Scottish Rusty Nail: Smooth Scotch and Honey-Herb Liqueur Classic for Crisp Autumn Nights

Chill a rocks glass by filling it with ice and water while you build the drink.

Serves 1

Ingredients

• 2 ounces blended Scotch whisky
• 3/4 ounce Drambuie honey and herb liqueur
• 1 dash orange bitters (optional)
• 1 large clear ice cube
• 1 strip lemon peel
• 1 strip orange peel, for garnish
• Ice, for stirring

Instructions

1. Chill a rocks glass by filling it with ice and water while you build the drink.
2. Combine the Scotch, Drambuie and the optional bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice.
3. Stir steadily for about 30 seconds, until the outside of the mixing glass is frosty and the drink is well chilled and slightly diluted.
4. Empty the rocks glass and set a single large clear ice cube in it.
5. Strain the cocktail over the ice cube.
6. Twist the lemon peel over the glass to express its oils, then discard it.
7. Garnish with the orange peel, serve immediately, and sip slowly as the ice melts and the drink opens up.
8. The Rusty Nail pairs Scotch with Drambuie, a liqueur of heather honey, herbs and spices that legend traces to a recipe given to the MacKinnon clan by Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1746. The cocktail itself took off in 1960s New York, where the Rat Pack made it their late-night order, but its warming honey and smoke make it perfect for a Highland autumn evening by the fire.

Nutrition (estimated, per serving)

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 2mg