The Rusty Nail is a classic cocktail that has been delighting palates for decades. A simple combination of whisky and Drambuie, it’s a drink that’s easy to make but hard to perfect. In this article, we’ll explore 18 different takes on the traditional recipe, each one showcasing a unique twist or flavor profile. From smoky Islay Scotch to honey-infused sweetness, there’s something for every mixologist to love.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro behind the bar or just starting to experiment with cocktails, these recipes are sure to inspire and delight. So grab your shaker and let’s dive in!
Traditional Rusty Nail Cocktail
This classic cocktail is a staple of the American West, combining whiskey and beer for a bold and rich flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
– 4-6 ounces Pabst Blue Ribbon or other pale lager
– 1/2 ounce Aperol or other bitter liqueur (optional)
– Ice
– Lemon twist or orange slice, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the bourbon or rye whiskey.
3. Top with Pabst Blue Ribbon beer.
4. Add a splash of Aperol, if using.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or orange slice.
Cooking Time: None required! This cocktail is ready to drink in minutes.
Smoky Rusty Nail with Islay Scotch
Smoky Rusty Nail with Islay Scotch Recipe
As the smoky flavors of Laphroaig Scotch mingle with sweet and citrusy notes, this cocktail is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 oz Laphroaig Quarter Cask Single Malt Whisky
– 0.75 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 0.25 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
– 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Orange twist or peel for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the Laphroaig, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup to the shaker.
3. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the cocktail into a chilled rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with an orange twist or peel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Honey-Infused Rusty Nail
Transform your whiskey into a sweet and complex cocktail with this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (Rusty Nail)
– 1/2 oz Honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour the whiskey over the ice.
3. Add the honey syrup to the mixing glass.
4. Stir for approximately 30-45 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None required, as this is a mixed drink!
Enjoy your Honey-Infused Rusty Nail, perfect for warm evenings or special occasions.
Spiced Rusty Nail with Cinnamon Drambuie
Elevate the classic Rusty Nail cocktail by infusing it with warm spices and the sweet, velvety texture of Cinnamon Drambuie.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Whiskey (Scotch or American)
– 1/2 oz Cinnamon Drambuie
– 3 dashes Ground cinnamon
– 1 dash Ground nutmeg
– Ice
– Orange peel (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add whiskey and Cinnamon Drambuie to the mixing glass.
3. Add ground cinnamon and nutmeg, stirring gently to combine.
4. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to meld with the liquor.
5. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with an orange peel, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Citrus Twist Rusty Nail
Elevate the classic Rusty Nail cocktail with a burst of citrus flavor. This refreshing twist combines the smoothness of whiskey and sweetness of honey with the brightness of lemon and orange.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1/2 oz Honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– Juice of 1 orange
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Twist of orange peel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
2. Pour in the whiskey and honey syrup.
3. Squeeze in the juices from both citrus fruits.
4. Stir briefly to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Express a strip of orange peel over the drink and use as garnish.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and serve!
Vanilla Bean Rusty Nail
Elevate your whiskey game with this creamy, sweet, and smoky cocktail featuring vanilla bean-infused simple syrup and a hint of Lapsang souchong tea.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or scotch work well)
– 1/2 oz Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup (see below for recipe)
– 1/2 oz Lapsang Souchong Tea-infused simple syrup (see below for recipe)
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup:
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
– Combine water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to boil, then remove from heat. Add vanilla bean and let steep for at least 30 minutes. Strain syrup into a clean glass bottle and store in the refrigerator.
Lapsang Souchong Tea-infused Simple Syrup:
– 1 cup boiling water
– 2 teaspoons Lapsang Souchong tea leaves
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– Combine boiling water and tea leaves in a cup. Steep for 5 minutes, then strain into a saucepan with sugar. Bring to boil, then remove from heat.
Instructions:
1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
2. Add whiskey, vanilla bean simple syrup, and Lapsang Souchong tea-infused simple syrup.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Express a lemon twist or wheel over the drink and use as garnish.
