Rusty Nail
A bold two-spirit nightcap of Scotch and Drambuie, stirred over ice; being all-spirit and crystal clear it pre-batches perfectly, with dilution coming purely from stirring or controlled water addition.
Set servings & plan this recipe →
How to make it
Stirred · Easy · about 3 minutes
- 1
Add the blended scotch whisky and drambuie to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- 2
Stir for 20–30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
- 3
Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- 4
Garnish with lemon twist.
Tools you'll need
Making a batch for a party?
This example makes 12 servings with added water at 22% of the full recipe volume before dilution. This is a planning assumption; water from ice at service is not predicted. Edit this recipe and create a purchase sheet →
| Ingredient | × 12 | mL |
|---|---|---|
| Blended Scotch whisky | 24.0 oz | 710 |
| Drambuie | 9.0 oz | 266 |
BatchPour tools produce estimates for planning purposes only. Actual dilution, ABV, and ingredient yields vary by technique, ice temperature, and produce. Always taste and adjust. Drink responsibly.
If you like the Rusty Nail, try…
Old Fashioned
whiskeyWhiskey, sugar, bitters — the original cocktail, built in the glass.
Whiskey Sour
whiskeyBourbon, lemon, and sweetener — the essential American sour.
Manhattan
whiskeyRye, sweet vermouth, bitters — the stately stirred classic.
Penicillin
whiskeyScotch, lemon, honey-ginger, peaty float — a modern classic.
Rusty Nail FAQ
What's in a Rusty Nail?
A classic Rusty Nail is made with blended scotch whisky, drambuie. It's stirred and served in a rocks glass.
What is the ABV of a Rusty Nail?
The listed ingredients calculate to approximately 40.0% ABV before added water or ice melt, with approximately 1.83 US standard drinks per serving. Water lowers the concentration but does not change the alcohol quantity.
Should I shake or stir a Rusty Nail?
Stir it. The Rusty Nail is spirit-forward with no citrus, so stirring keeps it silky and crystal-clear.
How do I batch Rusty Nails for a party?
Scale each ingredient by your number of servings. Open this recipe in the batch planner to choose added water, package sizes and ingredients to hold for service. Preset water percentages are planning assumptions applied to all recipe liquid before dilution, not predictions of ice melt.