Rusty Nail

The Rusty Nail cocktail stands as a testament to the elegance and simplicity that can be achieved in mixology with just two key ingredients – Scotch whisky and Drambuie liqueur.

The originated of the Rusty Nail cocktail dates back to the 1937 British Industries Fair, yet it remained relatively obscure until the 1950s when it garnered acclaim through a noteworthy endorsement by New York’s Club 21. This pivotal moment catapulted the cocktail into the mainstream, solidifying its status as a favored cocktail. A decade later, the Rat Pack, a legendary group of entertainers comprising Peter Lawford, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop, and Angie Dickinson, further propelled the Rusty Nail into popular culture by adopting it as their signature drink, cementing its reputation as the cocktail of choice for the sophisticated and stylish.

The foundation of any well-crafted Rusty Nail is, of course, the choice of Scotch whisky. The whisky’s smoky, peaty notes provide a robust backdrop that mingles seamlessly with the sweet, herbal complexity of Drambuie liqueur. The careful balance between these two components is where the artistry of mixology comes to the fore, requiring a deft hand to create a cocktail that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Rusty Nail Recipe

1. 45 ml scotch

2. 22.5 ml Drambuie liqueur

3. Ice

4. Garnish: lemon twist