Taste profile
Strong, light, balanced, and smooth.
WhiskeyMediumOld-fashioned glass
Cocktail guide
Rusty Nail
Rusty Nail combines Scotch, Drambuie, Lemon Peel in a ordinary drink served in a old-fashioned glass. It is a strong fit for cozy night in and feels right at home in a well-stocked cocktail rotation.
Best for
Best for cozy night in.
Quick tags
IBAClassic
Quick fact
A rusty nail is a cocktail made by mixing Scotch whisky with Drambuie in a ratio ranging from 1:1 to 2:1. It is typically served on the rocks in an old-fashioned glass, though it can be served "up" in a stemmed glass. The cocktail's origin goes back to the 1937 British Industries Fair, but it gained widespread popularity in the 1950s after being endorsed by New York's 21 Club. Its prominence grew further a decade later when it became the go-to cocktail of the Rat Pack.
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Ingredients
Everything in the glass.
How to make it
Build it step by step.
Language:
- 1Pour the Scotch and Drambuie into an old-fashioned glass almost filled with ice cubes.
- 2Stir well.
- 3Garnish with the lemon twist.
Method
Stirred
Finish
Usually finished with Lemon Peel.
Taste map
Strength
Strong
Sweetness
Light
Sourness
Balanced
Bitterness
Smooth
Read: Rusty Nail is a medium alcoholic cocktail for cozy night in with Scotch, Drambuie, Lemon Peel.
Texture and serve cues
✓Has citrus
-Has bubbles
-Creamy texture
-Frozen style
Glassware
Old-fashioned glass
Method
Stirred
More to know before you make it
A fuller read on the drink.
Flavor & pairing
Expect a spirit-forward finish with support from Scotch, Drambuie, Lemon Peel. Pairs nicely with richer plates, cheese boards, roasted nuts, or dessert.
Serving & context
Serve in a old-fashioned glass and aim for a medium prep that still feels polished in the glass. Rusty Nail is associated with the Unforgettables family of modern cocktail classics.
Background
Why this cocktail keeps showing up.
A rusty nail is a cocktail made by mixing Scotch whisky with Drambuie in a ratio ranging from 1:1 to 2:1. It is typically served on the rocks in an old-fashioned glass, though it can be served "up" in a stemmed glass. The cocktail's origin goes back to the 1937 British Industries Fair, but it gained widespread popularity in the 1950s after being endorsed by New York's 21 Club. Its prominence grew further a decade later when it became the go-to cocktail of the Rat Pack.
Reference cards
Base spirit
Whiskey
Category
Ordinary Drink
IBA category
Unforgettables
Alcohol
Alcoholic
Glass
Old-fashioned glass
Method
Stirred
Garnish
Usually finished with Lemon Peel.
Sources and extras
Read the background source
Reference note: Rusty nail (cocktail)
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