CocktailRecipes

Rusty Nail Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

how to make a Rusty Nail recipe

📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Scotch
Alcohol 20%
Calories 163 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 8g
Prep time 2 minutes

Imagine you find the secret to the perfect sip of smooth, sweet, and a tiny bit spicy – that’s the Rusty Nail cocktail. This drink is a simple mix of Scotch whisky and honeyed sweetness of Drambuie. Let’s start our taste adventure together and uncover the layers that make a Rusty Nail so special. ⬇️

History

The Rusty Nail made its grand debut in the 1930s, reaching its peak of popularity in the 1960s. It’s famed for its Scottish roots and has been a staple in the cocktail scene ever since. This drink carries the weight of decades, a true testament to timeless taste.

  • The name “Rusty Nail” was said to be coined at the 21 Club in Manhattan during the early 1960s.
  • Originally, the Rusty Nail could be served with a lemon twist, but this garnish became less common over time.
  • It became a favorite amongst the Rat Pack, which helped to cement its status as a classic cocktail.

The taste of a Rusty Nail?

A Rusty Nail is sweet with a warming whisky kick. It’s like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening, with the honey notes of Drambuie hugging your taste buds.

I love the Rusty Nail for its elegant simplicity and the smooth, comforting warmth it brings with every sip.

Interesting facts about Rusty Nail

  • A Rusty Nail can be served on the rocks or straight up, depending on your preference.
  • Despite its simplicity, bartenders around the world love to put their own twist on this classic.
  • It’s a versatile cocktail, easily customizable with different types of Scotch to suit your taste.

Ingredients

  • Scotch whisky: 1.5 oz (45ml)
  • Drambuie: 0.75 oz (22ml)

A Rusty Nail should be savored from an Old Fashioned glass, which allows its aromas to gather and intensify, enhancing the sipping experience. Alternatively, a Rocks glass could also cradle this storied concoction quite comfortably.

Recipe. How to make Rusty Nail

  1. Fill an Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes.
  2. Pour Scotch whisky and Drambuie over the ice.
  3. Stir gently to blend the liquors together.
  4. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel, if desired.

While the Rusty Nail is a treat, remember it’s quite high in sugar and calories. For a lighter version, try using a natural sweetener or simply reducing the amount of Drambuie. Scotch whisky itself has some antioxidants, but moderation is the key!

5/5


Food Pairings

Certain bites can elevate your Rusty Nail experience to new heights, complementing the cocktail’s rich and honeyed flavor profile. Here are some perfect pairings to try:

Cheese Platter

A selection of bold cheeses, like blue or aged cheddar, pairs beautifully with the Rusty Nail’s complexity. The creamy texture and strong flavors of the cheese balance the sweetness of the drink.

Dark Chocolate

The bitter notes in dark chocolate harmonize with the Rusty Nail’s sweet and smoky nuances, creating a luxurious taste sensation.

Smoked Almonds

The smokiness of almonds accentuates the whisky’s depth, while their crunchiness contrasts the smoothness of the cocktail.

I really like how the Rusty Nail’s taste tells a story—a story of warmth, comfort, and a hint of spice that makes it unforgettable.

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Bartender Advice

  • Always use fresh ice to avoid diluting the drink with any freezer odors.
  • Experiment with different Scotches to find your perfect flavor balance.
  • Stir gently; over-stirring can lead to an overly diluted drink.

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Rusty Nail, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.

What you could change in Rusty Nail

  • Scotch whisky: Swap for a peated version for a smokier edge.
  • Drambuie: Adjust the amount to taste for a sweeter or less sweet cocktail.
  • Garnish: Add a sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick for an aromatic twist.

Rusty Nail Variations

Smoky Rusty Nail

  • Ingredients: Use a peated Scotch for a smokier profile.
  • Recipe: Follow the classic recipe, substituting the Scotch with a peated variety.

Spiced Rusty Nail

  • Ingredients: Add a dash of Angostura bitters for a spiced note.
  • Recipe: Stir in the bitters with the other ingredients for an aromatic kick.

Citrus Rusty Nail

  • Ingredients: Include a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist.
  • Recipe: Mix the orange juice with the other ingredients, then stir and serve.

Enjoy a ‘Virgin Rusty Nail’ by mixing honey, lemon juice, and non-alcoholic ginger beer. Serve over ice for a refreshing, booze-free alternative.

Q&A

Can I use bourbon instead of Scotch in a Rusty Nail?

Technically you can, but it wouldn’t be a traditional Rusty Nail. The unique flavors of Scotch are key to the drink’s character.

Is the Rusty Nail a strong cocktail?

Yes, it is quite strong, with the alcohol content coming solely from the whisky and Drambuie.

What can I do if I find the Rusty Nail too sweet?

Try using less Drambuie or adding a bit more Scotch to balance the sweetness with the whisky’s robust flavor.

How long should I stir a Rusty Nail?

You should stir until the drink is well-chilled, usually around 20-30 seconds.

Are there any non-alcoholic substitutes for Drambuie?

You can use honey syrup mixed with a few drops of non-alcoholic vanilla extract as a substitute.

Can a Rusty Nail be batched for parties?

Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients based on the number of guests and serve it in a large pitcher or punch bowl.

Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer is a seasoned mixology and cocktail recipe writer at CocktailPlans.com. Chris has a deep passion for cocktail creation and mixology, and has been exploring and writing about the world of drinks for over 5 years.
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