Rusty Nail recipe

Portrait of Florian Bouché

Scottish after-dinner drink of Scotch and Drambuie, served on ice in an old-fashioned glass.

Digestive Court Great classics
Volume 7 cl
Alcohol 40 %
Colour Brown, Orange
Published 11/2026
Photo of the Rusty Nail cocktail

Ingredients

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Preparation

  1. Place a large ice cube in an old-fashioned glass.
  2. Pour in the Scotch, then the Drambuie.
  3. Stir gently with a bar spoon.

Serving

This cocktail is served in:

Old-fashioned glass

Old-fashioned glass glass Buy

History

Appearing in the 1930s under various names, it settled on its current one in the 1960s and became a favourite of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin's Rat Pack.

Decoration

Garnish with a lemon zest expressed over the glass.

Variation

Replacing the blended Scotch with a peated single malt gives a smokier, more intense version.

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Frequently asked questions

Which glass should the Rusty Nail cocktail be served in?

Recommended glass: old-fashioned glass.

How strong is the Rusty Nail cocktail?

The Rusty Nail cocktail is about 40% alcohol.

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Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your health; please drink responsibly. This cocktail is not recommended for pregnant women.

Portrait of Florian Bouché

Creator and editor of Passion Cocktail

Creator of Passion Cocktail since 2021. I select and review the recipes published on the site and in the mobile app.

Updated on 17/10/2026

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