Brown Derby Cocktail
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Brown derby cocktails are a delightful blend of bourbon whiskey, grapefruit juice and honey syrup for the perfect tart yet sweet finish.
This brown derby cocktail recipe is such a classic and is one of our favorite cocktails to whip up for parties or a warm summer night. We like to enjoy this with cheez-it chicken, loaded potato salad, and millionaire pie.
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Brown Derby Cocktail
Brown Derby Cocktail
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Why you’ll love this recipe!
📌 Just three simple ingredients, shaken not stirred.
📌 The perfect combination of tart and sweet with a small bite from the bourbon.
📌 Use your favorite brand of bourbon for a tasty drink.
Brown Derby Cocktail Ingredients
- Whiskey – Your favorite brand of bourbon.
- Grapefruit juice – Any brand will do.
- Honey syrup – This is different from honey. You can find it near the maple syrup or with the coffee syrups and flavors.
How do you make a brown derby cocktail? (step-by-step directions)
⭐ First, add the bourbon, grapefruit juice and honey syrup to a drink shaker.
⭐ Next, fill the shaker with ice.
⭐ Then, shake the shaker vigorously to mix.
⭐ Finally, strain the drink into your cocktail glass with no ice, garnish with a grapefruit slice or peel and enjoy!
Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions.
Preparation
What is honey syrup?
Honey syrup can be found near the syrup in the grocery store and is simply water mixed with honey. If you aren’t able to find honey syrup, it is very simple to make!
Mix 1 part honey with 1 part syrup and bring to a boil on the stovetop. Remove from heat and let cool completely before using in any cocktails.
Can you make a brown derby ahead of time?
You can mix this drink ahead of time but don’t shake over ice until ready to serve.
How do you make a pitcher of brown derby cocktails?
We typically consider a pitcher to be 8 servings. To make a pitcher, multiply each ingredient by 8 (exact measurements provided below).
If you’re making a pitcher ahead of time, combine the ingredients without ice and store it in the refrigerator. Immediately before serving, add ice to the pitcher or shake over ice for each individual drink.
What kind of bourbon is in a brown derby cocktail?
This is entirely up to your taste and preference. You will definitely taste the bourbon in this drink so you want to choose a brand that you enjoy!
Storage and leftovers
How do you make a pitcher of brown derby cocktails?
We typically consider a pitcher to be 8 servings. To make a pitcher, multiply each ingredient by 8 (exact measurements provided below).
Can I store leftover brown derby cocktails?
Yes, leftovers could be stored in the fridge as this drink is not served over ice. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Shake over ice again before serving.
How do I keep the drink cold without ice?
This particular cocktail is served without ice. It’s shaken with ice to chill the cocktail initially but then poured into a glass without ice.
The best way to keep the drink colder longer is to chill the glass in the fridge before pouring the drink into it.
Tips and tricks
✅ We like to pour a brown derby cocktail into a chilled glass.
✅ If you can’t find honey syrup, go ahead and make your own! (Instructions in preparation section).
✅ If you like a sweeter cocktail, add 1 ounce of the honey syrup instead of a ½ ounce.
✅ Make sure to shake over ice for at least 12 seconds to chill the entire cocktail well!
Brown derby cocktail variations
- Spiced brown derby – Add cinnamon syrup.
- Herbal brown derby – Add rosemary or thyme syrup.
- Citrus brown derby – Add orange juice.
- Smoky brown derby – Add a drop or two of liquid smoke.
- Tropical brown derby – Add pineapple juice.
- Ginger brown derby – Add ginger syrup or grated ginger (strain before serving).
What to enjoy with a brown derby cocktail (serving suggestions)
We love this cocktail recipe in the summer months and like to make it in pitchers for our outdoor BBQs! This cocktail goes well with BBQ pulled pork, 7 layer salad, and Watergate salad!
More great cocktail recipes
- Arnold Palmer cocktail
- Long island iced tea
- Old fashioned
- Tipsy mermaid
- Dirty shirley
- Fuzzy navel
- Rum punch
- Sex on the beach
- Tequila sunrise
- Pineapple margarita
- Martini cocktail recipe
- See all our easy drink recipes!
Tools we love
- Glass pitcher – Everyone needs a gorgeous glass pitcher! Perfect for water on the weekdays and cocktails on the weekends!
- Stemless wine glasses – I am a huge fan of stemless wine glasses for cocktails as they’re much less likely to tip over. Read = I am clumsy.
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How to Make a Brown Derby Cocktail
Brown Derby Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
BY THE GLASS
- 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
- 1 ounce grapefruit juice
- ½ ounce honey syrup
- ice
BY THE PITCHER
- 16 ounces bourbon whisky
- 8 ounces grapefruit juice
- 4 ounces honey syrup
Instructions
BY THE GLASS
- Add the bourbon, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup to a drink shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 10 - 12 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a grapefruit slice or peel.
BY THE PITCHER
- Combine all ingredients in a pitcher and mix well.
- Place pitcher in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or until fully chilled.
- Serve with your choice of garnishes.
Notes
Nutrition
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This looks like a great cocktail. We’re having a party this weekend, and I’m putting these on the menu.
I love the tart grapefruit with just the hint of honey. A new favorite!
This was a hit! Made this drink over the weekend and my friends loved it! So refreshing, perfect for this weather!
I wasn’t sure I was going to like this with the grapefruit but I am pleasantly surprised! This is great!