Spiced Tequila Rusty Nail

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bold fusion cocktail combining the warm spice of tequila with the smooth sweetness of Drambuie, perfect for sipping slowly. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 5 minutes pairs reposado tequila, Drambuie liqueur, dashes Angostura bitters for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 185 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 5 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 185 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1 large ice cube in a rocks glass. Pour 1 1/2 oz reposado tequila and 1 oz Drambuie liqueur over the ice.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 dashes Angostura bitters on top. Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and blend flavors.
  3. Step 3: Express the oils of 1 lemon twist over the surface by twisting it above the glass, then rub the peel around the rim and drop it inside as garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Tequila Rusty Nail take to make?

Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spiced Tequila Rusty Nail?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep reposado tequila from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Tequila 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 Spiced Tequila 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 Spiced Tequila Rusty Nail?

Cocktails quick meals 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.