Classic · Nightcap · Very Strong
The Rusty Nail
In the owner’s words: Strong · Spirit Forward · Honey
- Base
- Scotch
- Glass
- Lowball
- Method
- Stirred
- Effort
- Beginner · 3 min
- ABV
- 32%
Build
- Scotchor Any blended Scotch · Monkey Shoulder preferred
- Drambuie
- LemonExpress oils over drink · garnish
You’ll need: Mixing glass, Bar spoon, Strainer
Method — Stirred
- Add Scotch and Drambuie to a mixing glass filled with ice
- Stir gently for about 20 seconds until well-chilled
- Strain into a lowball glass with a large clear ice cube
- Express lemon peel oils over the surface of the drink
- Optionally, drop the lemon peel into the drink or discard
The story
Popularized in the 1950s and became a favorite of the Rat Pack. The origins of the name are disputed, but one story suggests a bartender used a rusty nail to stir the first version of this drink. Another theory is that the rusty color resembles a rusty nail.
Variations
The ratio of Scotch to Drambuie can vary widely, from 4:1 in drier versions to 1:1 in sweeter variations. Some versions use a single malt Scotch for more complexity.
Host tips
Use a quality blended Scotch like Monkey Shoulder that won't overpower the Drambuie. The drink improves as it sits and the ice melts slightly, softening the strong flavors.
