A Brown Derby cocktail in a martini glass with a pink grapefruit peel garnish

Brown Derby
Cocktail Recipe

Sweet
Citrus
Tart

The Brown Derby is a classic bourbon cocktail known for its simple combination of whiskey, fresh grapefruit juice, and honey syrup. The drink is often linked to the famous Brown Derby restaurants of early Hollywood, where it gained popularity during the golden age of cocktails. Bright citrus and gentle sweetness balance the bourbon, making it a straightforward yet distinctive whiskey drink.

Ingredients

Number of servings

01

Equipment

  • Martini glass
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Cocktail strainer

Bartender tip: Use fresh grapefruit juice to achieve a fantastically tart yet sweet flavour profile.

Whisky is poured into a cocktail shaker
Method
STEP 01
Pour
Add the bourbon, juice and syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice
STEP 02
Shake
Shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds until the surface of the shaker is well chilled
STEP 03
Strain
Strain into a martini glass
STEP 04
Garnish
Garnish with a twisted grapefruit peel

Born in 1930s Los Angeles, the Brown Derby captures the sunny optimism of post-Prohibition America - simple, stylish, and perfectly balanced.

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