• Bourbon
  45 ml (1.5 oz)

  Choose a smooth, mid-range bourbon for best results.
• Fresh grapefruit juice
  30 ml (1 oz)

  Freshly squeezed for optimal flavor.
• Honey syrup
  15 ml (0.5 oz)

  Made by mixing equal parts honey and hot water.

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Citrus juicer
• Coupe or cocktail glass

1. 1

   Chill your coupe or cocktail glass by filling it with ice water or placing it in the freezer.

2. 2

   Add the bourbon, fresh grapefruit juice, and honey syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

3. 3

   Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well-chilled.

4. 4

   Discard the ice from your glass and strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.

5. 5

   Garnish with a fresh grapefruit twist to enhance the aroma and add a touch of elegance.

• It’s incredibly refreshing with a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and boozy.
• The honey syrup adds a unique, floral sweetness you don’t find in most whiskey cocktails.
• It’s easy to make with just three main ingredients.
• The Brown Derby is a great introduction to bourbon for those who aren’t usually whiskey drinkers.
• Its citrusy profile makes it a versatile choice for brunch, happy hour, or evening sipping.

The Brown Derby cocktail takes its name from the famous Brown Derby restaurant in Los Angeles, a Hollywood hotspot during the 1930s. While the exact origins are a bit hazy, it’s widely believed to have been created at the restaurant’s Vendome Club. The drink quickly became a favorite among the film industry’s elite, celebrated for its simple yet sophisticated combination of bourbon, honey, and grapefruit. Today, it stands as a testament to the glamour and innovation of classic Hollywood, still beloved in cocktail bars around the world.