BROWN DERBY
The Brown Derby: Hollywood's Golden Age Cocktail
The Brown Derby cocktail originated at the famous Brown Derby restaurant in Los Angeles during the 1930s. The restaurant, shaped like a derby hat, became a legendary Hollywood gathering spot where movie stars and industry executives regularly dined, according to Liquor.com.
The original Brown Derby opened in 1926 on Wilshire Boulevard, with additional locations following throughout Los Angeles. The cocktail's creation is credited to the restaurant's bar staff, who developed the drink during the golden age of Hollywood. The combination of bourbon, fresh grapefruit juice, and honey creates a balanced sour-style cocktail with citrus brightness and natural sweetness. The recipe first appeared in print in the 1930s and became synonymous with the restaurant's glamorous reputation, as noted in Difford's Guide.
The Brown Derby belongs to the family of honey-based sours that gained popularity during the Prohibition and post-Prohibition eras. Using honey instead of simple syrup adds complexity and a silky texture that complements the bourbon's richness and grapefruit's tartness.
The drink experienced a revival during the craft cocktail movement of the 2000s, when bartenders rediscovered classic recipes from America's historic bars and restaurants. Today the Brown Derby remains a favorite for its straightforward formula and the way grapefruit's bitterness balances bourbon's sweetness.
RECIPE:
2 oz bourbon
1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey to water)
Grapefruit twist for garnish
Method:
Add bourbon, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup to a shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Express grapefruit twist over the drink and garnish.