The two-ingredient Rusty Nail made with Scotch and Krampus Herbal Liqueur, whose raw honey and spice fill the role Drambuie usually plays.
The Rusty Nail is about as simple as a cocktail gets: Scotch and a honeyed liqueur, stirred and poured over one big ice cube. Traditionally that liqueur is Drambuie, a Scotch-based liqueur sweetened with heather honey and herbs.
This version uses Krampus Herbal Liqueur in Drambuie's place.
Ingredients
- 1½ oz blended Scotch whisky
- ¾ oz Krampus Herbal Liqueur
- Lemon peel
Directions
- Stir the Scotch and Krampus with ice for 20 seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube.
- Express the lemon peel over the top and drop it in.
Glass: Rocks glass · Garnish: Lemon twist
Tip
Stir rather than shake. The Rusty Nail is meant to be clear, silky and cold, with no foam or ice chips.
Variations
For a Rusty Rye, use Krampus Bottled in Bond Rye in place of the Scotch. For a fireside version, use Barrel-Aged Krampus.
A Brief History of the Rusty Nail
Drambuie has been mixed with Scotch since at least the 1930s, but the Rusty Nail name took hold in the 1950s and 1960s. It became a signature drink of that era, closely tied to the Rat Pack and the classic American cocktail lounge.
After falling out of fashion for a few decades, it came back with the classic-cocktail revival as a go-to two-ingredient nightcap.
Why Make It With Krampus
Drambuie brings honey and herbs. Krampus brings raw honey too, plus roasted hazelnut and warming spice, which give the drink a rounder, more dessert-like finish that suits a cold night. Because Krampus is built on a smooth wheat spirit rather than Scotch, it lets the whisky's character come through clearly. Try it with Krampus Bottled in Bond Rye for a spicier Rusty Rye.
FAQ
What can I use instead of Drambuie?
Any honeyed herbal liqueur. Krampus Herbal Liqueur is a natural fit, with raw honey, roasted hazelnut and spice.
Should a Rusty Nail be stirred or shaken?
Stirred. It's an all-spirit drink, and stirring keeps it clear, silky and cold.