Name: Brown Derby Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients: 1.5 ounce Bourbon; 1 ounce Grapefruit Juice (Ruby Red); 0.5 ounce Honey Syrup

Derby brunch cocktail from top-down with a grapefruit twist

Table of Contents:

How to Make the Brown Derby Drink
History of the Cocktail
Ingredients
Variations
Final Thoughts & Recipe

The Brown Derby cocktail is a cool really drink that takes you back to the glam of 1930s Hollywood. It’s got this bright, citrus zing balanced with a touch of honey sweetness that makes it refreshing and classy at the same time.

I’d actually never had this classic before, but when Chris and Rob made it, I was really impressed with how they balanced those sweet, tart, and bold flavors. It felt like a perfect nod to the golden age of cocktails and something I’d definitely order at a bar or make at home. And I don’t even like grapefruit!

Wanna try it? Keep reading or just down for the recipe.

How to Make the Brown Derby Cocktail

In today’s video, Chris demonstrates how to make this simple drink, breaking down each step to highlight the balance of flavors. This whiskey-and-honey cocktail is proof that a drinks doesn’t need to be complicated to be amazing.

bartender's hand pouring a cocktail into a chilled coupe

Cocktail History

This refreshing cocktail takes its name from the famous hat-shaped Brown Derby restaurant in Los Angeles, a hotspot for celebrities during Hollywood’s golden age.

First popularized in the 1930s, this tasty drink became a symbol of the glitz and glam that defined the era. With its tasty mix of bourbon, honey syrup, and grapefruit juice, this drink perfectly captured the sophisticated vibes of a night out in Hollywood during that time.

And perhaps because of its name, it’s also a popular horse race drink as an alternative to the traditional Mint Julep.

Ingredients

This classic drink is as simple as it is delicious, relying on fresh, high-quality ingredients.

The flavor profile is surprisingly intricate, especially given the limited number of ingredients; but they actually create a really layered experience that takes a few seconds to unfold, from savory to sweet to tart. Here’s what you’ll need:

Bourbon Whiskey: The real star of the show, this providing a warm, oaky base that complements the sweet and tart flavors.
Fresh Grapefruit Juice: Freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice gives the cocktail its bright, tart character, balancing the bourbon’s richness. If you can’t squeeze fresh juice, storebought canned juice will do in a pinch.
Honey Syrup: A mix of honey and water, this syrup adds a smooth, natural sweetness that ties the drink together. Combine 1/2 cup honey with 1/2 cup of water over low heat (or 1:1 ratio of honey to water), stirring until the honey dissolves. Set aside to cool before using.

cocktail with a grapefruit peel garnish in a coupe

Variations

The original recipe is wonderfully versatile, making it easy to experiment with creative twists. Here are a few variations to try:

Smoky Derby: Add mezcal for a smoky, earthy layer that contrasts with the bright citrus. You can do a split-base or replace the whiskey completely.
Herbal Derby: Incorporate a dash of herbal liqueur, like Chartreuse or St-Germain, for added complexity.
Citrus Derby: Replace the grapefruit juice with a mix of orange and lime juices for a brighter, zestier profile.
Spiced Derby: Create a spiced honey syrup by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the syrup while melting it, adding a warm, spiced twist.
Double Honey: Want a sweeter concoction? Use honey whiskey instead of plain bourbon.

Bartender holding up a drink in a bar, smiling

Hollywood in a Glass

This classic bourbon cocktail is timeless, completely balancing bold, sweet, and tart flavors. It’s definitely going on my “to make” list now, and I hope it’ll be on yours as well. Cheers!