Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:6g
Alcohol:20%
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 Derby cocktail is a classic drink that dates back to the early 20th century. It is believed to have been created in honor of the Kentucky Derby, the famous horse race held annually in Louisville, Kentucky. This cocktail is a favorite among horse racing enthusiasts and bourbon lovers alike.
The Derby cocktail is a well-balanced, refreshing, and slightly sweet drink. It has a strong bourbon base, with a hint of citrus from the lime juice and a touch of sweetness from the sweet vermouth. The mint adds a subtle, cooling undertone, making it a perfect drink for warm weather or outdoor events.
A two-finger pour (2 oz) is just right – anything more and you'd overwhelm the delicate dance of flavors. This American spirit adds a sweet caramel warmth that's the backbone of the Derby.
Without it? You'd have a minty vermouth limeade, sans the Southern charm.
Just a splash (0.5 oz) gives the cocktail a complex herbal depth and tempers the bourbon's fire. No vermouth? You'd miss out on the mature sophistication it brings.
Half an ounce adds enough zesty brightness to cut through the sweetness, ensuring each sip is sharp and refreshing. Without it, you'd lose that fresh wake-up call in the flavor symphony.
A subtle quarter ounce sweetens the deal, like the sugar in a mint julep – just enough to highlight the mint and not outshine the main performers. Without it, you might find the drink a tad too tart or harsh.
Six leaves, the perfect number for a fresh, herby zest. Not just mere decoration – they intensively infuse the syrup with garden-fresh coolness. Miss them out? The whole 'Derby' theme would incur a false start.
This final touch not only looks the part but also enhances the aroma – elevating every sip with a nose of mint. No sprig? You'll miss out on that extra sensory experience.
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The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupPlace 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 stirThe key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.
Learn everything on how to muddleGarnishing 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!
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Bourbon is typically around 40-45% alcohol by volume.
The Derby cocktail is named after the Kentucky Derby, a major horse racing event held annually in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Derby cocktail pairs well with Southern comfort foods like fried chicken, cornbread, and Kentucky burgoo stew.
The Derby cocktail is often enjoyed during warm weather or outdoor events.
While both cocktails use bourbon and fresh mint, the key difference lies in the additional ingredients. For instance, the Derby cocktail additionally uses sweet vermouth, lime juice, and simple syrup.
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 Negroni is a well-balanced cocktail with a bitter, sweet, and herbal taste. It has a strong, bold flavor with a hint of citrus and a smooth, velvety finish.
The Boulevardier is a complex and well-balanced cocktail, with a rich and bold taste. It has a bitter-sweet profile, with the bitterness of Campari complementing the sweetness of the vermouth. The whiskey adds warmth and depth, making it a perfect drink for sipping.
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.
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.
The Gimlet cocktail has a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of gin and lime juice creates a refreshing and crisp flavor, while the simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity. The overall taste is clean, sharp, and invigorating.
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.
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 Horse's Neck cocktail is a refreshing, slightly sweet, and tangy drink with a hint of spiciness from the ginger ale. The bourbon or brandy adds warmth and depth to the flavor, making it a well-balanced and satisfying cocktail.
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 Piña Colada is a sweet, creamy, and fruity cocktail with a smooth texture. The flavors of pineapple and coconut blend harmoniously, creating a tropical taste sensation. The rum adds a subtle warmth and depth to the drink.
The Dark 'N' Stormy has a bold, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The rich, dark rum provides a strong base, while the ginger beer adds a refreshing, zesty kick. The lime juice adds a touch of tartness to balance out the sweetness.
Planter's Punch is a fruity, refreshing, and well-balanced cocktail. It has a sweet and tangy taste, with a hint of sourness from the citrus. The rum adds a warming, slightly spicy kick, while the grenadine provides a touch of sweetness.
The Kamikaze cocktail has a refreshing, tangy taste with a hint of sweetness. It is a well-balanced mix of sour, sweet, and strong flavors, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy citrus-based cocktails.
The Mojito is a refreshing, sweet, and slightly sour cocktail with a hint of mint and a subtle rum kick. It is a well-balanced drink that is both invigorating and easy to sip.
The Grasshopper cocktail is sweet, creamy, and refreshing with a hint of mint. The combination of chocolate and mint flavors creates a smooth, velvety texture that is both rich and light.
The Whiskey Smash is a refreshing, slightly sweet, and citrusy cocktail. It has a strong whiskey flavor, balanced by the tartness of lemon and the cooling effect of fresh mint.
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 Kentucky cocktail has a bold, refreshing taste with a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and sour flavors. The bourbon provides a rich, smoky base, while the ginger beer adds a spicy kick. The lime juice brings a tangy, citrus note to the drink, making it a well-rounded and satisfying cocktail.
