Rusty Nail: An Easy At Home Cocktail Recipe
The Rusty Nail is a classic whiskey cocktail that’s been around since the 1950s. It features equal parts Scotch whisky and Drambuie, plus a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added zing.
The drink is simple to make yet full of flavor, making it ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or just looking for something special to sip on during a night in, this timeless recipe will surely hit the spot.
The beauty of the Rusty Nail lies in its simplicity – all you need is three ingredients and some ice cubes! Plus, once you’ve got those basic items ready there are many different variations to explore and experiment with.
From adding crushed mint leaves or orange peel for extra depth and complexity, to swapping out Drambuie for Advocaat or Grand Marnier – whatever your preference may be this easy-to-make cocktail can be tailored to suit your tastes.
Preparing Your Ingredients For A Perfect Rusty Nail
Before we get started on mixing up our delicious cocktails let’s take a look at what ingredients we’ll need first. As previously mentioned all you really need are equal parts Scotch whisky (we recommend using either single malt Scotch whisky or blended Scotch whisky) and Drambuie (a sweet liqueur made from aged scotch whiskey infused with herbs).
You’ll also want about two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice per 2 ounces of liquid used (so if you use 4 ounces total liquid then add 4 tablespoons worth). Lastly grab yourself some ice cubes too.
Mixing Up The Perfect Rusty Nail Cocktail
Now that we have everything prepared let’s move onto mixing up our cocktails! Start by filling your glassware with desired amount of ice cubes then pour in equal parts Scotch whisky and Drambuie over them as well as freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir these together until they’re thoroughly combined then serve immediately while still cold.
Tips And Tricks To Keep In Mind When Making This Classic Drink
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when making this simple yet delicious cocktail recipe: Firstly, when choosing whisky for your drink, be sure to use good quality Scotch whiskey as the basis for the drink – this will really make so much difference in the taste. Secondly, don’t overdo it on the lemon squeeze as it tends to be strong flavor-wise. Thirdly, opt for darker Drambuie such as Macallan achieved through aging the alcohol in different wooden barrels for a long period of time – these tend to provide better depth of flavour for this delightful cocktail.
Rusty Nail Cocktail
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- - 1 part Scotch whisky
- - 1 part Drambuie liqueur
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Fill a tumbler with ice cubes.
- Pour the Scotch and Drambuie over the ice, stir gently to combine, and serve.
Glassware
A Rusty Nail is typically served in an Old Fashioned glass, also known as a rocks glass. This type of glass features a heavy base and has enough room to contain several ounces of liquor with accompanying mixers like soda water or ginger ale. The shape and size make it easy to stir the drink, add ice cubes and garnishes like orange slices or maraschino cherries.
Flavors
The Rusty Nail is a classic cocktail that blends the flavors of Scotch whisky and Drambuie.
The flavor profile of this drink is surprisingly complex. The base of Rusty Nail comes from the Scotch whisky, which has a smoky flavor with hints of peat and nuttiness.
This combines with the sweetness from the honeyed liqueur Drambuie to give it an overall sweet balance that’s hard to resist. The other ingredients also add interesting notes to the blend.
A twist or two of lemon zest adds tartness while bringing out some floral notes in both liquors as well as adding brightness to contrast against the dark color of this libation. Finally, a dash or two of bitters enhances all these elements by providing yet another layer that compliments everything else already present in this delicious concoction.
