Scotch and Drambuie come together to create this classic and simple tipple, the Rusty Nail.
Cocktail names are interesting. Sometimes they sound inviting, enticing and occasionally naughty. Before we even know what’s in them, a memorable moniker can either make our mouths water, or give us pause. Tonight’s recipe has quite the eyebrow-raising name attached to it, the Rusty Nail. The good news is, however, that this particular concoction doesn’t contain any nails, nor does its flavor favor rust.
This concoction was first created around 1937, and back then, it wasn’t called a Rusty Nail. Invented for the British Industries Fair, the original recipe isn’t much different from the drink we know today. Crafted by F. Benniman with Drambuie, Scotch whiskey and bitters, it was originally called the B.I.F., after the event it was created at. It wouldn’t find its audience, or its savage-sounding name, for another few decades.
During the 1950s and 1960s, the cocktail became a favorite of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, causing the Rusty Nail to grow more in its notoriety. Frankie and his friends were always trendsetters, and once regular folks saw them drinking this beverage… Well, if it was good enough for Ol’ Blue Eyes, it was good enough for all of us. It wasn’t until 1963 that the drink’s name was seared into the public consciousness, when Gina MacKinnon, then chairwoman of the Drambuie Liqueur Company, gave the cocktail a glowing endorsement in the New York Times.
Today might be a good time to pop on your copy of the original version of Ocean’s Eleven, or maybe Robin and the 7 Hoods, and mix yourself up a few Rusty Nails, baby.
What Is Drambuie?
Drambuie is a golden-hued liqueur, made from heather honey, spices and Scotch whiskey, which has a bold and smooth flavor. With a long and legendary history that harkens back to the Battle of Culloden in 1746, this Scottish spirit was first commercially available in Edinburgh in 1910, and by 1916 became the first liqueur to be allowed in the cellars of the House of Lords. Soon, Drambuie was shipped to British officers stationed worldwide. Now we can get a bottle at our local liquor store.
What Is The Best Scotch To Use In A Rusty Nail?
There are a number of varieties of Scotch out there, so I’ll try to make this as simple as possible. I’m still educating myself on the ins and outs of this spirit. I was never a fan until I realized I was drinking horrible Scotch (which shall remain nameless, by the way). There are bold, smoky and balanced versions available. I’ve discovered that the longer this liquor is aged, the smoother and tastier it is. There’s a kind of “Band-Aid” bouquet that some people associate with this alcohol, but the better your Scotch is, the less that’s present, especially as you drink. If you’re new to this and unsure what to go for, search for a moderately priced or even a top-shelf bottle of blended Scotch.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces Scotch whisky
- 3/4 ounce Drambuie
- 1 lemon twist or orange twist for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by filling a mixing glass with ice cubes. Add the Scotch whisky and Drambuie liqueur to the glass.
- Gently stir the mixture for about 20 to 30 seconds to ensure proper blending and chilling of the ingredients.
- Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass that is full of fresh ice cubes.
- Take a strip of lemon or orange peel, twist it over the glass to release the fragrant oils, and drop it into the cocktail for an enticing aroma.
Nutrition
WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?
A rocks or an Old Fashioned glass, filled with ice, is going to look real good once your Rusty Nail is poured into it. Garnish with a lemon or an orange twist, expressing the oils from the peel before dropping it on the rim or into the cocktail itself.
CAN I USE RYE WHISKEY OR BOURBON IN A RUSTY NAIL?
Of course. You can feel free to use bourbon, rye, or Irish whiskey. Each will bring its own unique personality, so do some taste-testing and find your flavor.
Similar Cocktails To The Rusty Nail
After a long day, a strong and robust dram is in order. The Rusty Nail is a memorable and simple concoction, and one that fits the bill when you’re searching for something to wind down with. If this drink provides the kind of relaxation you’ve been thinking about, you might want to know about a few other easy-to-make elixirs you can find right here at Twist & Toast.
- Rob Roy – Serve this Scotch and vermouth drink to your guests and be the hero of your next party.
- Godfather – Scotch and amaretto make an offer you can’t refuse.
- Bobby Burns – A Scotch-based libation to sip on as you write the next great love poem.
- Lion’s Tail – Bourbon and allspice make this historic drink smooth and delectable.
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