A Rusty Nail is a classic cocktail made with Scotch whisky and Drambuie, a sweet Scottish liqueur, served over ice or stirred with a twist of lemon.
The Rusty Nail is a timeless cocktail that combines Scotch whisky with Drambuie liqueur. This simple yet sophisticated drink was a favorite of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack in the 1960s. While it’s fallen out of fashion at modern bars, its perfect balance of smoky and sweet flavors deserves a revival.
What Is a Rusty Nail?
A Rusty Nail is a two-ingredient cocktail made with:
- Scotch whisky (typically blended Scotch)
- Drambuie (a Scotch-based honey and herb liqueur)
The drink is traditionally served over ice in an old fashioned glass. Its name likely comes from its rusty brown color rather than any actual nails used in preparation.
The History Behind This Classic Drink
The Rusty Nail’s origins trace back to 1937 when it first appeared as the “B.I.F.” at the British Industries Fair. However, it didn’t gain widespread popularity until the 1950s and 60s when:
- New York’s 21 Club bartenders reportedly perfected the recipe
- Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack made it their signature drink
- Drambuie’s chairwoman Gina MacKinnon officially endorsed it in 1963
As cocktail historian David Wondrich notes, the drink went through several names before settling on “Rusty Nail,” including “Little Club No. 1” and “Knucklehead.”
How to Make a Perfect Rusty Nail
The beauty of this cocktail lies in its simplicity. Here’s the traditional preparation method:
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Scotch whisky | 2 oz |
| Drambuie | 1 oz |
| Orange twist (optional garnish) | 1 |
Preparation Steps
- Chill a rocks glass with large ice cubes
- Combine Scotch and Drambuie in a mixing glass with ice
- Stir for 20-30 seconds until well-chilled
- Strain into the prepared glass
- Express orange peel over drink and use as garnish
Pro Tips for the Best Rusty Nail
- Use a quality blender to make crushed ice if preferred
- Experiment with ratios – some prefer 1:1 Scotch to Drambuie
- Try different Scotch varieties (blended works best for most palates)
- For a modern twist, use a single-serve blender to make a frozen version
Rusty Nail Variations
While the classic recipe is perfect as-is, several variations have emerged:
1. Rusty Spike
Substitute bourbon for Scotch whisky
2. Smoky Nail
Use peated Scotch for extra smokiness
3. Cherry Nail
Add a splash of cherry liqueur
4. Frozen Rusty Nail
Blend with ice for a slushy texture
Why Drambuie Makes This Cocktail Special
Drambuie is the secret ingredient that elevates this drink. This unique liqueur features:
- Aged Scotch whisky base
- Heather honey sweetness
- Secret blend of herbs and spices
Only three people know the exact Drambuie recipe today. Its name comes from the Gaelic “an dram buidheach,” meaning “the drink that satisfies.”
Pairing Suggestions
The Rusty Nail’s bold flavors pair well with:
- Rich desserts like crème brûlée
- Strong cheeses (blue cheese, aged cheddar)
- Smoked meats and charcuterie
- Dark chocolate
For a complete experience, serve alongside other classic whisky cocktails at your next gathering.
The Rusty Nail’s Cultural Impact
This cocktail represents more than just a drink – it’s a symbol of mid-century sophistication. Key moments in its history include:
- Featured in the 1967 “Old Mister Boston Official Bartender’s Guide”
- Regularly served at New York’s legendary P.J. Clarke’s
- Mentioned in pop culture references from Mad Men to modern films
While it may not be as popular today, the Rusty Nail remains a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, well-balanced cocktails.
