The Rusty Nail is a simple yet robust cocktail that combines Scotch whisky and Drambuie, a Scotch-based liqueur flavored with honey, herbs, and spices. This classic cocktail dates back to the 1930s and is known for its smooth, slightly sweet, and smoky profile. It’s a perfect after-dinner drink or nightcap for whisky lovers.
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Rocks glass or Old Fashioned glass
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Bar spoon
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Jigger or measuring shot glass
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Prepare the Glass:
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Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes.
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Combine Ingredients:
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Pour 2 oz Scotch whisky over the ice.
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Add 1 oz Drambuie liqueur.
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Stir Gently:
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Use a bar spoon to gently stir the mixture to combine the Scotch and Drambuie, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Garnish and Serve:
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Express a lemon twist over the drink to release its oils, then drop it into the glass.
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Serve immediately while the drink is cold and the aroma of the lemon is fresh.
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The Rusty Nail is traditionally served in a short, sturdy rocks glass, allowing the drinker to sip slowly and savor the rich, smoky flavors.
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The lemon twist adds a bright, citrusy aroma that balances the warmth of the whisky and the sweetness of the Drambuie.
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Appetizers: Smoked almonds, dark chocolate, or spiced nuts.
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Main Course: Grilled steak, roast beef, or rich lamb stew.
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Dessert: Dark chocolate mousse, vanilla bean ice cream, or sticky toffee pudding.
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Stronger Rusty Nail: Adjust the ratio to 2.5 oz Scotch and 0.5 oz Drambuie for a drier, more whisky-forward profile.
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Sweeter Rusty Nail: Increase the Drambuie to 1.5 oz for a richer, sweeter version.
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Rusty Bob: Substitute bourbon for Scotch to create a bourbon-based variation.
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Rusty Ale: Top the Rusty Nail with a splash of ginger ale for a lighter, refreshing twist.
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Smoky Rusty Nail: Use a peaty Scotch, such as Laphroaig or Ardbeg, for a bolder, smokier profile.
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The Rusty Nail was reportedly created in the 1930s but gained popularity in the 1960s, becoming a favorite of the Rat Pack.
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It is said that the drink got its name from the rusty nails used to stir the cocktail during Prohibition, though this is likely a myth.
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The Rusty Nail is a staple in classic cocktail bars, celebrated for its simplicity and sophistication.
Ingredients
Directions
-
Rocks glass or Old Fashioned glass
-
Bar spoon
-
Jigger or measuring shot glass
-
Prepare the Glass:
-
Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes.
-
-
Combine Ingredients:
-
Pour 2 oz Scotch whisky over the ice.
-
Add 1 oz Drambuie liqueur.
-
-
Stir Gently:
-
Use a bar spoon to gently stir the mixture to combine the Scotch and Drambuie, allowing the flavors to meld.
-
-
Garnish and Serve:
-
Express a lemon twist over the drink to release its oils, then drop it into the glass.
-
Serve immediately while the drink is cold and the aroma of the lemon is fresh.
-
-
The Rusty Nail is traditionally served in a short, sturdy rocks glass, allowing the drinker to sip slowly and savor the rich, smoky flavors.
-
The lemon twist adds a bright, citrusy aroma that balances the warmth of the whisky and the sweetness of the Drambuie.
-
Appetizers: Smoked almonds, dark chocolate, or spiced nuts.
-
Main Course: Grilled steak, roast beef, or rich lamb stew.
-
Dessert: Dark chocolate mousse, vanilla bean ice cream, or sticky toffee pudding.
-
Stronger Rusty Nail: Adjust the ratio to 2.5 oz Scotch and 0.5 oz Drambuie for a drier, more whisky-forward profile.
-
Sweeter Rusty Nail: Increase the Drambuie to 1.5 oz for a richer, sweeter version.
-
Rusty Bob: Substitute bourbon for Scotch to create a bourbon-based variation.
-
Rusty Ale: Top the Rusty Nail with a splash of ginger ale for a lighter, refreshing twist.
-
Smoky Rusty Nail: Use a peaty Scotch, such as Laphroaig or Ardbeg, for a bolder, smokier profile.
-
The Rusty Nail was reportedly created in the 1930s but gained popularity in the 1960s, becoming a favorite of the Rat Pack.
-
It is said that the drink got its name from the rusty nails used to stir the cocktail during Prohibition, though this is likely a myth.
-
The Rusty Nail is a staple in classic cocktail bars, celebrated for its simplicity and sophistication.