Cocktail
Brown Derby
How to make a Brown Derby - the classic whiskey sour of bourbon, fresh grapefruit juice and honey syrup. An elegant cocktail from old Hollywood.
5 minPrep time
easyDifficulty
CoupeGlass
1Serving(s)
The Brown Derby is an elegant whiskey cocktail from 1930s Hollywood, uniting bourbon with fresh grapefruit juice and honey. The combination of tart fruit, mild sweetness and bold whiskey makes it a balanced, timeless sour. Named after the famous hat-shaped restaurant in Los Angeles.
Instructions
- Pre-chill the coupe.
- Add bourbon, grapefruit juice and honey syrup to the shaker.
- Fill up with ice cubes and shake hard.
- Double strain into the pre-chilled coupe.
- Express a grapefruit zest over the glass.
- Drop the zest into the glass as garnish.
Garnish: Grapefruit zest
Pro tip: Stir the honey beforehand with a little warm water into a syrup (1:1 ratio) so it dissolves completely in the cold cocktail.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Brown Derby come from?
The Brown Derby was invented in the 1930s in Los Angeles and is named after the eponymous hat-shaped restaurant in Hollywood.
Which whiskey fits best?
A classic bourbon with strong vanilla and caramel notes harmonises ideally with the honey and the tart grapefruit.
Can I use regular honey instead of honey syrup?
Better not on its own - liquid honey dissolves poorly in the cold drink, so you should thin it into a syrup beforehand.
Ingredients
- Bourbon whiskey5 cl
- Grapefruit juice (freshly squeezed)3 cl
- Honey syrup1.5 cl
- Grapefruit zest1 piece
- Ice cubesas needed
