Rusty Nail

The Rusty Nail Cocktail: A Scotch Lover's Classic

The Rusty Nail is a no-nonsense cocktail that's stood the test of time. With just two ingredients—Scotch whisky and Drambuie—this drink packs complexity, character, and a bit of swagger into every sip. It's the kind of cocktail you order when you want to look sharp and drink slow.

Once a favorite of the Rat Pack and still a staple in any bartender's back pocket, the Rusty Nail is overdue for a comeback. Here's everything you need to know—from its mysterious history to the best way to mix one at home.

What Is a Rusty Nail?

At its core, the Rusty Nail is a simple stirred drink made with:

• Scotch whisky
• Drambuie (a sweet, Scotch-based liqueur flavored with honey, herbs, and spices)

Served over ice in a short glass, the Rusty Nail is bold, smooth, and slightly sweet—making it one of the most approachable Scotch cocktails out there.

The Origin of the Rusty Nail

The true origin of the Rusty Nail is a little murky, but we know it goes back at least to the 1930s.

• 1937: A drink called the “B.I.F.”—an early version of the Rusty Nail—was reportedly served at the British Industries Fair. It contained the same two key ingredients.
• 1950s to the 1960s: The cocktail gained popularity in the United States, especially at New York's iconic 21 Club.
• 1963: The name “Rusty Nail” appeared in print and stuck, thanks to a feature in The New York Times.

Legend has it that bartenders once stirred the drink with an actual rusty nail—hence the name. More likely, the cocktail earned its title from the drink's deep amber hue, reminiscent of weathered metal.

Why Is It Called a "Rusty Nail"?

The name might sound tough, but the flavor is anything but harsh. Most believe the name refers to the color of the drink, which looks a bit like oxidized metal thanks to the golden hue of Drambuie.

Others say it was popular with blue-collar drinkers who appreciated a straightforward drink without the fuss. Regardless of the origin, the name fits the drink's low-key intensity and classic charm.

What Is Drambuie?

Drambuie is what makes the Rusty Nail special. It's a Scotch whisky liqueur blended with honey, herbs, and spices. It adds:

• Sweetness
• Herbal depth
• A touch of citrus and vanilla

Think of it as a Scottish cousin to Benedictine or Chartreuse—less flashy but just as flavorful. Without Drambuie, the Rusty Nail wouldn't exist.

How to Make a Rusty Nail

• 2 oz (60 ml) Scotch whisky
• 1 oz (30 ml) Drambuie
• Ice
• Optional: Lemon twist garnish

Step-By-Step Recipe

1. Fill a rocks glass with a large ice cube or fresh ice.
2. Pour in the Scotch and Drambuie.
3. Stir gently for 15 to 20 seconds.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist (optional).

That's it—no shaking, no straining, no sugar rim. It's a cocktail that respects your time and rewards your taste buds.

Best Scotch for a Rusty Nail

While any decent Scotch will work, the best Rusty Nails use a blended Scotch or a smooth single malt. Here are a few great choices:

• Johnnie Walker: Black Label smoky and balanced
• Monkey Shoulder: smooth and slightly sweet
• Famous Grouse: budget-friendly and versatile
• Highland Park 12: a touch of peat for complexity

Avoid overly peaty Scotches (like Laphroaig) unless you're intentionally going for a bolder, smoky twist.

Pro Tips for Perfecting the Rusty Nail

• Use a large ice cube: It melts slower and keeps the drink cold without too much dilution.
• Stir, don't shake: Preserves the clarity and silky mouthfeel.
• Chill the glass: Especially if serving it "up" in a coupe.
• Experiment slowly: Change one variable at a time—whisky, ratio, garnish.

Final Thoughts

The Rusty Nail is more than a drink it's a statement. It's the choice of someone who knows what they like and doesn't need a dozen ingredients to prove it. Its mix of smoky Scotch and sweet herbal Drambuie is timeless, balanced, and quietly powerful.

Whether you're revisiting it after years or discovering it for the first time, the Rusty Nail is a cocktail worth knowing—and making well.