The Derby, originally uploaded by swanksalot.Via Ted Haigh’s Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails.
Delicious.
Original calls for bourbon, but I didn’t have any, so substituted rye whiskey (which I prefer), and slightly lowered the amount of lime juice.
Original recipe is basically:
leitesculinaria.com/80627/recipes-the-derby-cocktail.html
1 ounce bourbon whiskey
1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
1/2 ounce orange curaçao
3/4 ounce fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
1 lime wedge, for garnish
1 mint leaf, for garnish
but as I said, I lowered the amount of lime this time, and like it better. (I keep notes on cocktails, b/c I’m weird like that).
Also, I’ve yet to ever attend a horse race, but maybe this will be the year!
It turns out that this cocktail is perfect for a hot, muggy day. My notes indicate I made this first in January, using the recipe just as described, and that I was underwhelmed. Reducing the lime, substituting rye for bourbon, and drinking on a hot day transforms this libation into something quite delicious.