Derby
Muddle; Stir ∙ 3 min ∙ 32.1% ABV ∙
The Derby is a stirred gin cocktail of muddled mint, London dry gin, peach bitters and sugar syrup, served up in a coupe. Cool mint hits first, gin backs it with juniper snap, and a soft peach-bitters sweetness lingers under a clean, short finish.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- In the base of the stirring glass, lightly muddle: Fresh mint leaves 5 pcs
- Add the remaining ingredients: London dry gin 60 mlPeach bitters 2 dashesSugar syrup 5 mlChilled water 10 ml
- Stir with ice
- Fine strain into the chilled glass
- Garnish with a mint leaf
Tips
- Muddle the 5 mint leaves on their own in the stirring glass, pressing just enough to release the oils without tearing the leaf, which turns the drink grassy.
- Strain firmly through a fine mesh after stirring to remove all muddled mint fragments, leaving a clear, sediment-free pour into the chilled coupe glass.
- Stir the gin, peach bitters, and syrup with ice for about 15-20 seconds, adding the optional 10 ml chilled water only to soften the 32.1% ABV if desired.
- Slap the fresh mint leaf garnish between the palms to release aromatic oils just before placing it, brightening the nose without adding extra muddled bitterness.
History
The Derby is a gin cocktail built from just gin, peach bitters, and fresh mint, distinct from the later bourbon-based Brown Derby. Its earliest known appearance is in Harry McElhone's 1927 book Barflies and Cocktails, where he attributes the recipe to E. G. DeGastreaux of Cincinnati and dates it to 1903. The drink was picked up three years later in Harry Craddock's 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book, which helped cement the bittered-gin-and-mint formula as the standard version still referenced today, including by the International Bartenders Association. The name is unrelated to the Kentucky Derby-associated Brown Derby, a separate bourbon, grapefruit, and honey drink created in 1930s Hollywood.
FAQ
What is a Derby cocktail?
It is a gin cocktail built on muddled mint, London dry gin, peach bitters, and a touch of sugar syrup, stirred and served up. This version is stirred rather than shaken, so the drink stays clear rather than cloudy, and comes in at about 32% ABV.
What is the Derby cocktail made of?
Fresh mint, London dry gin, peach bitters, and sugar syrup, with a splash of chilled water optional to soften the pour. The mint is muddled first to release its oils, then the gin, bitters, and syrup are stirred in over ice.
How do you make a Derby cocktail?
Muddle fresh mint leaves gently in the glass, then add the gin, peach bitters, and sugar syrup and stir well with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a fresh mint leaf; a small amount of chilled water can be stirred in to soften the finish.
What glass is a Derby cocktail served in?
A coupe glass, served up with no ice in the glass and garnished with a single mint leaf.
Is a Derby cocktail shaken or stirred?
Stirred. After the mint is muddled to release its oils, the gin, bitters, and syrup are stirred rather than shaken, which keeps the drink clear instead of frothy or diluted with mint debris.
