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Home » Drinks + Smoothies » Rosemary Brown Derby (Bourbon and Grapefruit Cocktail)

Rosemary Brown Derby (Bourbon and Grapefruit Cocktail)

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon Jessica Randhawa
August 22, 2018
4.74 from 26 votes


Last Updated April 3, 2020 | 4 Comments

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993 shares
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Rosemary Brown Derby – a smooth and refreshing bourbon and grapefruit cocktail made with bourbon, honey, fresh grapefruit juice, and fresh rosemary.

Tray with three glasses filled with Bourbon and grapefruit cocktail with rosemary

I made this rosemary brown derby for the first time last winter. I know this because the grass was still green in my backyard; very unlike the yellow dried up grass that we have now. I can’t remember what’s prevented me from sharing this bourbon and grapefruit cocktail recipe with you guys because it’s delicious and easy and requires no fancy mixers or liqueurs.

Before I get started with important bits of this post, like the ingredients and how to make it, I thought I should mention a thing or two about my inspiration for this lovely bourbon and grapefruit cocktail- the Brown Derby Cocktail.

What is The Brown Derby?

Invented in Hollywood in 1930, the Brown Derby is named after the iconic 20th century Los Angeles restaurant chain. Made with bourbon, fresh grapefruit juice, and honey, the Brown Derby was invented at the Vendôme bar and is known for its perfect balance of tart and sweet.

Rosemary Brown Derby (Bourbon and Grapefruit Cocktail)

But, this isn’t a classic Brown Derby cocktail. I mean, it is…but it isn’t. This is my own version of the Brown Derby. Equally delicious and just as easy.

Ingredients in this Rosemary Brown Derby (Bourbon and Grapefruit Cocktail)

  • Ice
  • Bourbon (or whiskey)
  • Grapefruit juice
  • Lemon juice
  • Honey
  • Rosemary
  • Soda water
  • Sliced grapefruit and lemon

You are going to love this one, you guys. Unless you hate pretty cocktails…

Just kidding. I recommend that you enjoy citrus. Even just a little.

The main difference between my Rosemary Brown Derby and a Classic Brown Derby is the addition of fresh rosemary (obviously) and the addition of soda water. My reason for adding each of these ingredients is not because there is anything wrong with the original, but more because I literally cannot help myself. I have this compulsion to tweak recipes.

I also really love bubbly drinks.

And, it’s a fact (proven by myself) that fresh herbs in cocktails make them better.

Anyway, to make this cocktail, I highly recommend that you use a cocktail shaker. Usually, I would just tell you to dump it all in a mason jar, seal with a lid, shake, and pour, but anytime that you use fresh herbs you should use a cocktail shaker. Why? drinking small bits of fresh rosemary isn’t exactly my idea of a good time. Unfortunately, a mason jar doesn’t come with a strainer attached to the lid.

Overhead image of tray holding Rosemary Brown Derby (Bourbon and Grapefruit Cocktail)

Don’t forget to check out these other delicious cocktail recipes,

  • Elderflower Grapefruit Gin and Tonic
  • How to Make a Gin and Tonic
  • Cherry Strawberry Lemonade Sangria
  • Sparkling Passion Fruit and Pineapple Margaritas
  • 2 Minute Raspberry Mojitos
  • Frozen Peach Wine Slushies
  • Cucumber Rosemary Gin and Tonic
  • Spiced Mulled Wine with Blackberries
  • Spicy Orange Margaritas

close up image of whiskey grapefruit cocktail with rosemary

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A plate of glasses of Rosemary Brown Derby

Rosemary Brown Derby (Bourbon and Grapefruit Cocktail)

4.74 from 26 votes
Chef: Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa
Rosemary Brown Derby - a smooth and refreshing Bourbon and grapefruit cocktail made with bourbon, honey, fresh grapefruit juice, and fresh rosemary.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Save Saved!
Prep Time 5 mins
Total Time 5 mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 1 drink
Calories 205 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • Ice
  • 2 fluid ounces bourbon (or whiskey)
  • 3 fluid ounces fresh grapefruit juice
  • ½ fluid ounce fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary - plus more to garnish
  • soda water
  • sliced grapefruit - to garnish
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions
 

  • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the bourbon, grapefruit juice, fresh lemon juice, honey, and a small piece of fresh rosemary to the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 10-20 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and top off with soda water, sliced grapefruit, and a fresh sprig of rosemary. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Calories: 205kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 137mg | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin C: 27.1mg | Iron: 0.3mg

(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)

Keyword Bourbon and Grapefruit Cocktail, What is a Brown Derby?, Whisky and Grapefruit Cocktail
Did You Make This Recipe? Tag it Today!Mention @theforkedspoon or tag #theforkedspoon and please leave your star rating in the comment section below.

 

About Jessica

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

Jessica Randhawa is the head chef, photographer, and recipe developer of The Forked Spoon. Jessica fell in love with cooking while traveling through Asia and Europe, where she discovered her passion for good food and new adventures. Her recipes have been featured on Yahoo, MSN, USA Today, FeedFeed, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California.

993 shares
Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

About Jessica Randhawa

Jessica Randhawa is the head chef, photographer, and recipe developer of The Forked Spoon. Jessica fell in love with cooking while traveling through Asia and Europe, where she discovered her passion for good food and new adventures. Her recipes have been featured on Yahoo, MSN, USA Today, FeedFeed, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California.

Comments

  1. Audrey Hadler says

    April 2, 2020 at 5:39 pm

    I looooove this cocktail and have enjoyed it a few times now. It so good I always which there was more of it when I finish mine! 😋 I also have a question…in the list of ingredients is says will will need lime juice but in the recipe it says lemon juice. Just looking for clarity. Thanks so much!

    Reply
    • Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa says

      April 3, 2020 at 8:08 am

      Hi Audrey,

      Great question, I updated the post to reflect the lemon juice used 🙂

      Thanks for the kind feedback!

      Reply
  2. Alisa says

    May 18, 2019 at 2:28 pm

    5 stars
    A local bar served a drink that included all of these ingredients plus a splash of IPA instead of soda water. I was obsessed with it.

    Reply
  3. Pam Greer says

    September 1, 2018 at 4:56 pm

    5 stars
    Pinned to my bourbon board, this sounds wonderful!

    Reply

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Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

I’m Jessica! Aka mom, wife, chef, and travel-obsessed photographer. Welcome to The Forked Spoon. Here you can browse hundreds of incredible family-friendly recipes covering dozens of diets, courses, and cuisines. Learn more about me.

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