By AVERY TOMASO
The Origin Of The Rusty Nail — Frank Sinatra's Go-To Cocktail
Frank Sinatra's go-to cocktail was the Rusty Nail, a blend of Scotch whisky and Drambuie liqueur, which symbolizes the iconic crooner's smooth persona and timeless, classic tastes.
Despite its upscale ambiance, the Rusty Nail is easy to make. Simply combine Scotch and Drambuie in a two-to-one ratio, mix with ice, and then strain over a clear ice cube.
Legend has it that the drink got its name by being stirred with a rusty nail. Many sources claim that the cocktail was invented in 1937 for the British Industries Fair trade show.
Many years later, a modified version of the tipple appeared in Waldorf-Astoria Hotel publicist Ted Saucier's 1951 cocktail book "Bottoms Up," as a drink called the Little Club #1.
The Rusty Nail was also featured in 1967's "Old Mister Boston Official Bartender's Guide" and the 21 Club bar in New York City, yet its true origins remain a mystery.