A Proper Rusty Nail is a classic Scotch cocktail poured at Grappa in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. It is built on Monkey Shoulder blended malt Scotch and Drambuie, then finished with smoke, lots and lots of smoke. It is on our list as a dramatic, after-dinner indulgence for whisky lovers, the timeless Rusty Nail given a theatrical, smoky presentation.
What’s In It
The build is short, rich and smoky. We pour Monkey Shoulder, a blended malt Scotch that marries three Speyside single malts, over Drambuie, the honeyed Scotch-based liqueur spiced with heather honey and herbs. Then comes the signature touch: smoke, lots and lots of smoke, which we capture in the glass so it perfumes every sip. Served over ice, it is warming, sweet-edged and wrapped in aromatic smoke.
About This Cocktail
The Rusty Nail is a mid-century classic, a simple, elegant pairing of Scotch whisky and Drambuie that became a staple of the cocktail golden age. At Grappa, we make it a proper one: smooth Monkey Shoulder for the base, Drambuie for honeyed sweetness, and a generous, theatrical wreath of smoke that turns a two-ingredient classic into an experience. It is our most indulgent after-dinner pour.
Tasting Notes
The aroma leads with smoke, layered over honeyed malt and herbs. The palate is rich and warming, the smooth Scotch sweetened by Drambuie’s heather honey, the smoke threading through every sip. The finish is long, smoky and gently sweet. A bold, contemplative, spirit-forward classic.
What to Pair It With
This rich, smoky cocktail stands up to savory plates. Pair it with our Sicilian Meatballs, the Charcuterie Board, or crispy Saganaki. Explore the full dine-in menu for more.
How It’s Served at Grappa
A Proper Rusty Nail is a hand-crafted cocktail at $25, served over ice and finished with smoke tableside.
FAQ
What’s in A Proper Rusty Nail?
Monkey Shoulder blended malt Scotch and Drambuie, finished with plenty of aromatic smoke captured in the glass.
What does it taste like?
Rich and warming, with smooth honeyed Scotch sweetened by Drambuie and threaded through with aromatic smoke on a long finish.
Is it strong?
Yes. It is a short, spirit-forward Scotch cocktail, rich and on the stronger side, made as an indulgent after-dinner sip.
Ready to visit? Book a table, browse the full cocktail list, and see the dine-in menu.