Cooking Time: None. Simply mix and serve!
Peach Rusty Nail with Bourbon
A sweet and tangy twist on the classic rusty nail cocktail, this recipe combines the flavors of peaches and bourbon for a unique and delicious drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon
– 1/2 oz peach liqueur
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Sliced peaches for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add the bourbon and peach liqueur.
3. Top with ginger beer.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with sliced peaches.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Enjoy your Peach Rusty Nail with Bourbon!
Maple Rusty Nail with Canadian Whisky
Elevate your cocktail game with this rich and complex drink, featuring the bold flavors of Canadian whisky and a hint of maple sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Canadian Whisky (such as Crown Royal)
– 1/2 oz Maple Syrup
– 3/4 oz Fresh Lime Juice
– 1/2 oz Ginger Liqueur (such as Domaine de Canton)
– Dash of Angostura Bitters
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the Canadian Whisky, Maple Syrup, Fresh Lime Juice, and Ginger Liqueur.
3. Add a dash of Angostura Bitters.
4. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None (just shake and serve!)
Herbal Rusty Nail with Rosemary Infusion
Experience a twist on the classic cocktail by infusing whiskey with rosemary and combining it with Drambuie for a unique flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or scotch work well)
– 1/2 oz Rosemary Simple Syrup (see below)
– 1/2 oz Drambuie
– Rosemary sprig, for garnish
Rosemary Simple Syrup:
– 1 cup Water
– 1 cup Granulated Sugar
– 1/4 cup Fresh rosemary leaves
Instructions:
1. Combine water and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Add fresh rosemary leaves and remove from heat. Let steep for at least 30 minutes, or until the mixture has cooled to room temperature.
3. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into an airtight container. Discard solids.
To make the Herbal Rusty Nail:
1. In a mixing glass, combine whiskey and rosemary simple syrup.
2. Fill with ice and stir for about 30 seconds.
3. Add Drambuie and stir again to combine.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a rosemary sprig.
Cooking Time: None
Spicy Ginger Rusty Nail
Spicy Ginger Rusty Nail Recipe
A unique twist on the classic Moscow Mule, this Spicy Ginger Rusty Nail combines the spicy kick of ginger beer with the warmth of cinnamon and a hint of lime. Perfect for those who like a little heat in their cocktails!
- Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz Vodka
- 4 oz Ginger Beer
- 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- Slice of Lime for garnish
- Instructions:
- Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
- Add vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, and cinnamon.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a slice of lime.
Cooking Time: None! This is a mixed drink recipe.
Lavender Rusty Nail with Floral Notes
This unique twist on the classic Rusty Nail combines the smoothness of whiskey and the subtlety of lavender, finished with a hint of floral notes.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Bourbon Whiskey
– 1/2 oz Dry Vermouth
– 1/4 oz Lavender Syrup (see note)
– Dash of Orange Bitters
– Edible flowers or lavender buds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add bourbon, vermouth, and lavender syrup.
3. Stir for approximately 20-25 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Add a dash of orange bitters on top.
6. Garnish with edible flowers or lavender buds, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation only)
Note: To make Lavender Syrup, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup dried lavender buds in a saucepan. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes before straining and storing in the refrigerator.
Cherry Rusty Nail with Maraschino Liqueur
Elevate your cocktail game with this fruity twist on the classic Rusty Nail. The Maraschino liqueur adds a sweet and tart dimension to the whiskey and grenadine.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 1/2 oz Maraschino Liqueur
– 1/2 oz Grenadine Syrup
– Cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, Maraschino liqueur, and grenadine syrup.
3. Stir gently for about 20-30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a cherry, nestled among the ice.
Cooking Time: None! This is a mixed drink, not a cooked recipe.
Caramel Rusty Nail with Butterscotch Drambuie
Elevate the humble Rusty Nail cocktail by adding butterscotch-infused Drambuie and caramel syrup for a sweet, indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz whiskey
– 3/4 oz butterscotch Drambuie
– 3/4 oz caramel syrup (or to taste)
– Ice
– Orange twist or cherry, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the whiskey and butterscotch Drambuie.
