For the non-scotch drinker, scotch drinks can be a tough little pill to swallow. Even if you like scotch, there are some pretty nasty concoctions out there. Fortunately, there are drinks like the Rusty Nail that can be enjoyed by scotch fans and scotch haters alike.
Making a Rusty Nail
The recipe is simple, and combines two drinks that are traditionally sipped on their own. You need only
- 1 1/2 ounce blended scotch
- 1 ounce Drambuie
Pour over cracked ice, and pour into a glass filled with ice. Some sticklers insist on pouring the Drambuie last, to allow it to mix better with the lighter scotch, but it's up to you.
There are rumors that the name is such because immigrant Scot bartenders stirred the drink with a rusty nail. That's disgusting. It is actually more likely that the name comes simply from the color of the drink.
The non-scotch drinker might brace him- or herself for yet another harsh scotch drink. However, the Rusty Nail will quickly reveal itself as one of the smoothest drinks out there. It still carries the flavor of the scotch, but without the harsh edge. Instead, it's just sweet and pleasant.
History of Drambuie
Obviously, this is owed to the Drambuie. So what is this magical liqueur? It's actually quite an interesting (and perhaps apocryphal) little tale. It starts back in 1745, when Prince Charles Edward Stuart, better known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, tried to overthrow the reigning Hanoverian family and reinstate the Stuart succession. Long story short, it didn't work and he was forced to flee to France. Aiding him was his trusted captain John MacKinnon. Having nothing else to offer the captain, Charlie gave him secret recipe to his personal liqueur, the drink that is known today as Drambuie.
For about 150 years, the MacKinnons kept the secret to themselves. In1893 the drink was finally given its name, from the Gaelic "An Dram Buidheach," meaning "the drink that satisfies." It wasn't until the early 1900's that the family began to sell the drink, The recipe is still kept secret today. Only the matriarch of the MacKinnon family can know the recipe. Not even the MacKinnons who currently run the company can know the recipe or watch Ms. MacKinnon mix up the batch. All anyone else knows is that it's made from a blend of scotch whiskies, many of which are 15-17 year old single malts, with a hint of honey and herbs. Isn't that fascinating? And now you can drink it in your local bar, even if you're descended from those damn Hanovers.
Regardless of what's in Drambuie, it makes for a damn fine drink. And it mixes great with scotch. On its own, Drambuie is probably too sweet. So the scotch cuts that back a bit, while the Drambuie takes the edge of the scotch. Symbioses at its best.
Lastly, it might serve you better to just ask for a scotch and Drambuie. While "Rusty Nail" looks good in print and sounds cool in your head, "Gimme a Rusty Nail" in reality sounds pretty stupid out loud. You'll get funny looks.
