Pour 45 ml blended Scotch into the mixing glass
- Pour 22.5 ml Drambuie into the mixing glass
- Add ice
- Stir
- Strain
- Garnish
About the Rusty Nail
The Rusty Nail became popular in the 1960s, when it was a favourite of the Rat Pack. Drambuie, a Scotch whisky liqueur, is said to be based on a recipe given by Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1746.
The spirit-forward family. This is a spirit-forward drink, made mostly of spirit and liqueur with no juice to soften it. Drinks like this were the heart of the golden age of cocktails, from the 1860s to Prohibition in 1920, and many were collected in Harry Craddock's Savoy Cocktail Book (1930). Stir them cold and serve them small.
Rusty Nail FAQ
What's in a Rusty Nail?
45 ml blended scotch, 22.5 ml drambuie, garnished with lemon twist.
How strong is a Rusty Nail?
About 33% ABV once mixed with ice, which is 2.1 Australian standard drinks per serve. That is close to a straight spirit, so sip it slowly.
Should I shake or stir a Rusty Nail?
Stir it. It is made only of spirits and wines, so stirring keeps it clear and silky. Shaking would make it cloudy and frothy.
What glass do you serve a Rusty Nail in?
A rocks glass, about 300 ml. Serve it over ice. No rocks glass? Use any short, heavy tumbler.
