Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic42.5% ABV3 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatestirred drink
Why: 3 ingredients, stirred drink, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: Citrus Based Food, Herbal Food, Aperitif
Ingredients & Tools
BaseBittersGarnish
- 6 clGinBase
- 2 dashesPeach BittersBitters
- 2 Fresh leavesMintGarnish
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
How to Make It
StirStrainGarnish
- Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Stir.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Strain into a cocktail glass.StrainStraining removes ice chips, pulp or solids for a cleaner texture.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint in the drink.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Swap notes
Base spiritGin swaps are risky — botanicals vary wildly. London Dry is drier and more juniper-forward; Old Tom is sweeter; sloe gin adds fruit. If you swap, stay within the same style and taste as you go.BittersAromatic bitters (like Angostura) add spice, clove and cinnamon warmth. Orange bitters are brighter and more citrus-forward. Peychaud's is lighter and more floral. Swapping between them changes the top-note character — use the same quantity and taste, adjusting by drops.HerbsMint is cool and fresh. Basil is a workable swap in spirit-forward or citrus drinks — it is peppery and sweeter, so use slightly less. Rosemary works in shorter, more spirit-led drinks but it is much more resinous. Always bruise rather than shred to avoid releasing bitter compounds.
Rate this recipe
Frequently asked questions
- What is a Derby?
- The Derby is a cocktail made with 3 ingredients, traditionally served in a Cocktail Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 42.5%. A standard serving contains approximately 143 calories.
- What does a Derby taste like?
- Derby has a flavour profile featuring Herbal, Bitter, Botanical, Citrus. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Derby?
- Derby pairs well with Citrus Based Food, Herbal Food, Seafood. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Derby?
- The Derby has an ABV of approximately 42.5%. That's approximately 1.48 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 143 calories, 0.0g sugar, 0.0g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Derby typically served?
- Derby is a popular choice for Aperitif, Happy Hour. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Derby?
- If you enjoy Derby, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Derby at home?
- Yes. The Derby uses 3 ingredients, making it easy to prepare at home. You will need a Cocktail Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Derby with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.