Skip to Content

Rusty Nail Cocktail: The Perfect Scotch Cocktail

The rusty nail cocktail is one of those cocktails that is super simple but not that well known.  

A rusty nail would be considered a classic Scotch drink.  Classic Scotch drinks are some of the most popular drinks in the world.

There are many different versions of Scotch drinks, but they all have a common goal: to provide a flavorful and refreshing drink that can be enjoyed by anyone.

One of my favorite Scotch drinks is a Rusty Nail and one that you should try as it is simple and very easy to make.  

Rusty Nail cocktail

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure for more information. 

RELATED POSTS

Peach Whiskey Sour

The Ultimate Maple Whiskey Sour Cocktail

Whiskey Fizz Cocktail Recipe With Cranberry

Why you’ll love a Rusty Nail Cocktail

The Rusty Nail Cocktail

A Rusty Nail is:

  • Easy to make
  • Strong drink
  • Looks good
  • A nice change from straight Scotch
  • Nice to sit back and relax with

What is in a Rusty Nail?

Rusty nail ingredients

In this classic cocktail, there are 2 ingredients, Drambuie and Scotch.   

Drambuie is a unique and complex liquor.

It is made from Scotch whisky, honey, and spices. The flavor is pronounced and unique, making it a popular choice for cocktails and is a key ingredient in this drink. 

Scotch is a liquor that originates from Scotland. It is usually made from malted barley and water.

The whisky is then distilled and aged in oak barrels. Scotch can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a mixed drink. 

There are so many different types of Scotches, each with their own unique and special flavors.  I personally like to use Dewar’s blended Scotch when I make a Rusty Nail. 

A great product from John Dewar & Sons from Perthshire Scotland, it creates the triple combination of a nice looking, excellent smelling and most importantly, great tasting cocktail. 

How To Make a Rusty Nail Cocktail 

how to make a rusty nail

Ready for a nice relaxing night and needing a drink that you can sip and enjoy.  Look no further than a Rusty Nail.  Here is how you make this classic cocktail.

Step 1: Get all set up

All you need to get setup is find your favorite whiskey glass and fill with ice.

Step 2: Add ingredients 

First pour the Scotch followed up by the Drambuie

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

Add a twist of lemon and you are ready to go. 

How To Make A Lemon Twist

It’s easy to make this impressive garnish. Just use a knife to take off a slice of lemon rind from a fresh lemon then twist is around your finger until is it curly. 

how to make a rusty nail
Yield: 1

Rusty Nail Cocktail

Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 1 minute
Additional Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 1 minute

The Rusty Nail is a classic mixed Scotch cocktail that is perfect for any occasion.

Whether you are celebrating a special event or just want to relax with a nice drink, this is the perfect option. Be sure to give it a try!

Ingredients

  • 2 oz of Scotch
  • 2/3 oz of Drambuie
  • * twist of lemon

Instructions

1. Fill a whiskey glass with ice

2. First add the Scotch then add the Drambuie

3. Twist of lemon and serve

Notes

I like to use Dewar's Scotch. Feel free to try your personal favorite and see if it becomes your favorite.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

Want More Classic Recipes?

How To Make The Perfect Rum and Coke (Cuba Libre)

Classic Vodka Sour Cocktail

Dark and Stormy Cocktail

Rusty nail cocktail

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Skip to Recipe