Rusty Nail recipe
Scotch whisky and Drambuie, stirred over ice in an Old Fashioned glass and garnished with lemon zest.
By Kris Barton · Updated - 2 mins total
- 3 ingredients
- Old Fashioned glass
What Ingredients do you need to make a Rusty Nail?
Scotch Whisky
Scotch Whisky is a malt or grain whisky – or a blend of the two, referred to as blended – made in Scotland.
All Scotch Whisky was originally made just using malted barley, but more commercialised distilleries began making it from wheat and rye in the late 18th century.
All Scotch Whisky must be aged immediately after distillation in oak barrels for at least three years and the minimum strength must be 40% alcohol by volume.
As of 2022, there are 141 whisky distilleries operating in Scotland.
For Scotch Whisky, we’d recommend:
What Equipment do you need to make a Rusty Nail?
Old Fashioned Glass
Old Fashioned Glasses give a cocktail a classic, retro, yet elegant look.
If you’re making an old school cocktail, then this is the glass you absolutely need.
For Old Fashioned Glasses, we recommend:
Jigger
It’s important to get the mix of any cocktail right. The measurements are set for a reason – to specify a tried, tested, and tasty drink.
A jigger is going to help you get those perfect measurements – after all, it is what the pros use.
For a jigger, we recommend:
Bar Spoon
Bar Spoons are great for cocktails you’re supposed to stir, rather than shake in a cocktail shaker.
Sure, you can probably use any spoon to stir your drink but these bar spoons are the real deal. It’s the proper equipment to get the job right.
- They’re long enough to get to the bottom of any cocktail to allow you to properly stir.
- They have a twist spiral design that allows for a better grip.
- They’re made out of stainless steel, so they’re durable, corrosion resistant, and easy to clean.
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Recipe card
Rusty Nail
- Prep
- 1 min
- Making
- 1 min
- Total
- 2 mins
- Serves
- 1
- Glass
- Old Fashioned glass
Ingredients
Makes 1 drink.
Method
- Add ice to an Old Fashioned glass.
- Use a jigger to measure the Scotch and Drambuie into the glass.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon.
- Garnish with lemon zest.
Want more like this? Browse our full collection of classic cocktails.
Rusty Nail FAQs
What Ingredients do you need to make a Rusty Nail?
To make a Rusty Nail, you need 45ml / 1.5oz Scotch whisky and 25ml / 0.8oz Drambuie, plus lemon zest to garnish. There’s more about Scotch whisky above.
What Equipment do you need to make a Rusty Nail?
You’ll need an Old Fashioned glass, a jigger and a bar spoon.
What alcohol is in a Rusty Nail?
A Rusty Nail contains 45ml / 1.5oz Scotch whisky and 25ml / 0.8oz Drambuie.
Is a Rusty Nail shaken or stirred?
A Rusty Nail is stirred, not shaken. It’s made straight in an Old Fashioned glass: add the ingredients over ice and stir.
What glass is a Rusty Nail served in?
Serve a Rusty Nail in an Old Fashioned glass.
How do you garnish a Rusty Nail?
Garnish a Rusty Nail with lemon zest.
How do I make a Rusty Nail for a group?
The recipe makes one drink. Multiply every measure by the number of drinks you want: for 4, you’d need 180ml Scotch whisky and 100ml Drambuie.
