Re-Discover The Rusty Nail, Frank Sinatra's Favorite Cocktail

Rusty Nail

Everything You Need to Know About The Rusty Nail

The Rusty Nail is a classic old school cocktail. So old school it was purportedly Frank Sinatra's favorite. This two-ingredient drink's appeal lies in the harmonious marriage of Scotch whisky's robust character and the distinctive sweet, herbal, and subtly spiced notes of Drambuie, a Scotch whisky liqueur infused with honey, herbs, and spices. This combination creates a drink that is both warming and complex, making it an excellent choice for contemplative sipping or as a refined digestif.

Rusty Nail

Prep Time2 min
Yield1 Cocktail
Base SpiritScotch Whisky

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Scotch or Japanese Whisky
  • 0.75 oz Drambuie
  • Lemon Peel, for garnish
Re-Discover The Rusty Nail, Frank Sinatra's Favorite Cocktail

Instructions

  1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
  2. Pour in the Scotch whisky.
  3. Add the Drambuie.
  4. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Garnish with a lemon peel.
Pro Tip
The quality of the Scotch significantly impacts the final drink. Opting for a blended Scotch offers a smoother profile, while a single malt can introduce more pronounced regional characteristics.

Rusty Nail Riff

To create a Smoky Rusty Nail, use a peated Scotch like Lagavulin or Ardbeg. Experiment with different Scotch whiskies to discover your favorite flavor profile.