Rusty Nail – a cocktail with a Scottish character

The International Bartending Association describes this golden cocktail as “unforgettable”. Despite the strength of 40 degrees, Rusty Nail is very easy to drink, honey liqueur perfectly softens the taste. The drink is prepared in 1-2 minutes.

The classic ratio is 2:1 (two parts of whiskey to one part of liquor), but in many bars the ingredients are mixed in equal parts. It is advisable to use Scotch whiskey, and not Irish, American (bourbon) or Canadian.

Composition and proportions:

  • scotch whiskey (scotch) – 50 ml;
  • Drambuie liqueur – 25 ml;
  • ice cubes – 160 grams.

Drambuie is a 40% honey liqueur made from malt whiskey with heather honey, herbs and spices, the composition of which is kept secret by the manufacturer.

Rusty Nail Recipe

1. Fill a glass (preferably old-fashioned) with ice cubes.

2. Pour liquor and whiskey.

3. Stir with a cocktail spoon.

Rusty Nail – a cocktail with a Scottish character

Historical information

According to legend, the birthplace of the rusty nail cocktail is Scotland. One cold rainy day, a visiting Englishman decided to warm up in a local bar. Due to the difficult relationship between the Scots and the British, this was a very bold defiant act, but the Scots did not succumb to the provocation. A foreign guest asked to pour whiskey with honey liqueur into his glass and give him a mixing stick. The bartender complied with only the first part of the request, and instead of a wand, he advised to use a rusty nail sticking out of the bar counter.

The first written mention of a cocktail dates back to 1963. The New York Times published an article about a party in honor of the “Rat Pack” – the famous team of American show business figures, whose leader was Frank Sinatra. The sensation of the evening was the new Rusty Nail cocktail, which surprised those present with a mild taste.

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