Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:15g
Alcohol:14%
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
The Brown Derby cocktail is a classic cocktail that originated in the 1930s in Hollywood, California. It was named after the famous Brown Derby restaurant, which was shaped like a derby hat and frequented by many celebrities of the time. The cocktail quickly gained popularity and became a favorite among the Hollywood elite.
The Brown Derby cocktail is a well-balanced mix of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The bourbon provides a rich, warm base, while the grapefruit juice adds a tangy, citrusy note. The honey syrup brings a touch of sweetness to balance out the sourness of the grapefruit and the strength of the bourbon.
Bourbon is the soul of the Brown Derby, providing a warm, oaky backbone. Its sweet, vanilla, and caramel notes are a natural match with honey syrup and a strong foundation against the tart grapefruit juice. Too little and you lose the cocktail's character; too much and it's a bourbon-forward sipper.
This adds a delightful tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the syrup and the richness of the bourbon, offering balance and a refreshing zing. It's like that friend who's not afraid to tell you when you've got something in your teeth – brutally honest but always appreciated.
Acts as the peacemaker between bourbon and grapefruit juice. The sweet, floral notes of honey tie the room together – just like a rug in a well-furnished living room. Leave it out, and you'll miss out on that harmonious link.
A twist adds aromatics and a touch of elegance to the presentation. It's like a bow tie on a suit – not absolutely necessary, but it sure makes a statement.
A cherry is the sweet little surprise at the end of the drink, much like finding that last piece of chocolate you forgot about. It doesn't make or break the drink, but it's a pleasant finishing touch.
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
Explore all drinks starting with B here
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingIf you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
The best bourbon for a Brown Derby is generally a higher-quality, aged bourbon. Woodford Reserve, Bulleit, and Maker's Mark are some popular options.
Bourbon, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup are also ingredients in cocktails like the Gold Rush, the Bees Knees, and the Old Fashioned.
Yes, you can use honey, but it might not dissolve as well as honey syrup, which can affect the cocktail's texture. If you want to use honey, try warming it up first, so it's easier to mix in.
A coupe glass is a stemmed glass with a broad, shallow bowl. It's used for many traditional cocktails. If you don't have a coupe glass, you can use a martini glass or an Old Fashioned glass instead.
Besides cherries, you can garnish your Brown Derby with a slice of grapefruit or lemon, or even a sprig of fresh mint.
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.
The Manhattan cocktail is a well-balanced blend of sweet, bitter, and strong flavors. The sweetness comes from the vermouth, while the bitterness is derived from the aromatic bitters. The whiskey provides a robust and full-bodied taste, making the drink a perfect choice for those who enjoy a strong and complex cocktail.
The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.
Don's Delight is a well-balanced cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It's sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy with a hint of bitterness. The combination of fruit juices, rum, and spices creates a refreshing and invigorating taste.
The Honeymoon cocktail has a delightful balance of sweet and sour flavors, with a smooth and velvety texture. The apple brandy adds a fruity and slightly tart note, while the honey and Benedictine liqueur provide a rich sweetness. The lemon juice provides a refreshing citrusy tang, making this cocktail a perfect harmony of flavors.
The Platinum Blonde cocktail offers a delightful balance of sweet and sour flavors, with a hint of bitterness from the orange liqueur. It is a smooth, refreshing, and light drink that leaves a pleasant citrusy aftertaste.
The Bee's Knees cocktail is a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and floral flavors. The honey syrup adds a rich sweetness, while the lemon juice provides a tangy, refreshing sourness. The gin's botanicals shine through, giving the drink a complex and satisfying taste.
The Honeysuckle cocktail is a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and refreshing flavors. The combination of rum, honey, and lime creates a smooth and satisfying taste that is both bright and mellow. The drink is light and easy to sip, making it a perfect choice for warm weather or a relaxing evening.
The Lakeside cocktail has a balanced and refreshing taste, with a hint of sweetness from the honey syrup and a subtle tartness from the lemon juice. The gin adds a botanical complexity, while the elderflower liqueur provides a delicate floral note. Overall, the drink is light, crisp, and invigorating.
The Paloma cocktail has a refreshing, tart, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of tequila, grapefruit, and lime creates a balanced and zesty flavor profile, while the addition of soda water adds a light, effervescent texture.
The Seabreeze cocktail is a refreshing, fruity, and slightly tart drink. It has a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors, with a hint of bitterness from the grapefruit juice. The cranberry juice adds a touch of sweetness, while the vodka provides a smooth, clean finish.
The Grapefruit Margarita is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and slightly bitter flavors. The tartness of the grapefruit juice is complemented by the sweetness of the agave syrup and the tangy lime juice. The tequila adds a bold, earthy undertone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste experience.
The Last Word is a well-balanced cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It is simultaneously sweet, sour, herbal, and slightly bitter. The gin provides a strong, juniper-forward base, while the Chartreuse adds a rich, herbal complexity. The maraschino liqueur brings a touch of sweetness, and the lime juice adds a refreshing, tart finish.
The Amber Moon cocktail offers a harmonious balance of flavors, with a rich and velvety texture. It has a subtle sweetness, followed by a warm and spicy kick. The combination of whiskey, honey, and cinnamon creates a smooth and comforting taste, perfect for sipping on a cool evening.
The American Beauty is a harmonious blend of sweet, fruity, and floral flavors with a hint of tartness. The combination of brandy, orange liqueur, and vermouth creates a rich and complex base, while the grenadine and lemon juice add a touch of sweetness and acidity. The result is a smooth, well-balanced, and refreshing cocktail.
The Mint Julep has a refreshing, sweet, and slightly minty taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a strong bourbon backbone and a cooling, herbal finish.
The French 95 has a smooth, rich taste with a hint of sweetness from the simple syrup and a touch of tartness from the lemon juice. The bourbon adds warmth and depth, while the champagne brings a light, effervescent finish.
Eggnog is a sweet, creamy, and rich drink with a velvety texture. It has a subtle hint of nutmeg and cinnamon, giving it a warm and comforting flavor. The drink is mildly boozy, with a smooth and gentle finish.
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
