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Craft the Perfect Rusty Nail Cocktail
About This Project
This project details how to make a Rusty Nail cocktail. Begin by filling a rocks glass with ice. Next, add 2 ounces of Scotch whisky along with 1 ounce of Drambuie to the rocks glass. Stir the drink gently for 15-20 seconds to properly chill and combine the ingredients. Finally, add a lemon twist as an optional garnish if desired.
Best for beginners and first-time DIYers.
Tools & Materials
Ice Maker for Clear Spheres
Mixing Glass "The Flagship" - BIC Originals
Japanese-Style Jigger
A Bottle of Whiskey Poster
Teardrop Barspoon - 12"/30cm (Standard length)
Lemon
Ice Maker for Clear Spheres
<p class="">Finally, an easy method for making clear ice balls! Cloudy ice is caused by ice freezing from the outside-in causing air to be trapped within the ice. The Clearsphere system uses a directional freezing method to control the direction that water freezes, pushing all the air out of the ice ball. - Makes two (2) 2.5 inch ice spheres - Molds are BPA free and dishwasher safe - Stackable - 5 piece system Includes silicone ice ball mold, insulated freezing chamber, and integrated ice ball storage box.</p> <p class=""><strong>Directions:</strong><br>1) Place plastic tub into foam box, fill with warm water to the inner fill line.<br>2) Combine two silicone molds and slowly push completely down and water overlows.<br>3) Place upright in freezer for 24-30 hours.<br>4) Remove from freezer and let it rest for 5 minutes. Peel out mold by pulling on both of handles on one of the ends. Repeat on other side.<br>5) Separate the silicone molds - serve or store for later.</p>
Mixing Glass "The Flagship" - BIC Originals
<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []" class="">Martinis, Negronis and Old Fashioneds have met their match with our Mixing Glass.</p> <p data-pm-slice="0 0 []" class="">Whether you’re taking on the high volume of a busy restaurant, or entertaining guests on your kitchen counter, our mixing glass can handle the job!</p> <p class="">This glass was built with beauty and functionality in mind. Thanks to the glass we use and how we treat that glass (a long and slow annealing process), it’s one of the most durable glasses on the market. It can handle a physical beating, as well as drastic temperature changes, without missing a beat. This is probably the most DISHWASHER SAFE mixing glass on the market.</p> <p class="">Plus, like any quality mixing vessel, it's seamless, so you can stir your drink without getting caught on the inside. Or even worse, it won't pop in half during your cocktail party or mid-service behind the bar.</p> <p class="">Liquid capacity is 21 oz / 620ml (with some slight variation). Works with a standard julep strainer or a Hawthorne strainer (we personally recommend our <a href="/products/hawthorne-strainer" target="_blank">Bull in China Hawthorne Straine</a>r, but we’re a little biased).</p>
Japanese-Style Jigger
<p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Elegant design and a bartender favorite, this Japanese-style jigger measures 1 oz and 2 oz pours.</p> <p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our version comes in seven finishes: Silver, Copper, Gold, Gunmetal Black, Matte Black, Antique Brass, and Rainbow Chrome.</p> <p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Each one has internal measures (.25, .5oz and .75oz on the 1oz side; 1.5oz on the 2oz side). THAT'S RIGHT! We have a 1/4 oz line!</p> <p style="white-space: pre-wrap;" class=""> <strong>While our silver version is perfectly dishwasher safe, we recommend handwashing any of the other finishes to prolong the life of those coatings.</strong></p>
A Bottle of Whiskey Poster
<p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Created by Portland veteran bartender Brett Adams to help you find your next favorite whiskey cocktail! This is the final touch to your homebar you didn't know you needed.</p> <p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The whiskey cocktail poster shows you how, starting with a single bottle of whiskey, you can make over 100 classic and modern whiskey cocktails. Think of it as a visual cocktail book that shows you how cocktails are connected to one another. Start with a drink you love and there's a good chance that any drink connected to it is something you'll also enjoy. If you love an Old Fashioned or Manhattan and want to know what to try next, this poster has the answers.</p> <p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Additionally, because you can see which liqueurs are referenced time and again, it's an incredibly valuable resource for building out a more complete and useful home bar.</p> <p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><strong>Screen printed by hand in Portland, OR</strong> on extremely high quality paper, this is designed to be the most useful piece of art in your entire home.</p>
Teardrop Barspoon - 12"/30cm (Standard length)
<p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Teardrop barspoon is a favorite among many bartenders. Its twisted center allows for grip, while the signature weighted end offers a nice counter balance while stirring your cocktail. This spoon is a workhorse of the industry and is beautiful on the professional and home bar top.</p> <p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“Standard length” is referring to the 30cm/12in version. If you’re looking for longer spoons, we also have 40cm/16” versions.</p> <p class="" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Available in 7 colors: Silver, Gold, Copper, Antique Brass, Gunmetal, Rainbow Chrome, and are Limited "Death & Company" Release</p> <p style="white-space: pre-wrap;" class=""><strong>While our silver version is perfectly dishwasher safe, we recommend handwashing any of the other finishes to prolong the life of those coatings.</strong></p>
Lemon
lemon
Steps
Common Problems
Stirring too vigorously can shatter ice, diluting the drink.
