Rusty Nail Recipe

Big Time Drink In '60's & 70's

Scotch & Drambuie

Famous Restaurant Drink Recipe


I'm afraid to admit it, but I remember how popular a Rusty Nail was in the 1960's and 70's.

"Everyone" was trying one, in part because the "rat pack" celebrities.

Remember Frank, Dean, Sammy, etc. happened to mention on more than a few occasions that was what they enjoyed. ;-)


I don't have customers order many of these anymore unless I put the drink on the restaurant special sheet. I must be getting old(er) because a lot of the restaurant guests have never heard of this beverage or if they have they hint that it must be an old person's drink. Maybe so ...my husband and I still enjoy one once in a while, especially on a chilly winter evening.

My husband reintroduced me to this drink on just such an evening last winter. We were at home reading when I mentioned

I was chilly and thought I'd turn up the heat. Instead, he got up and put a throw across my lap and said he knew a way to warm me up even more.

I could hardly believe what I heard! But then he brought me a Rusty Nail. "Remember this drink?" he asked.

A little disappointed, I still graciously accepted the beverage. It was indeed good and warmed me within a few minutes. That night, in bed, I said, "Good Night, Rusty." :-)

This two liquor drink combines a fine Scotch (Dewars, Cutty Sark, J & B or Johnny Walker or your choice) with the sweet honey taste of Drambuie, a Scotch based liqueur. It is usually served on the rocks, but can also be enjoyed "up" (no ice).

Rusty Nail Recipe

Famous Restaurant Drink Recipe


Preparation time: 1 minute. Serves 1.


Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces Scotch whiskey
  • 1 ounce Drambuie
  • Ice
  • Lemon twist for garnish

 

There are three ways to build this beverage:

Instructions #1:

  • Fill a rocks glass with ice
  • Pour the Scotch into the glass and then the Drambuie (in that order to allow the heavier Drambuie to gently mix with Scotch)
  • Garnish with lemon twist and serve

 

Instructions #2:

  • Fill a rocks glass with ice
  • Pour the Scotch over the ice
  • Float the Drambuie on top by slowly pouring it over the back of a teaspoon onto the whiskey

 

Instructions #3:

  • Combine ingredients in a mixing glass
  • Strain into a cocktail glass for "Straight Up" Nail


If people who drink blended Scotch would try this famous drink I believe they would like the beverage. It was at one time promoted as "the drink that satisfies." - Donna