Derby

The Derby is a refined and elegant cocktail that showcases the harmony between gin's botanicals, the herbal sweetness of vermouth, and the fruity depth of apricot liqueur. It's a stirred, spirit-forward drink, served chilled and straight up, offering a smooth and flavorful experience. Perfect for sipping, it's a testament to the simple elegance of early 20th-century mixology. This classic cocktail is a delightful choice for those who appreciate nuanced, gin-forward drinks.
Derby

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Derby is a classic cocktail from the pre-Prohibition era. It is categorized as an aperitif, often enjoyed before a meal due to its balanced and aromatic profile.

Serving

This is a relatively small, spirit-forward drink served cold without ice in a pre-chilled coupe or cocktail glass. Its alcohol content is moderately high, typical for a classic stirred cocktail.
Serving size
Approximately 2.5 oz / 75 ml
Alcohol content
Approximately 28-32% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe or Cocktail glass
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The exact origin of the Derby is somewhat hazy, like many cocktails from its era. It first appeared in print in Harry Craddock's renowned "The Savoy Cocktail Book" in 1930. The name likely alludes to horse racing events, such as the Epsom Derby in the UK or the Kentucky Derby in the US, suggesting a drink of celebration and sophistication.
Origin
Believed to have originated in the UK or USA during the 1920s. Its first known publication was in "The Savoy Cocktail Book" in London in 1930.

Derby

The drink is most commonly known as the Derby or Derby Cocktail. It is sometimes referred to as the Derby Cocktail No. 1 to distinguish it from other cocktails also named Derby, such as the bourbon-based Brown Derby.
Original name
Derby Cocktail
Alternative name
Derby Cocktail No. 1

Characteristics overview

The Derby presents a delightful balance of botanical gin and sweet apricot, with a smooth, silky texture. Its aroma is invitingly aromatic, leading to a clean, warming finish that makes it a perfect year-round sipper.
Flavor
Gin-forward, botanical, fruity, slightly sweet, herbal, apricot, juniper
Aroma
Aromatic, botanical, juniper, apricot, herbal, mint
Taste balance
Balanced, spirit-forward, hint of sweetness, touch of herbal bitterness
Aftertaste
Clean, smooth, warming, lingering notes of apricot and juniper
Fizziness
Still, non-carbonated
Color appearance
Pale amber, golden hue, clear
Texture
Silky, smooth, slightly viscous
Seasonality
All-season, classic, sophisticated

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense and spirit-forward, characterized by a pleasant fruitiness from the apricot liqueur and a subtle sweetness, with no sourness, saltiness, or carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires three key liquid ingredients: a good quality gin, a sweet Italian vermouth, and a flavorful apricot liqueur.
  • Gin1.5 oz / 45 ml
    A London Dry Gin works beautifully here.
  • Sweet Vermouth0.5 oz / 15 ml
    A quality Italian-style sweet vermouth is recommended.
  • Apricot Liqueur0.5 oz / 15 ml
    Also known as apricot brandy; choose a high-quality one for best results.

Ice type

  • Cubed ice for stirring

Mixing equipments

You will need standard bar tools for a stirred cocktail: a mixing glass, a jigger for measuring, a bar spoon for stirring, and a strainer.
  • Mixing glass for combining and chilling the ingredients.
  • Bar spoon for stirring the cocktail.
  • Jigger for measuring ingredients accurately.
  • Strainer (Julep or Hawthorne) for pouring into the glass.

Instructions

Preparation involves chilling a coupe glass, combining the ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, stirring until well-chilled, and then straining into the prepared glass before garnishing.
1. Chill your coupe or cocktail glass, either by filling it with ice and water or placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Pour the gin, sweet vermouth, and apricot liqueur into a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass two-thirds full with cubed ice.
4. Using a bar spoon, stir the mixture briskly for about 20-25 seconds until it is well-chilled.
5. Empty the chilling ice from your serving glass. Strain the contents of the mixing glass into the chilled glass.
6. Garnish by gently slapping a fresh mint sprig between your palms to release its aroma, then place it in the drink. Serve immediately.

Garnishing

A fresh mint sprig is the classic garnish, adding a beautiful aromatic lift that complements the drink's flavors.
  • Mint Sprig. Gently slap the mint sprig to release its oils and place it in the drink.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. It is suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets, and is also caffeine-free and gluten-free, assuming the spirits are distilled.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A single serving of the Derby cocktail contains a moderate amount of calories, primarily from the alcohol and sugar in the vermouth and liqueur. The carbohydrate and sugar content is relatively low for a cocktail.
Calories
Approximately 160-180 kcal / 670-750 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 8-10 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 8-10 g
Sugar level

Occasions

The Derby is an excellent aperitif to stimulate the palate before a meal. It's also perfectly suited for cocktail parties, celebratory events, or any sophisticated gathering where a classic, spirit-forward drink is appreciated.
  • Pre-dinner drink
  • Cocktail party
  • Celebratory toast
  • Sophisticated gathering

Pairing suggestions

The Derby pairs wonderfully with light, savory bites that won't overwhelm its delicate flavors. Consider serving it with a charcuterie board, a selection of mild cheeses, or simple snacks like olives and roasted nuts.
  • Light appetizers
  • Charcuterie board
  • Olives and nuts
  • Mild cheeses

The Derby: A Classic Cocktail Worthy of the Winner's Circle

The Derby is a timeless gin cocktail that exudes elegance and simplicity. By combining gin, sweet vermouth, and apricot liqueur, it creates a flavor profile that is both aromatic and satisfyingly spirit-forward. Its beautiful golden hue and refreshing mint garnish make it visually appealing, while its smooth, balanced taste makes it a true classic. It's an ideal choice for an aperitif or a sophisticated sipper for any occasion.

Similar Cocktails

Brown Derby

A completely different drink also named for the derby. It's made with bourbon, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup.

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