Indulge in Hollywood Glamour with this Iconic Bourbon and Grapefruit Libation
The Brown Derby Punch cocktail, a classic libation named after the iconic brown hat-shaped Los Angeles restaurant, is a delightful blend of bourbon, fresh grapefruit juice, and honey sweetness.
This cocktail pays homage to Hollywood’s golden age, when celebrities poured into a tiny restaurant, making headlines due to Hedda Hopper’s gossip column in entertainment industry newspapers. The Brown Derby had a glamorous ambiance, and this cocktail/mocktail with the rich and robust notes of bourbon complemented by the zesty citrus kick from the grapefruit, is just as fabulous.
The Brown Derby Punch–the timeless drink that transports you to the bygone era of star-studded nights and sophisticated sipping.
Whether enjoyed at a swanky cocktail party or as a nightcap, the Brown Derby is a cocktail that stands the test of time with its harmonious flavor profile and stylish history.
Here’s a recipe for Brown Derby Punch:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup cold black tea
- Ice cubes
- Long leaf and Maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine honey and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the honey is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Combine bourbon, fresh grapefruit juice, honey syrup, and cold black tea in a large pitcher. Stir well to mix all the ingredients.
- Fill serving glasses with ice cubes.
- Pour the Brown Derby Punch over the ice in each glass.
- Garnish each glass with a Long leaf and Maraschino cherry for garnish
- Stir before serving to ensure all the flavors are well combined.
- Enjoy your refreshing Brown Derby Punch!
Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tartness according to your taste preferences. Cheers!
Here’s a mocktail version of the Brown Derby Punch:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup black tea, chilled
- 1/2 cup fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/4 cup honey syrup (made by combining 1/4 cup honey with 1/4 cup water, heated and cooled)
- 1 cup ginger ale or club soda
- Ice cubes
- Long leaf and Maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Brew a cup of black tea and let it cool. You can refrigerate it to speed up the cooling process.
- Combine chilled black tea, fresh grapefruit juice, and honey syrup in a large pitcher. Stir well to mix.
- Just before serving, add ginger ale or club soda to the mixture. This adds a fizzy element to your mocktail.
- Fill serving glasses with ice cubes.
- Pour the mocktail mixture over the ice in each glass.
- Garnish each glass with long leaf and Maraschino cherry for garnish
- Stir gently before serving to combine the flavors.
- Enjoy your refreshing Brown Derby Mocktail Punch!
This non-alcoholic version still captures the citrusy and sweet flavors of the original punch. Cheers to a delicious mocktail!
Did you know?
Hollywood’s original Brown Derby restaurant was shaped like a giant brown derby hat, serving as a unique and recognizable landmark. Despite its popularity, the Brown Derby closed its doors in 1980, marking the end of an era for the iconic eatery.
A little history:
The Brown Derby Punch traces its origins back to the glamorous days of Hollywood in the 1930s. Named after the famous Brown Derby restaurant, a popular hangout for celebrities, this cocktail became synonymous with the glitz and glam of the entertainment industry. The drink’s recipe typically includes bourbon, fresh grapefruit juice, and honey, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that reflects the sophistication and style of the Golden Age of Hollywood.Â
Hedda Hopper was a powerful and influential American gossip columnist known for her sharp wit and extensive reach in Hollywood during the mid-20th century. She wrote for various newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune and gained prominence for her Hollywood gossip column, where she reported on celebrity news, scandals, and insider information about the entertainment industry.
