Named after an iconic LA Restaurant, the Brown Derby is a classic that can highlight the impact of grapefruit juice with aged spirits. While grapefruit juice normally serves as a refreshing note with unaged liquors like rum and gin, with spirits like whiskey it can add weight and complexity to a drink. When working with grapefruit juice, there are two things to be aware of.
- Grapefruit juice is notorious for interacting with certain medications – so be sure to ask guests prior to serving them a drink containing grapefruit juice.
- Grapefruit juice is subject to swings in sweetness and acidity. Try your grapefruit juice before you use it to determine if you’ll need additional acidity (lemon or lime) or sweetness (simple syrup or base sweetener for the cocktail you’re creating).
Brown Derby
The Brown Derby is a rich, balanced drink that delivers subtle complexity and well layered flavors. The sweetness gives a round start, while the grapefruit quickly adds levity. The bourbon covers the mid-palate, adding spice and oak notes that beautifully compliment the honey that runs throughout. The overall drink is simple but invites you to enjoy it’s complexity.
Drink Notes & Recommendations
The Brown Derby is an easy drink to forget about, but not one you should sleep on. It’s delicious, and easy to make.
- Bourbon – The richness of the honey and slight bitterness and tang of the grapefruit give you a lot of leeway on this cocktail. The bourbons that will work best add complexity, so consider those that additional spicing or fruity flavors. We used Elijah Craig Small Batch in our test, but would also recommend Wild Turkey 101 or 1792 Small Batch.
- Grapefruit – There’s a strange flavor when it comes to store bought packaged grapefruit juice. It’s not quite metallic, but it definitely isn’t right compared to fresh squeezed. Avoid the packaged juice for this recipe, and go fresh squeezed.
- Rich Honey Simple Syrup – See the recipe listed below:
Rich Honey Syrup
- 200 g Honey
- 85 g Water
- 15 g 150+ Proof Neutral Grain Spirit or Vodka (Optional)
Combine water and honey in an 8 oz mason jar and seal. Sous vide at 145 degrees for 2 hr. Remove from the water bath and allow to cool. Once cool, bottle. If desired, add 15 g of 150+ Proof Neutral Grain Spirit or vodka if desired. Shake gently to combine. Refrigerate.