The Classic Scotch Liqueur Made For More Than Just A Rusty Nail

Ask a lot of casual drinkers about Drambuie and they might reply, "Dram-who-ie"? More committed imbibers, instead, will likely recognize Drambuie as the sweet, honeyed, Scotch-derived liqueur that makes a rusty nail cocktail when mixed with an unadulterated Scotch base. (In very basic concept this could be akin to adding something like vanilla vodka to plain; a crude analogy that Scotch lovers will abhor.) Plenty of other folks will at least remember Drambuie's all-caps label from the back of a bar, or even some erstwhile relation's liquor cabinet. But this dynamic spirit has plenty more applications than as a tool for creating a rusty nail, or for sparking a bit of nostalgia.

Being that Drambuie is Scotch-derived, you can consider using it in simple mixed drinks or more elaborate cocktails that rely on the amber spirit. But you do also need to take Drambuie's own signature qualities into account to ensure a balanced sip. Although its exact recipe is a secret, Drambuie's stated herbs and spices give it a warm, near-verdant finish, while its honey effects a confectionery element. Those sugary notes are primarily what you'll want to look out for when doing any tinkering, pulling back on ingredients like simple syrup whenever a Drambuie switcharoo is on the docket. Given how easily that's achieved, you might be surprised to find how little dust your own bottle of Drambuie ever collects.

Drambuie is an obvious addition to the list of underrated liquors to splash into your cup of coffee. Stirred into a mug of your favorite brew and topped with whipped cream, it gives your everyday Irish coffee the luck of the Scotch. This is also a great occasion to become accustomed to Drambuie's sweetness. If you usually add sugar to your boozy java, just don't, at least to start. Taste it first, and you'll likely end up adding less than you're used to, if you add any at all.

Swapping Drambuie into your usual Scotch and soda is also a great way to change up that effortless classic. The fizzy water's neutral base is terrific for getting acquainted with the stuff. And, of course, you can always delve into all of the other proper cocktails that make good use of Drambuie. The evocatively titled blood and sand has less brand recognition than the rusty nail, for example, but it also features the liqueur amid a mix of Scotch, sweet vermouth, cherry liqueur, and orange juice.