A classic bourbon cocktail made with grapefruit and honey called a Brown Derby.
It all started back in early December; the bartender handed me a pretty, light pink drink that all the ladies were having that night. I asked him what it was and he firmly insisted I try it before he would tell me.
I cautiously took a sip afraid of the mysterious concoction I had just been handed while simultaneously determining whether I was willing to trust his recommendation.
I felt the tart hit of grapefruit hit my tongue and gently give way to a smooth honeyed heat that lingered long after. It was good, very good. I asked again what it was I was drinking and he replied “a Brown Derby.”
It’s interesting how some drinks become so entrenched in cocktail history. Bartenders everywhere are mixing, shaking and stirring up living history every night, many from decades passed. The Brown Derby is one of those cocktails.
What is a Brown Derby Cocktail?
A combination of bourbon, grapefruit and honey; history has it that this particular cocktail was invented at the Vendome Club in Hollywood in the early 1930's and was named after the famous hat-shaped restaurant on Wilshire Blvd. called the Brown Derby a popular celebrity hangout at the time, the place to be and be seen.
Regardless of the cocktail’s origins it’s a classic worth re-visiting. The bourbon merges nicely with the honeyed grapefruit base giving the drink depth and structure; it’s a result that’s much greater than the sum of its parts. The beauty of this drink is in its simplicity, no liqueurs or hard-to-find ingredients, just pure clean flavors.
I mixed up another Brown Derby the other night which only makes me wonder why it took me so long…
(This post originally appeared in 2013, original content and recipe have been updated.)
Brown Derby Cocktail
A classic bourbon cocktail made with grapefruit and honey called a Brown Derby.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz Bourbon (choose a gluten-free brand)
- 1 ½ oz Freshly Squeezed Grapefruit Juice
- ½ oz Honey Syrup (made from equal parts water and honey brought to a simmer and cooled)
- 1 grapefruit slice, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients into a shaker with ice, shake vigorously and strain into a chilled champagne coupe or cocktail glass garnish glass with sliced grapefruit.
Notes
NOTE: While being made from gluten-containing grains, bourbon is generally thought to be gluten-free due to the distillation process. However some people may still react due to cross contamination or due to gluten-containing ingredients added after distillation so it's best to choose a brand that's made from non-gluten grains. You can find a list here.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 76Carbohydrates: 19gSugar: 17gProtein: 2g
Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she's been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.
Hannah says
This is a stunning cocktail, Sylvie! And your photos are lovely. We just bought some terrific new bourbon to try, so I'll be making Brown Derbies soon. Thank you for sharing!
Sylvie says
I hope you enjoy them, cheers!
Amy says
This looks totally like something I would like. Going to check out the recipe now.
Nancy@acommunaltable says
I am having so much fun learning about all the classic cocktails and the inventive takes on them! I adore grapefruit so will definitely have to order one of these this weekend!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
Love the Boys Club and their amazing cocktail creations -- your creation is no exception, Sylvie. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Mallika says
I absolutely admire these photographs. That Brown Derby looks deliciously good!
chinmayie @ love food eat says
Gorgeous!
Kitchen Belleicious says
well now doesnt' this look delicious and refreshing! love it
Kate@Diethood says
The Boys Club has introduced me to many drinks in the past couple of months.
I am going to hop over there and get the recipe for your lovely cocktail!
Jen @ Savory Simple says
I love The Boys Club! This looks like the perfect answer to Monday.
Brian @ A Thought For Food says
We were so thrilled to have you on our team. Thanks for this awesome post!