Solution: Use a bar spoon with a long, twisted handle for efficient stirring and minimal ice breakage.
Avoid stirring too vigorously to prevent excessive dilution.
Solution: To avoid this issue: Be mindful of this warning and take appropriate precautions.
Inaccurate ingredient ratios create a poorly balanced or unpleasant cocktail.
Solution: Ensure accurate measurements for the best flavor balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are specific tools like the 'Ice Maker for Clear Spheres' and 'Japanese-Style Jigger' essential for this beginner-level cocktail?
While the recommended tools enhance precision and the overall experience, they are not strictly necessary to start. You can use regular ice cubes, standard measuring spoons for ounces, and any long spoon for stirring. As you get more comfortable, you can invest in specialized bar tools.
What type of Scotch whisky is best for a Rusty Nail, and can I substitute Drambuie with another liqueur?
A good quality blended Scotch whisky works best, as its mild flavor won't overpower the Drambuie. Avoid heavily peated Scotches initially. Drambuie is crucial for a true Rusty Nail; it's a unique Scotch liqueur with honey and herbal notes, and there isn't a direct substitute that will yield the same authentic flavor profile.
The estimated time is 15 minutes; is this realistic for a beginner, and what contributes to that time?
Yes, 15 minutes is a realistic estimate for a beginner, accounting for gathering your ingredients, preparing any specialized ice, precisely measuring liquids, and carefully stirring for the recommended duration. Crafting the optional lemon twist garnish also adds a minute or two. With practice, you'll likely complete it much faster.
How important is the stirring technique, and what's the best way to avoid over-diluting or under-chilling the drink?
Stirring is vital for chilling and mixing the ingredients without aerating them, which would alter the texture. Stir gently for the recommended 15-20 seconds. To avoid over-dilution while ensuring proper chilling, use large, dense ice cubes (like the clear spheres) as they melt slower than smaller, standard ice.
What is a 'lemon twist' garnish, and are there other acceptable garnishes for a Rusty Nail?
A lemon twist is a strip of lemon peel (without much white pith) twisted to express its aromatic oils over the drink, adding a fragrant citrus note. While traditional and highly recommended, an orange twist can also be used as an alternative garnish. You can omit the garnish entirely if preferred, but it does enhance the aroma and visual appeal.
What are some common mistakes beginners make when crafting a Rusty Nail, and how can I avoid them?
A common mistake is using too much Drambuie, which can make the drink overly sweet; stick to the 2:1 Scotch to Drambuie ratio for balance. Another is not stirring long enough, leading to an unchilled or poorly mixed cocktail. Also, using poor quality or quickly melting ice can lead to excessive dilution, watering down the flavors.
I don't have a specific 'Mixing Glass The Flagship - BIC Originals'. Can I use a regular glass for mixing?
Absolutely! While a dedicated mixing glass is designed for optimal stirring and straining, any sturdy glass will work perfectly well. A pint glass or even a large rocks glass can serve as an excellent substitute for mixing your Rusty Nail, as long as it comfortably holds the ice and ingredients.
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