This suave blend of bourbon, fresh grapefruit juice, and honey was invented at the Vendôme bar in Hollywood in 1930, though it was named for the iconic 20th-century Los Angeles restaurant, notes cocktail expert Dale DeGroff in The Craft of the Cocktail. If you’re into brunch cocktails, the Brown Derby is perfect: tart enough to wake up the palate, but not tangy enough to jolt you. The bourbon, naturally, softens the edges of even a harsh start to the day.

For more, check out our Whiskey Sour, Sazerac, and Vieux Carré.

  • Yield: 1 drink
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Total: Under 5 mins
  • Active: Under 5 mins

  • 2 ounces bourbon
  • 1 ounce freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
  • 1/2 ounce honey
  • Lemon wedge, for garnishing

  1. Add a handful of ice cubes to a cocktail shaker. Add the bourbon, grapefruit juice, and honey.
  2. Shake until the cocktail shaker looks frosty, about 20 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with a lemon wedge, and serve.