3. Add the caramel syrup and stir until well combined.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange twist or cherry.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Enjoy your Caramel Rusty Nail with Butterscotch Drambuie!
Smoked Almond Rusty Nail
A twist on the classic rusty nail cocktail, this smoky rendition adds a rich, nutty flavor from smoked almonds.
Ingredients:
• 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
• 1/2 oz Aperol
• 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/4 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
• 3-4 smoked almonds (see note), muddled to release their oil
• Ice
• Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, Aperol, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Muddle in the smoked almonds, releasing their oil and flavor.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None; this is a cocktail recipe!
Note: To smoke almonds, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place whole almonds on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes. Remove and let cool before crushing or muddling as needed. You can also use store-bought smoked almonds.
Pineapple Rusty Nail with Tropical Vibes
Escape to a tropical paradise with this refreshing twist on the classic Rusty Nail cocktail. Combining the sweetness of pineapple, the spiciness of ginger beer, and the warmth of bourbon, this drink is perfect for sipping on a sunny afternoon.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon
– 1/2 oz fresh pineapple juice
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Splash of grenadine (optional)
– Pineapple wedges and cherry for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the bourbon, pineapple juice, and ginger beer.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. If desired, add a splash of grenadine for a touch of sweetness.
5. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Dark Chocolate Rusty Nail
Elevate your dessert game with this decadent treat that combines rich dark chocolate with the crunch of pecans and the sweetness of caramel.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1/2 cup (60g) light brown sugar
– 1/4 cup (30g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– 1/2 cup (60g) chopped pecans
– Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together brown sugar and softened butter until well combined.
4. Add the sea salt and chopped pecans to the brown sugar mixture; stir until well combined.
5. Pour the melted chocolate onto the pecan mixture and stir until a dough forms.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
8. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve with caramel sauce, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Peppermint Rusty Nail for the Holidays
As the holiday season approaches, warm up with a festive twist on the classic rusty nail cocktail. This peppermint-infused variation is sure to become a new favorite among your friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Dark Rum
– 1/2 oz Peppermint Schnapps
– 4 oz Hot Chocolate (or hot water)
– 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
– 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
– Crushed Candy Canes or whipped cream for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, heat the hot chocolate or hot water until warm.
2. In a mug, combine the dark rum and peppermint schnapps.
3. Pour the warmed hot chocolate into the mug, holding back the foam with a spoon.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Garnish with crushed candy canes or whipped cream.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Earl Grey Rusty Nail with Tea Infusion
Combine the classic flavors of Earl Grey tea with the spicy kick of a rusty nail, perfect for those who crave something new and exciting. This refreshing cocktail is sure to quench your thirst on a hot summer day.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz Earl Grey-infused simple syrup (see below)
– 4 oz lemon-lime soda
– 1/4 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 oz rusty nail liqueur (such as Galliano or Kahlúa)
– Ice
– Lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add the vodka and Earl Grey-infused simple syrup.
3. Top with lemon-lime soda and lime juice.
4. Add the rusty nail liqueur.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Earl Grey-Infused Simple Syrup:
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 Earl Grey tea bags
Combine water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and add tea bags. Let steep for at least 30 minutes before straining and cooling.
Cooking Time: None required, just mix and serve!
Summary
Elevate your cocktail game with these 18 classic Rusty Nail recipes! This iconic drink typically consists of whiskey and Drambuie, but we’ve taken it to new heights by experimenting with various flavors. From smoky Islay Scotch to spicy ginger, each recipe offers a unique twist on the original. Try our Honey-Infused Rusty Nail for a touch of sweetness or go bold with the Spiced Rusty Nail featuring Cinnamon Drambuie. Whether you’re a mixology newbie or a seasoned pro, these recipes are sure to become your new favorites.
