Here’s a nice, simple highball drink for those who like to keep it quick and simple. And no, despite the name of the cocktail, you won’t feel lockjaw setting in after consumption…of one. The Rusty Nail is a very Scottish drink since its only two ingredients both originated in Scotland: scotch and Drambuie. My favorite single malt Scotch is Glenmorangie (the current bottle in our bar happens to be Glenmorangie’s Port Wood finish). It was slightly distressing to mix this wonderful Scotch with anything but ice. But, for the sake of you, dear reader, I mustered up the courage, muttered a prayer of forgiveness, and began pouring. I was told to pour the scotch first since it’s lighter than the Drambuie and sequencing the lighter liquid before the heavier liquid mixes the drink better. Just about every Rusty Nail recipe has a different ratio of scotch to Drambuie, so you’ll have to experiment to find the right balance for your taste buds. The drink is ultra smooth with the refined scotch being sweetened with Drambuie’s honey toned flavors. This is a nice option for those who don’t care for scotch on the rocks. Not to mention, a nice change of pace from the usual. For this reason, I recommend that every bar stock a few unique liqueurs, like Drambuie, to help mix it up every once in a while.
My Rusty Nail was:
2 oz. of Scoth (Glenmorangie Port Wood finish)
1/2 oz. Drambuie
Pour the scotch into a highball glass filled with ice. Then mix in the Drambuie. (I added a lemon wedge to garnish.) Enjoy!
Recommended listening for the Rusty Nail…Scottish Brit-rock from Travis:
Travis is one of those bands that leaves you wondering why they didn’t make it huge. They occupy rock territory somewhere between Coldplay and Oasis. Harder edged than Coldplay and less attitude and ego than Oasis. Their songs are instantly catchy and emotionally grabbing. Highly recommended.
The opportunity to experience Laphroaig came to me via Christmas gift. One of my partners, knowing I was developing a penchant for Scotch whiskey, picked up a bottle of the stuff for our annual office holiday exchange. Upon receipt, I was especially excited about the gift because I had yet to sample a Scotch from Islay region of Scotland. These malts are known for their strength of flavor, smokiness, and salty seaweed peat flavor. Until then, my taste buds had yet to venture outside of the Highlands, home of my favorite Glenmorangie (Madeira Wood). I couldn’t wait to try it.
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