The Rusty Nail stands out as a robust and drink. With its combination of Scotch whisky and Drambuie, this cocktail has earned its place among the timeless favorites.
The Rusty Nail is a cocktail that elegantly marries the peaty richness of Scotch whisky with the herbal and honeyed notes of Drambuie, creating a drink that is simultaneously bold and smooth.
The Rusty Nail is believed to have emerged in the 1960s, during a time when Scotch-based cocktails were gaining popularity. This classic cocktail undergoes a delicate stirring process and receives the finishing touch of a lemon twist garnish. Originating in 1937 as the B. I. F., its iconic name was bestowed upon it in the early 1960s at the renowned 21 Club in Manhattan.
At the heart of the Rusty Nail lies Drambuie, a Scotch-based liqueur infused with heather honey, herbs, and spices.
The addition of Drambuie not only sweetens the cocktail but also introduces a nuanced complexity that sets the Rusty Nail apart.
Rusty Nail Ingredients
- Scotch Whisky (60 ml / 2 ounces): The backbone of the Rusty Nail, Scotch whisky provides the smoky and peaty foundation.
- Drambuie (30 ml / 1 ounce): Drambuie, a sweet and herbal liqueur, adds a touch of honeyed warmth and complexity.
Rusty Nail Ingredients
- Prep: Get a mixing glass, bar spoon, jigger, rocks glass, Scotch whisky, and Drambuie.
- Whisky: Measure and add 60 ml (2 oz) of Scotch whisky to the mixing glass.
- Drambuie: Add 30 ml (1 oz) of Drambuie for sweetness and depth.
- Stir: Add ice to the glass and stir the mixture for 15-20 seconds to chill and blend the flavors.
- Serve: Strain the drink into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish: Optionally, add a lemon twist for an aromatic touch.
The Rusty Nail Cocktail – A Smoky Treat
The Rusty Nail, a once-popular cocktail blending scotch with the scotch-based liqueur Drambuie, has lost its luster over the years, fading from most bar menus and falling out of favor among patrons. Its origins are shrouded in mystery, with some tracing it back to its supposed debut at the 1937 British Industries Fair trade show.
However, it gained notable recognition when it appeared in the 1967 edition of Old Mister Boston Official Bartender’s Guide. By the late 1960s, it had spread to bars in New Orleans and New York City, with the 21 Club often credited as its birthplace. Legend suggests that the Rat Pack’s fondness for the drink contributed to its popularity in the 1970s, with establishments like P.J. Clarke’s in New York City becoming hotspots for serving up this classic.
Here’s to the harmony of smoky Scotch, honeyed sweetness, and the timeless elegance of the Rusty Nail, a delicious whisky cocktail recipe.
