Brown Derby Cocktail

The Brown Derby Cocktail is a delicious mix of bourbon, grapefruit, and honey. This classic drink is complex but sweet and refreshing!

Jump to:

• A Brown Derby Cocktail Recipe
• What is in a Brown Derby Cocktail
• How to make a Brown Derby Cocktail
• PITCHER VARIATION
• Why you'll love making this cocktail:
• Recipe Tips and Notes
• Brown Derby Cocktail

A Brown Derby Cocktail Recipe

The Brown Derby is a classic cocktail from the 1930s. It is an easy drink recipe consisting of just three simple ingredients that create a sweet-tart and complex sip.

The Brown Derby cocktail was created at the Vendôme Club in Los Angeles, California. And this is the source of inspiration for the drink's unique name as it was named after the round hat-shaped diner that was located nearby - and surprisingly has nothing to do with horse racing!

The complex mix of bourbon, grapefruit, and honey was an instant hit and has remained a popular classic cocktail. The honey syrup mellows out the tart citrus and spicy whiskey to produce a delicious and refreshing combination that has stood the test of time.

Love grapefruit cocktails? Then check out our GRAPEFRUIT CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL and GRAPEFRUIT GIN COCKTAIL WITH ROSE WATER!

What is in a Brown Derby Cocktail

A Brown Derby Cocktail is a simple recipe that only requires three ingredients. Due to this simplicity, each element is important and the flavor it imparts makes a huge difference to the final drink.

The ingredients you will need are listed below and you can find a detailed recipe card at the end of this post.

• Bourbon. You can use any bourbon whiskey that you like best for this recipe.
• Grapefruit juice. Freshly squeezed juice is always best for cocktails. But you could also store-bought juice if you can't get your hands on any fresh grapefruit.
• Honey syrup. Honey syrup is a natural sweetener that adds rich complex flavor and sweetness. You can use homemade or storebought. It is very easy to make at home and you can find an easy recipe for honey syrup here!
• Ice cubes. This chills the drink which enhances its delicious, refreshing flavor.
• Optional garnish. You can serve a Brown Derby Cocktail plain or you can add an optional garnish - it is up to you! Some garnish suggestions include a grapefruit zest twist, a slice of grapefruit, a wedge of grapefruit, or dried grapefruit.

Got some leftover bourbon? Try out our REFRESHING BOURBON LEMONADE or our CLASSIC GOLD RUSH COCKTAIL recipe!

More about Honey Syrup

Honey syrup is simple syrup made with honey instead of granulated sugar. Making honey simple syrup is cheaper than buying it from a store. And it also allows you to be fully in control of its flavor and what goes into it, as some store-bought versions often have additives and preservatives.

The classic ratio for honey syrup is 1:1. Which means that equal parts of honey and water are used. This ratio creates a liquid texture with a runny consistency. But you are free to adjust the ratio according to your preferences.

And we also suggest that before you make your syrup, you should taste the honey you’re using and then adjust the proportion of honey to water accordingly. This is because milder kinds of honey may be best with a two-to-one ratio of honey to water.

How to make a Brown Derby Cocktail

A Brown Derby cocktail only takes a few minutes to create and is a classic shaken cocktail. To make one, you can follow the step-by-step instructions below, or you can find a detailed recipe card at the end of this post.

STEP ONE

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.

STEP TWO

Add the bourbon, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup. Shake until well mixed and chilled, about 30 - 60 seconds.

STEP THREE

Strain into a cocktail serving glass. Add any desired garnishes and enjoy it immediately.

Why you'll love making this cocktail:

• An uncomplicated cocktail that requires only three ingredients.
• Honey gives this bourbon cocktail body and a silky, smooth mouthfeel.
• Perfect for sipping on in all seasons.
• It's a deliciously sweet and tangy drink that can be made in seconds.
• Easy to make a large batch for serving a crowd.

Recipe Tips and Notes

USE HIGH-QUALITY INGREDIENTS

Like most drinks, the quality of this cocktail depends on the quality of the ingredients.  Choose a high-quality brand of alcohol and fresh ingredients to achieve the best flavor profile.

BALANCE THE FLAVORS

You can adjust the ratios of this drink to find the perfect balance for your preference. If you prefer sweeter cocktails you can add an extra dash of honey syrup and if you are after a boozier drink then you can add some extra bourbon.

MEASURE ACCURATELY

Use a jigger or a measuring cup to measure your ingredients accurately. A precise measurement can make a big difference in the balance and flavor of your cocktail.

DRINK RESPONSIBLY

A Brown Derby Cocktail contains around 1.8 units of alcohol per drink.

I hope you love this Brown Derby Cocktail recipe as much as I do! And if you want to see more of my food adventures, follow me on Instagram or Facebook.