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    Home » Recipes » Cocktails

    Brown Derby Cocktail

    Published: Mar 10, 2022 · Modified: Jul 28, 2022 by Laura Reigel · This post may contain affiliate links

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    Brown Derby Cocktail

    The brown derby cocktail is an old Hollywood cocktail made with bourbon and grapefruit juice with a splash of honey syrup. If you're looking for an interesting new bourbon cocktail to shake up your next party? Look no further than the brown derby!

    Whether you're looking for an elegant drink to serve at your next dinner party or just want to enjoy something delicious and refreshing, this recipe is sure to please. Give it a try!

    brown derby cocktail in a coupe glass

    Brown Derby Cocktail's Origin

    The original cocktail recipe hit the scene in 1930 at the Vendôme Club on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles.

    According to Brown Derby Cocktail history the name Brown Derby name stuck because the Vendôme Club was located near a hat-shaped diner on the Sunset strip.

    This refreshing cocktail recipe is a perfect alternative if you're a bourbon fan looking for a bourbon cocktail other than the classic Old Fashioned.

    You can also find this popular cocktail recipe listed under the name "De Rigueur" in popular cocktail books like the ultimate authority on classic cocktails, Savoy Cocktail Book.

    Don't forget to pin this recipe to save it for later!

    What Does The Brown Derby Cocktail Taste Like?

    When I had this cocktail for the first time, my tastebuds said Bam! This cocktail tastes like sultry bourbon wrapped in a honey-flavored hug and slapped with a bright burst of grapefruit.

    Its flavor is simple yet truly spectacular.  

    What You'll Need

    To make a proper cocktail, you'll need a few things.

    • A jigger to measure the alcohol.
    • A cocktail shaker or a cocktail mixing glass.
    • Coupe glass or martini glass. Make sure you have a well-chilled cocktail glass.
    classic coupe glass used for champagne cocktails and daiquiri-style cocktails

    What Goes Into A Classic Brown Derby Cocktail

    This bourbon and grapefruit cocktail is ultra-refreshing. The brown derby cocktail recipe is the perfect brunch cocktail with a perfect balance of sweet and citrusy tang.

    • Bourbon whiskey.
    • Fresh grapefruit juice. You'll want to use freshly squeezed sweet grapefruit juice. Texas Red grapefruits are a good choice for this recipe.
    • Honey syrup. Dilute honey with a little bit of warm water and let it cool completely before using. [see directions below]
    • Garnish with a grapefruit twist

    How to Make Honey Syrup

    Honey Syrup is a simple syrup made with honey. It's super easy to make. Mix equal parts honey and hot water. Mix until the honey is completely dissolved. You can store honey syrup in the fridge for up to a month in an airtight container, like a mason jar.

    When to Serve a Brown Derby Cocktail

    The citrusy burst of grapefruit and the subtle honey sweetness makes the brown derby a perfect choice as an aperitif. This classic bourbon cocktail is refreshing enough to be served in the afternoon or for a brunch cocktail.

    If you're looking for a bourbon cocktail that's on the lighter, more refreshing side of the cocktail spectrum, give this recipe a try.

    While you can serve this cocktail any time of the year, winter is ideal when the citrus is at its peak of ripeness.

    Thirsty For More Cocktail Recipes?

    Try a few more of our favorite cocktail recipes.

    • Lemon Drop Martini made with Limoncello
    • Mai Tai from the Royal Hawaiian
    • Blue Hawaii Cocktail
    • Hemingway Daiquiri
    • Simple Syrup - Perfect For Cocktails!
    • White Wine Sangria
    • The Siesta Cocktail
    • Hemingway Daiquiri

    ➽ Did you make this recipe? I love to see what's going on in your kitchen. Please show me what you're cooking. 🍳 Tag me @foodologygeek on your favorite social channel! Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest. If you loved ❤︎ this recipe, please leave a five ★ review and a comment!

    brown derby cocktail recipe
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    Brown Derby Cocktail

    Laura Reigel
    The brown derby is an old Hollywood cocktail made with bourbon and grapefruit juice with a splash of honey syrup. The original cocktail recipe hit the scene in 1930 at the Vendôme Club on Sunset Blvd.
    PRINT PIN SAVE SAVED
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Course Cocktail
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1
    Calories 289 kcal

    Equipment

    • cocktail jigger
    • cocktail shaker
    • coupe glasses

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 oz bourbon whiskey
    • 1 ½ oz fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice [note 1]
    • ¾ oz honey syrup

    How to make honey syrup

    • ½ cup honey
    • ½ cup water

    garnish

    • grapefruit slices dehydrated grapefruit slices are gorgeous with this cocktail
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    Make The Honey Syrup

    • Add the honey and water to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until the honey is dossolved.
    • Allow the syrup to cool and store in an airtight containier. Syrup will keep for about 1 month in the refregerator.

    To Make Dehydrated Grapefruit

    • Slice a grapefruit into thin rounds and place into your dehydrator. Dehydrate util they are completely dried out.
    • Store in an airtight container and use to carnish grapefruit baed cocktails.

    Make a Brown Derby Cocktail

    • Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and then strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.

    Laura's Tips + Notes

    The best cocktail glass for a derby cocktail is a coupe glass. 

    YOUR OWN NOTES

    Click here to add your own private notes.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 cocktailCalories: 289kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSodium: 13mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gCalcium: 6mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword bourbon, grapefruit, honey syrup
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Snap a 📸 and share it. Tag me @foodologygeek and don't forget to hashtag #foodologygeek!

    More Cocktails

    • Red Sangria Recipe
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    About Laura Reigel

    Laura is the owner and CEO of Foodology Geek. She holds a degree in Physiology and Neuroscience as well as a Certification as a Nutrition Coach. Laura uses her love of cooking and science to create healthy real food recipes that you'll love eating.

    As a certified recipe hoarder, and meal prep maven Laura is passionate about sharing her love for cooking easy from-scratch recipes. She also shares the occasional family recipe and all of the technical details.

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    Hi, I'm Laura! Welcome to Foodology Geek restaurant-inspired recipes & culinary science.

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