Rusty Nail

Ingredients

  • 45 ml Blended Scotch e.g. Johnnie Walker, Famous Grouse
  • 22.5 ml Drambuie
  • Garnish Lemon twist

Preparation

  1. Build in a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
  2. Stir gently.
  3. Garnish with lemon twist. Use a peeler or knife to cut a wide strip, avoiding the white pith. Twist it over the drink to release the oils, then drop it in.

Origin Story

The Rusty Nail cocktail originated in the mid-20th century, gaining popularity in the 1960s. It is believed to have been created in a New York City bar, combining Scotch whisky with Drambuie, a Scottish liqueur.

Similar cocktails

Seen in

  • The Ipcress File 1965

    Michael Caine's Harry Palmer drinks Rusty Nails in this British spy thriller.