Brown Derby
A bourbon sour combining whiskey with fresh grapefruit juice and honey syrup.
Drink details
Glass
Coupe Glass
Ice
No Ice
Method
Shaken
Strength
Strong
Servings
1
Recipe
Ingredients
Bourbon
60 ml
Grapefruit Juice
30 ml
Honey Syrup
15 ml
Garnish
Grapefruit Peel
1 piece
Rating
Rate this drink
Method
Preparation
- 1
Add the bourbon, grapefruit juice and honey syrup to a shaker filled with ice.
- 2
Shake until well chilled.
- 3
Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
About the Brown Derby
The Brown Derby is a classic American cocktail associated with Hollywood's golden age. Its simple combination of bourbon, grapefruit juice and honey syrup creates a distinctive variation on the sour format. The bourbon provides warmth and structure, while grapefruit contributes tart citrus character and honey adds a softer, richer sweetness than ordinary sugar syrup.
What does a Brown Derby taste like?
The Brown Derby is bright and citrusy with a warm bourbon backbone. Grapefruit provides refreshing tartness and a subtle bitterness, while honey syrup rounds the drink with smooth floral sweetness.
Tips for making a Brown Derby
Use fresh grapefruit juice for the brightest flavor. Shake vigorously with ice so the honey syrup integrates completely, then fine-strain into a chilled coupe glass for a clean texture.
