Fall calls for this easy Brown Derby cocktail recipe! The mix of bourbon, fresh grapefruit juice, and maple syrup make it a great match for chilly autumn evenings.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
149
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Bourbon
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- Grapefruit twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Measuring Jigger
- Cocktail Strainer
- Fine strainer
- Coupe Glass
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail glass with ice and set it aside.
- In the shaker, pour in 2 tsp maple syrup.
- Add 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice.
- Finally, add 1½ oz Bourbon to the mix.
- Fill the shaker with ice, cap it, and give it a good shake (10-15 seconds).
- Discard the ice inside the cocktail glass. Using both the cocktail strainer and the fine strainer, strain the mixture into the chilled glass.
- Express the grapefruit zest on top of the glass. You can either discard it after or place it on the rim of the glass for an added citrus touch.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Bourbon: If you don't have bourbon, rye whiskey can be a good substitute. It has a spicier profile than bourbon, but it still works well in this cocktail.
- Fresh Grapefruit Juice: You can use bottled grapefruit juice if you run out of fresh grapefruits. However, I recommend using fresh juice whenever possible for the best flavor.
- Maple Syrup: If you're not a fan of maple or don't have it available, you can use honey syrup (2:1 - two parts honey to one part water) as a substitute.
Making a Pitcher of Brown Derby:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of bourbon, 8 oz of fresh grapefruit juice, and 3 ounces of maple syrup.
- Mix: Combine the bourbon, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup in a large pitcher. Add ice and stir well.
- Serve: Strain to remove the ice, serve immediately into chilled cocktail glasses, and garnish with grapefruit zests. Serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Bourbon Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic bourbon substitute. Several brands are available that mimic the flavor of bourbon without the alcohol. If you’re feeling crafty, you can also make your own bourbon substitute by infusing together rooibos tea and a bunch of spices of your liking (vanilla and cinnamon are always a good way to start). Mix all the ingredients together, add hot water, cover, and let it infuse for at least 3h (the stronger the better, so if you have time let it infuse overnight. In that case, you can either let it rest in the fridge once the liquid has cooled down). Give it a taste, adjust the spice level if necessary, and strain it once you’re happy with the result. Stored properly (in an airtight container in the fridge), this “tea whiskey” can be kept for up to a week.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
The Brown Derby cocktail is naturally vegan as it doesn't contain any animal products. Most spirits, including bourbon, are vegan-friendly. However, some brands may use animal products in their production process, especially if a filtration process is involved (it is sometimes done over bone char). Always check the brand's labels and website to ensure their products are vegan.What is a Brown Derby Cocktail?
A Brown Derby Cocktail is a bourbon-based classic cocktail of maple syrup, fresh grapefruit juice, and bourbon whiskey. It’s not difficult to make as it only requires mixing these three ingredients in the correct proportions.
What is a Brown Derby Cocktail made of – The ingredients
You will need these ingredients to mix a Brown Derby Cocktail:
- Bourbon Whiskey: This is the base spirit of the Brown Derby cocktail. It provides a rich, full-bodied flavor with notes of vanilla and caramel.
- Fresh Grapefruit Juice: Adds a tangy citrus note to balance out the sweetness of the bourbon and honey. It also gives the cocktail a refreshing quality.
- Maple Syrup: Sweetens the cocktail and complements the bourbon’s natural flavors. It also adds a smooth texture to the drink.
- Grapefruit Twist (for garnish): Enhances presentation and adds a subtle hint of citrus aroma to stimulate the senses before each sip.
