A brown derby cocktail is simple to make but complex in flavor.

Use lemon juice and lemon peel for a variation called a Gold Rush cocktail.

Ingredients

Brown Derby Cocktail:

4 Tbsp.

Southern Living Brown Derby Cocktail in the glass ready to serve

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)bourbon

2 Tbsp.

)fresh grapefruit juice(from 1 grapefruit)

1 Tbsp.

)Honey Syrup(recipe follows)

Ice

Grapefruit peel(1 [1- x 4-in.]

Southern Living Brown Derby Cocktail stirring together the honey syrup

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Let cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

Seal jar, and store in refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Shake cocktail:

Vigorously shake until well chilled, about 15 seconds.

Southern Living Brown Derby Cocktail honey syrup in the jar

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Strain:

Strain through a small fine mesh sieve into a chilled coupe glass.

Garnish and serve:

Gently squeeze grapefruit peel to express oils over cocktail.

Place peel in coupe glass and serve.

Southern Living Brown Derby Cocktail pouring the ingredients into the shaker

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What Is A Brown Derby Cocktail?

The Brown Derby cocktail is a classicbourbon-based drinkthat originated in the 1930s.

Honey syrup lends sweetness with a subtle floral note.

Southern Living Brown Derby Cocktail shaking the cocktail until cold

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To prepare this cocktail for a crowd, scale the recipe by the number of servings you need.

Shake individual portions with ice in a shaker if desired, or serve in chilled glasses.

Serve with a cheese platter orcharcuterie board,shrimp cocktail, bruschetta, or other favorite starters.

Southern Living Brown Derby Cocktail straining the cocktail into the glass

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Spiced orcandied nutsor popcorn are great for casual snacking, offering a savory contrast to the cocktail’s sweetness.

Brands like Bulleit or Buffalo Trace offer rich flavors that aren’t overpowering.

While it isn’t traditional, adding bitters to this cocktail can add another layer of complexity.

Southern Living Brown Derby Cocktail finishing the cocktail with a grapefruit twist

Credit:Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Southern Living Brown Derby Cocktail ingredients

Credit:Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle