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    Home » Classic Cocktails » The Rusty Nail is Double Scotch and Honey Goodness.

    Published: Sep 4, 2020 · Modified: Feb 26, 2022 by Kevin Mayfield · This post may contain affiliate links.

    The Rusty Nail is Double Scotch and Honey Goodness.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Another forgotten mid century classic cocktail combines scotch whisky and a liqueur made from scotch and honey for a smoky sweet delight.

    The simple Rusty Nail cocktail is a sweet and smokey delight. Made with Scotch Whiskey and Drambuie  it is a delicious treat.
    A Rusty Nail Cocktail shown in a Dorothy Thorpe Old Fashioned glass.

    The Rusty Nail is a relative newcomer to the scene as it appears to have been created in the 1960's by a famous New York bar. This drink is a duo cocktail, meaning that there are only two ingredients. Don't let the simplicity fool you though. The Scotch provides a smokey smoothness and the liqueur, Drambuie, is a sweet complex blend of scotch, honey and spices.

    Drambuie is a wonderful liqueur that has been produced in Scotland since at least the late 1800's from a secret blend of scotch, honey, spices and herbs. I can still remember their advertising jingle from when I was a little kid--back when they could advertise alcohol on TV.

    Some versions of the recipe call for equal parts scotch and Drambuie, but I prefer to go the more traditional route and use more scotch than Drambuie so that I get the full effect of the smokey whisky.

    What you'll need

    The list of ingredients is very straightforward for this mid century cocktail.

    • Large ice cube--round or square is fine
    • Blended Scotch Whisky
    • Drambuie liqueur

    This cocktail is perfect to pour into an Old Fashioned glass. Use a large ice cube to keep it cold while you sip it. You can always use a twist of lemon as well to give the drink more of a citrus taste if you like.

    Tips for a Successful Rusty Nail

    This cocktail was probably so popular because it was so tasty and simple to put together. But I will invoke my major rule for cocktail making:

    • Always mix with spirits that you would drink neat. Meaning never mix with an inferior-tasting spirit and hope that the mixer will 'cover it up'. It doesn't. My golden rule is that if I wouldn't drink it or serve it to guests on its own, then I will not mix with it either.
    • In the spirit (see what I did there?) of the above tip, I prefer to use a Johnny Walker Black 12- year old scotch to make this drink. It is smooth and smokey and consistently good because the Scotts have been blending whiskys for centuries and know how to make a consistent winner every time.

    Which version of the Rusty Nail do you prefer? More whisky or equal parts ingredients?

    The Rusty Nail is Double Scotch and Honey Goodness.

    Kevin Mayfield
    This mid century staple cocktail is a wonderful blend of smokey Scotch whisky and spicy, honey flavored Drambuie.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 2 mins
    Total Time 2 mins
    Course Cocktails
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 Serving
    Calories 159 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1.5 ounces of blended scotch whisky
    • ¾ ounce of Drambuie
    • Lemon peel garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Place a large ice cube in a rocks glass and pour scotch and liqueur over.
    • Stir to mix.
    • Top with a lemon twist for garnish.

    Notes

    Feel free to mix with equal part ingredients for an even sweeter drink.
    Remember to use a quality blended scotch.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 159kcalCarbohydrates: 1gPotassium: 1mgSugar: 1gIron: 1mg
    Keyword 1960's cocktails, Mad Men Cocktails, mid century cocktails, New York Cocktails, Scotch
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    Nancy and Bentley

    Hi, I'm Nancy! Welcome to Flourchild where I share classic mid-century recipes from the 1940's - 1970's. I feature many vintage handwritten recipes, and provide modern shortcuts and a variety of healthy and special diet-friendly versions whenever possible. Join me in exploring the delicious flavors and from-scratch cooking techniques of our past!

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