Smoky Maple Rusty Nail
A warming blend of smoky Scotch and sweet maple syrup balanced with smooth Drambuie, perfect for sipping. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together Scotch whisky, Drambuie, Maple syrup for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Scotch whisky
- 1 oz Drambuie
- 1/4 oz Maple syrup
- 2 dashes Orange bitters
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a mixing glass with large ice cubes to chill properly.
- Step 2: Pour 2 oz Scotch whisky, 1 oz Drambuie, and 1/4 oz maple syrup into the mixing glass.
- Step 3: Add 2 dashes of orange bitters.
- Step 4: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 5: Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass over a single large clear ice cube.
- Step 6: Express a wide strip of orange peel over the surface to release the oils, then rim the glass and rest the peel inside as garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Maple Rusty Nail take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Smoky Maple Rusty Nail?
Refrigerate any leftover smoky maple rusty nail in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Maple Rusty Nail?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Smoky Maple Rusty Nail for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Smoky Maple Rusty Nail?
Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
