Rusty Nail
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A Rusty Nail is a classic, potent Scotch-based cocktail, traditionally made with Drambuie (a honeyed, herbal liqueur) and Scotch whisky. It offers a smooth, warming texture with a complex flavor profile that balances smoky, honeyed, and subtly herbal notes. Nutritionally, it is almost entirely derived from alcohol and sugar, providing 244 kcal per 100g with 8.74g of carbohydrates, primarily from the Drambuie's honey and sugar content.
Calorie split: 0% protein · 99% carbs · 1% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love the Rusty Nail for its elegant simplicity and its rich, warming character that makes it a quintessential after-dinner sipper. Its cultural status as a mid-20th-century cocktail icon adds a layer of nostalgic sophistication to its appeal.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The primary downsides are its high calorie and sugar content from the Drambuie, which can contribute to blood-sugar spikes, and its significant alcohol content. To counteract these, practice strict portion control (a standard 60ml serving), and consider pairing it with a high-protein, low-sugar snack to slow alcohol absorption and blunt the glycemic response.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick source of energy from alcohol and carbohydrates.
- Contains trace amounts of antioxidants from the Scotch whisky.
- The herbal components in Drambuie may offer minor digestive benefits.
- Can serve as a social lubricant and stress reliever in moderation.
- Offers a simple, two-ingredient preparation for a classic cocktail.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The cocktail's name is often said to refer to the 'nail' of a dram, an old Scottish unit of measurement for whisky, and the rusty color of the blended drink.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 61.1 g |
| Energy | 244 kcal |
| Protein | 0.00 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.03 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 8.7 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 8.8 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 0.00 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.04 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 0.00 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 4.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 2.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 1.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.04 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.02 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.10 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.01 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.01 mg |
| Niacin | 0.01 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.00 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 0.00 ug |
| Choline, total | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 30.1 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.00 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
What is the typical ratio for a Rusty Nail?
The classic ratio is 2 parts Scotch whisky to 1 part Drambuie, though variations exist from 1:1 to 3:1 depending on desired sweetness and strength.
Can I use any Scotch for a Rusty Nail?
While any Scotch can be used, a blended Scotch is traditional and provides a balanced, smoother base that complements the Drambuie without overpowering it. A peated Scotch will add a distinct smoky note.
Is a Rusty Nail a strong cocktail?
Yes, it is considered a strong cocktail. With both components being high in alcohol (Scotch ~40% ABV, Drambuie ~40% ABV), a standard serving has a high alcohol content and should be sipped slowly.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 2.44 kcal/g · 0% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 8.8 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.50 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.