The rusty nail, called clavo oxidado in Chile, is a classic stirred cocktail of Scotch whisky and Drambuie served over ice, aromatized with cloves and a citrus twist. It takes 5 minutes to prepare and makes 1 drink.
It is a cocktail you can mix almost anywhere with minimal tools and no sophisticated ingredients, which explains why it has a firm place in Chilean home bars alongside the piscola and the whisky sour.
How to Make a Rusty Nail (Clavo Oxidado)?
The rusty nail usually combines whisky and Drambuie in a 2:1 ratio, although some people prefer the two in equal parts (1:1). The Chilean clavo oxidado adds whole cloves to the glass, a nod to its name, along with a few optional drops of Angostura bitters.
Nutritional Information
Each rusty nail contains approximately 190 kcal, 10 g of carbohydrates, 0 g of fat, 0 g of protein, 0 g of fiber, 10 g of sugars, 0 mg of cholesterol, and 5 mg of sodium. These values are estimates and may vary depending on the brands and measures used.
Homemade Clavo Oxidado Recipe
Preparation: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Ingredients
- 50 ml (1.7 fl oz) of Scotch whisky
- 25 ml (0.85 fl oz) of Drambuie liqueur
- 2 whole cloves
- Orange or lemon peel
- Angostura bitters (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- In a short, wide old fashioned glass, add 2 or 3 ice cubes, pour in the whisky and the Drambuie, stir lightly once or twice with a bar spoon, and set aside.
- Add 1 or 2 cloves to taste and, if you like, a few drops of Angostura bitters, and stir gently. Serve the clavo oxidado immediately, garnished with a strip of lemon or orange peel.
Additional Tips
Use one large ice cube
Instead of several small cubes that melt quickly, use a single large cube or ice sphere. It chills the drink perfectly without watering it down, keeping the strength and flavor of the spirits intact for longer.
Express the citrus peel
Before dropping the orange or lemon peel into the glass, hold it between your fingers and squeeze it gently over the surface of the drink. It releases its essential oils and adds an aroma that lifts the whole cocktail.
Go easy on the cloves
Cloves are powerful. One or two are enough to scent the drink, and leaving more in the glass for a long time makes the cocktail bitter and medicinal.
| Original ingredient | Substitute | Ratio | Flavor note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blended Scotch | Single malt Scotch | 1:1 | Smokier, more complex |
| Drambuie | Benedictine | 1:1 | More herbal, less honey |
| Orange peel | Lemon peel | 1:1 | Sharper aroma |
| Small ice cubes | One large ice cube | 3 : 1 | Less dilution |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which whisky works best in a rusty nail?
The classic choice is a blended Scotch whisky, because its balanced profile complements the sweetness of Drambuie. If you like more complex flavors, try a single malt for a smokier, more personal drink.
2. What is the right ratio of whisky to Drambuie?
The most common recipe is 2 parts whisky to 1 part Drambuie (2:1), which makes the whisky the star. If you prefer a sweeter drink with more honey and herb notes, a 1:1 ratio works well.
3. Should I shake it in a cocktail shaker?
No. Drinks made only of spirits are stirred, not shaken. The bartender rule is that cocktails with juice, dairy, or egg are shaken, and those with only alcohol are stirred.
4. Is there a substitute for Drambuie?
Drambuie has a very particular honey and herb flavor that is hard to replace. If you cannot find it, experiment with another herbal liqueur such as Benedictine.
What Is a Rusty Nail?
A rusty nail is a two ingredient cocktail of Scotch whisky and Drambuie, built over ice and stirred. It belongs to the family of short, spirit forward drinks such as the old fashioned, and in Chile it is known by its literal translation, clavo oxidado, often served with whole cloves in the glass.
Where Does the Name Rusty Nail Come From?
There are several theories. The most widely accepted is that the name simply describes the amber red color of the drink, which recalls rust. The cocktail became popular in the 1950s and 1960s and is often linked to the Rat Pack, the famous group of entertainers of that era.
Did You Know?
Drambuie is a liqueur made from Scotch whisky, honey, herbs, and spices. According to legend, its recipe dates back to the eighteenth century and was given by Prince Charles Edward Stuart, known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, to the Scottish clan that sheltered him.
How to adapt this recipe to a vegan or vegetarian version?
How to adapt this recipe to a gluten-free version?
How to adapt this recipe to a keto (ketogenic) version?
Recommended
- Original Whisky Sour Recipe
- Chilean Piscola Cocktail Recipe
- Chilean Bitter Batido Cocktail Recipe
- Ramazzotti Spritz Cocktail Recipe
