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Rusty Nail Cocktail Drink

Rusty Nail Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Warm up with this classic Rusty Nail recipe! Made with Scotch and Drambuie, this smooth cocktail is perfect for an evening unwind.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 186

Ingredients
 

  • oz Scotch Whisky
  • ¾ oz Drambuie
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon twist - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Old Fashioned Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Stirrer or Bar Spoon

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes.
  • Add Drambuie: Measure and pour ¾ oz Drambuie over the ice into your glass.
  • Add Scotch: Pour 1½ oz Scotch Whisky into your glass.
  • Stir Gently: Stir the ingredients gently with a bar spoon.
  • Garnish: Garnish with a lemon twist.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Scotch Whisky: When I don't have Scotch on hand, I sometimes use bourbon. It offers a sweeter, richer profile that pairs well with Drambuie. For a smokier edge, consider using a peated Scotch.
  • Drambuie: If Drambuie eludes you, a mix of honey, herbs, and Scotch can emulate its flavor. Try 0.5 oz of honey, a pinch of dried herbs (like rosemary), and top up with 0.25 oz of Scotch. It won't be perfect, but it gets close!

Making a Pitcher:

  • Scale: For a pitcher serving 8, use 12 oz of Scotch and 6 oz of Drambuie.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Scotch and Drambuie. Stir them together.
  • Serve: Dispense the mixture into ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with a lemon twist, and let your guests enjoy.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Scotch Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic whisky or a smoky tea for that distinctive flavor.
  • Drambuie Substitute: Blend non-alcoholic herbal tea with a touch of honey to capture some of Drambuie's essence.
  • Proceed As Usual: Replace the standard ingredients with the non-alcoholic alternatives and follow the main instructions. Adjust to taste, and you're good to go!

Making it Vegan:

The primary concern for a vegan version revolves around honey, often used in Drambuie. When seeking a vegan substitute for Drambuie, consider a blend of agave nectar or maple syrup with herbs and whisky.