Enjoy this sweeter version of the classic Rusty Nail cocktail.
My husband and I have long joked about the Rusty Nail Cocktail. When we have the opportunity to order a cocktail and I say I don’t know what to get, he dares me to get a Rusty Nail. I always thought of this as a drink for tough old men with leathery skin who start sentences with, “Back in my day…” All I knew of this classic cocktail is that it was Scotch based, which is not typically my favorite spirit (because I’m too much of a wimp for it).
On my recent trip to the mega liquor store, I happened upon a bottle of Drambuie and remembered that it is a key ingredient in the Rusty Nail. On a whim, I decided to buy it and finally find out what this drink is all about.
The classic recipe is around three parts scotch to one part Drambuie, but I thought that would be too strong for me. Since Drambuie is scotch blended with honey and spices, I decided to change the proportions to make a sweeter cocktail.
Friends, on first sip of this drink, I was in love. Seriously, this is now one of my very favorite cocktails. It’s pretty to look at and easy to make too, so it’s just about perfect. I strongly recommend this one!
| Prep Time | 2 minutes |
| Servings |
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- Fill small rocks glass with ice.
- Pour Scotch and Drambuie over ice. Float lemon slice on top. Cheers!
Want more cocktails? Me too! Let’s toast with these:
Drambuie and Soda
Cinnamon Cherry 7UP with Bourbon
Joe says
I loved reading this cuz it made me laugh out loud so suddenly hard…”when I can’t decide he dares me to get a rusty nail” “I aleays thought this was the drink of tough old men who start their sentences with ‘back in my day’ LMAO!!!! Thank you for the laugh it’s good medicine. Glad you’re on baord and keep getting your nail on!
Bev @ The Make Your Own Zone says
A rusty nail is one of my hubby’s favorite drinks (and he kind of falls into your “tough old man” category). Often times when we order these in a restaurant the servers and/or bartenders aren’t familiar with it. But it really is a great classic cocktail and Drambuie is a wonderful sweet liqueur. It was fun to see somebody else who actually knows about rusty nails too! Thanks for sharing!
The Weary Chef says
I’m surprised that the bartenders don’t know about this one because I thought it was a classic. Maybe it’s TOO classic and people are starting to forget about it. Your husband and I can try to keep it alive ;) Thanks so much for your comment, Bev. It’s great to meet you!
lisa@cookingwithcurls says
I have never had a Rusty Nail before, in fact I also don’t have a cake for that drink! I better start doing research :)
The Weary Chef says
Ooh I bet Drambuie could especially be good in a cake! You should look into it :) Thanks for coming over!
Liz says
went pretty far afield with this one (it’s pink!), but didn’t have the Drambuie and combining Scotch whiskey with honey whiskey (trying to emulate your honey flavors) seemed like too much whiskey. Sloe gin is sort of herby, so added a bit of that, too. Then upped the Scotch a bit. Then it was too strong, so more water. And another sweet cocktail is born :-) Like the lemon slice on top especially. I’m a fan of traditional rusty nails, but yes, they do put hair on your chest. (not really but you know that if you’ve had a few already)
Well done, Andi. You rock :-) How’s the kiddos, btw?
The Weary Chef says
You created a whole new drink, but it sounds good and looks pretty! I love the lemon slice too. The kids are wearing me out but good ;)