Rusty Nail cocktail recipe

The Rusty Nail is thought to have made its first public appearance in 1937, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that it was officially christened, thanks to the endorsement of the then-chairwoman of Drambuie. The origin of the Rusty Nail name is still unknown; a popular theory is that the first version was stirred with a rusty nail, but this may be a reference to the colour of the rusty nails that held cases of Drambuie together, or the colour of the drink. Name aside, the cocktail proved popular with the notorious Rat Pack, who catapulted the Rusty Nail to fame across the world.

As for what to expect from the Rusty Nail cocktail, this is a treat for whisky fans – its beauty lying in its simplicity. By mixing whisky with a whisky liqueur, the result is an approachable cocktail with a touch of sweetness that still lets the whisky shine.  

The ratio for a Rusty Nail comes down to personal preference. Some like it half-half, many prefer it three-parts Scotch to one-part liqueur. Add more Scotch if you're finding yours too sweet, and add more liqueur if there’s too much of a kick. Once you find the right ratio, you'll swear by it.

Other than that, there is not a lot to mess up with this drink – two ingredients and a citrus twist to finish, and you have yourself a sophisticated sipper.