Shake Up Your Summer with a Brown Derby Cocktail 🥃🍊

Summer is in full swing, and we’re always on the lookout for a cocktail that can keep up with the season’s vibrant energy. Enter our latest obsession: the Brown Derby Cocktail. This classic drink, with a modern twist using Russell’s Reserve bourbon, is a refreshing blend of citrusy grapefruit, smooth bourbon, and a touch of honey sweetness. It’s light, zesty, and just the right amount of sophisticated. It's perfect for sipping at your next summer gathering or while soaking up the sun on your patio. Let’s dive into the recipe and why this cocktail might just be your new summer go-to!

Why You’ll Love This Cocktail

The Brown Derby Cocktail is a timeless drink that’s been around since the 1930s, but we’ve given it a summery spin that makes it feel fresh and exciting. The combination of bourbon and fresh grapefruit juice creates a bright, tangy base, while the honey syrup adds a subtle sweetness that keeps it balanced. It’s the kind of cocktail that feels both refreshing and indulgent, making it a versatile choice for any summer occasion. Plus, that grapefruit wedge garnish gives it a pop of color that’s perfect for your Instagram feed!

We love how this drink bridges the gap between classic and contemporary, it’s a nod to cocktail history with a modern, sunny twist that’s perfect for Summer.

The Recipe: Brown Derby Cocktail

Here’s our signature recipe to bring a burst of summer to your glass.

Ingredients

• 3 oz bourbon (Russell’s Reserve recommended)
• 1.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 0.75 oz honey syrup
• Ice, for shaking and serving
• Garnish: grapefruit wedge

Instructions

1. Mix the Base: In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, fresh grapefruit juice, and honey syrup. Make sure your grapefruit juice is freshly squeezed—it makes all the difference!
2. Shake It Up: Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds to chill the drink and blend the flavors. The honey syrup should dissolve smoothly into the mix.
3. Serve: Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass or over ice in a rocks glass, depending on your preference. We love it in a coupe for that classic cocktail vibe.
4. Garnish and Sip: Garnish with a grapefruit wedge on the rim for a bright, citrusy touch. Take a sip and let the zesty grapefruit and smooth bourbon transport you to a sunny summer afternoon.

Pro Tip

To make honey syrup, mix equal parts honey and warm water (e.g., 1 tbsp honey with 1 tbsp water) until the honey dissolves. Let it cool before using. If you like your cocktails a bit more tart, you can add a splash of fresh lemon juice to enhance the citrusy brightness.

Why Russell’s Reserve?

We chose Russell’s Reserve bourbon for this recipe because of its well-balanced flavor profile. It has notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice, which pair beautifully with the tart grapefruit and sweet honey. Russell’s Reserve adds a smooth, rich depth that makes this cocktail feel elevated without overpowering the lighter elements. If you don’t have Russell’s Reserve on hand, you can use another quality bourbon—something like Bulleit Bourbon or Four Roses Small Batch would work well. Just aim for a bourbon that’s not too heavy or smoky, so the citrus can shine.

A Summer Classic with a Twist

The Brown Derby Cocktail has been a classic for nearly a century, originally named after the famous Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood. But we think it’s the perfect candidate for a summer refresh. The grapefruit juice makes it incredibly refreshing, while the bourbon gives it just enough warmth to keep things interesting. It’s the kind of drink that feels right at home at a summer brunch, a backyard BBQ, or even a fancy dinner party. We’ve been loving it as the sun sets. It’s the perfect way to wind down a warm June day.

Perfect Pairings

The Brown Derby’s bright, citrusy profile makes it a great match for summer dishes. Pair it with a fresh seafood ceviche, grilled chicken skewers with a citrus glaze, or a light arugula salad with goat cheese and candied pecans. It’s also a great aperitif to kick off a meal, thanks to its zesty, palate-cleansing qualities.

Final Thoughts

The Brown Derby Cocktail is more than just a drink, it’s a little burst of summer sunshine in every sip. Its bright, refreshing flavors and smooth bourbon base make it a standout for any occasion, whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself to a quiet evening at home. We’ve already made it a staple in our summer cocktail lineup, and we’re pretty sure it’ll become one of yours too.

Have you tried a Brown Derby before? Or do you have your own favorite bourbon cocktail for summer? Drop a comment below. We’d love to hear your thoughts! And if you make this recipe, be sure to tag us on social media so we can see your creations. Cheers to summer sipping!