Cocktail recipe

Rusty Nail

A smooth and smoky whisky cocktail with Drambuie, served over ice in a rocks glass.

Cocktail List 3 minutes Mocktail
About measurement options
Metric (ml)
Volumes are shown in millilitres or litres.
US (fl oz, cups and spoons)
Uses US fluid ounces, cups and spoons. 1 US fl oz ≈ 29.57 ml.
Imperial (UK and Canada)
The UK and Canada share the imperial fluid ounce. 1 imperial fl oz ≈ 28.41 ml. Small volumes are shown in ml.
Bar (parts and dashes)
On CocktailFun, 1 part = 30 ml. Dashes stay as dashes. Very small volumes may be shown in ml.
Rusty Nail

Description

The Rusty Nail is a classic whisky cocktail that combines Scotch whisky with Drambuie, a Scottish liqueur made from whisky, honey, herbs, and spices. This drink became popular in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly in New York high society, though its origins may date back to the 1930s.

The Rusty Nail is simple yet sophisticated, offering a smooth, slightly sweet, and smoky profile. It is an excellent choice for whisky lovers who appreciate a subtly complex drink with herbal and honeyed undertones.

Ingredients

  • 45 ml Scotch whisky
  • 25 ml Drambuie
  • 1 piece Lemon twist (optional garnish)

Equipment needed

Bar Spoon – Used to stir gently over ice.

Instructions

  1. Fill rocks glasses with fresh ice.
  2. Add: 45 ml Scotch whisky, 25 ml Drambuie.
  3. Stir until the glass feels cold and the liquids are evenly mixed.
  4. Garnish if desired: 1 piece Lemon twist.

Recommended glassware

Lowball Glass
Lowball Glass (Recommended)

A short, sturdy glass for spirit-forward cocktails served over ice.

180–300 ml Short, wide, heavy-bottomed tumbler.

Best for: Old Fashioned, Negroni, Boulevardier, Whiskey Sour over ice, Rusty Nail.

Garnish: Great for orange twists, cherries, and large clear ice cubes.

Quick facts

3 minutes Easy Approx. 24% ABV 2 alcohol units 180 kcal Ice Mocktail Batch friendly
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