Derby
The Derby is a very strong gin spirit-forward cocktail, herbal and bitter on the palate. Stirred and served in a cocktail glass. It's one of the International Bartenders Association's official unforgettables cocktails.
Flavor profile
- Fruity
- 24 out of 100
- Bitter
- 55 out of 100
- Herbal
- 90 out of 100
- Boozy
- 100 out of 100
How to make a Derby
To make a Derby, stir with ice and strain into a cocktail glass: 2 oz gin, 2 dashes Peach Bitters and 2 fresh leaves mint.
You'll need
- gin2 oz
- Peach Bitters2 dashes
- Mint2 fresh leaves
Instructions
- 1
Chill a cocktail glass: fill it with ice and water while you mix, then tip it out.
- 2
Pour gin and peach bitters into a mixing glass (any sturdy glass works).
- 3
Fill it with ice.
- 4
Stir for 20-30 seconds, until the outside is cold to the touch.
- 5
Strain into the chilled cocktail glass.
Why stir? Gin and peach bitters are clear, so a gentle stir over ice chills and dilutes them without clouding the drink.
Derby questions
What does a Derby taste like, and is it sweet?
Not really: it's mostly herbal and bitter, with a noticeable alcohol warmth. It's a very strong drink at about 31% ABV once mixed.
How much alcohol is in a Derby?
About 31% ABV after mixing with ice, close to a neat spirit.
Should a Derby be shaken or stirred?
Stirred. Gin is clear, so stirring chills it while keeping it silky; shaking would cloud it with tiny bubbles.
What glass do you serve a Derby in?
A cocktail glass.