
The Rusty Nail is a two-ingredient cocktail that's both sweet and complex. It's known for its smooth, mellow flavor with hints of honey and spice from the Drambuie.
Rusty Nail ingredients:
- 2 oz Scotch whisky (the best Scotch for a Rusty Nail is a matter of personal preference, but blended Scotch is traditionally used and works well)
- ¾ oz Drambuie (a Scotch whisky liqueur flavored with honey, herbs, and spices)
- Ice
- Optional: Orange twist, for garnish
Rusty Nail Recipe Easy (Step-by-Step):
Step 1: Gather your Rusty Nail ingredients: Scotch whisky and Drambuie.
Step 2: Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice cubes.

Step 3: Pour 2 oz of your chosen Scotch whisky into the glass. What whisky is used to make the Rusty Nail? Traditionally, blended Scotch is used.

Step 4: Add ¾ oz of Drambuie (rusty nail ingredients: 3/4 oz Drambuie).

Step 5: Gently stir the mixture to combine and chill.

Step 6 (Optional): Garnish with an orange twist by expressing the oils over the drink and then dropping it into the glass or draping it over the rim.

Enjoy your homemade Rusty Nail!

Answering Your Questions:
How do you make a Rusty Nail?
As detailed above, you combine Scotch whisky and Drambuie over ice, stir, and optionally garnish with an orange twist.
What is the difference between a Rusty Nail and a Godfather?
The key difference lies in the liqueur used. A Rusty Nail uses Drambuie (Scotch-based with honey and spices), while a Godfather uses amaretto (almond-flavored liqueur). Both cocktails typically use whisky as their base spirit.
What does a Rusty Nail taste like?
A Rusty Nail has a smooth and mellow taste, dominated by the flavors of Scotch whisky enhanced by the sweet, honeyed, and subtly spiced notes of Drambuie. The overall profile is warm, slightly sweet, and complex.
How to make rusty nails at home?
The plural "rusty nails" likely refers to multiple servings of the Rusty Nail cocktail. You can easily make rusty nails at home by following the simple recipe above and adjusting the ingredient quantities for the number of drinks you want to make.
Rusty Nail Variations:
Here are a few Rusty Nail variations you might enjoy:
- Smoky Nail: Use a peated Scotch for a more intense, smoky flavor profile.
- Honey Nail: Slightly increase the amount of Drambuie for a sweeter, more pronounced honey flavor.
- Spiced Nail: Experiment with adding a dash of bitters, such as Angostura or orange bitters, to enhance the spice notes.
- Nail on the Head: Some variations call for a slightly higher ratio of Scotch to Drambuie (e.g., 2.5 oz. Scotch to 0.5 oz. Drambuie) for a less sweet drink.
Who drinks Rusty Nails?
The Rusty Nail is often enjoyed by those who appreciate the taste of Scotch whisky and prefer a slightly sweeter and more complex cocktail than just a neat pour. It has a classic, somewhat sophisticated appeal and is often favored by those who enjoy older, established cocktails.
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