Derby Cocktail
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Derby Cocktail
Serve in a Martini glass
| 5 fresh | Mint leaves |
| 2 oz | Hayman's London Dry Gin |
| 2 dash | Peach bitters |
| 0.08 oz | Monin Pure Cane Syrup (65.0°brix, equivalent to 2:1 rich syrup) optional |
| 1⁄3 oz | Chilled water optional |
Garnish: Mint leaf (float or peg/stick to rim)
How to make:
Lightly MUDDLE mint (just to bruise) in base of stirring glass. Add other ingredients, STIR with ice and fine strain into chilled glass.
Strength & taste guide:
No alcohol
Medium
Boozy
Sweet
Medium
Dry/sour
Review:
This Martini-style classic was originally devoid of sugar syrup but the hint of sweetness mellows the gin and balances the bitters. Alternatively, use Old Tom gin and omit sugar. The splash of chilled water in our recipe helps open and stretch this cocktail.
History:
Adapted from Harry MacElhone's 1926 Harry's ABC of Mixing Cocktails where Harry credits this cocktail to "E. G. de Gastreaux of Canal and Vine Streets, Cincinnati, 1903." Harry also says to "Serve with an olive" but this this accoutrement is omitted when the Derby Cocktail later reappears in Harry Craddock's 1930 The Savoy Cocktail Book.
- More Aperitivo/aperitif cocktails
- More Classic/vintage cocktails
- More Martini-style cocktails
- More Spirit-forward cocktails
Difford’s Guide remains free-to-use thanks to the support of the brands in green above. Values stated for alcohol and calorie content, and number of drinks an ingredient makes should be considered approximate.
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