His & Hers Cocktails - Brown Derby

I hope all our TG readers had a relaxing and delicious Thanksgiving.  I'm sure many households were on the quieter side this year.  As hard as it is to be away from loved ones, sometimes it's nice to enjoy a smaller dinner with less chaos zooming by.

Speaking of chaos, how many of you have already hit the stores for all the holiday deals and have made it home safely?  I applaud your determination and pep to fight the mob of shoppers before the coffee shops even open.  Let's not even talk about the patience required to stand in line or wait for a parking space.  Nope, the one thing Covid-19 has taught me, is you can purchase ANYTHING on the internet.  So while I cheer you on in spirit, I'll be enjoy a nice cup of hot coffee from the comfort of home and hit the stores virtually.

Today's cocktail is for all those who need a drink because:

1 - Your house is too full of too many relatives

2 - You actually ventured outside to shop and need a pick me up

3 - Would like something besides Thanksgiving wine 

Well, we have just that.  The brown derby is typically a citrus forward cocktail that uses rye whiskey as its base spirit. Cocktails grow out of necessity and availability.  Not having rye on hand, we opted for Buffalo Trace bourbon.  Since the wife isn't a big fan of honey with bourbon, we also used a raw sugar simple syrup.  These substitutions took a slightly spicy cocktail (thanks to the rye) to a rounder, mellower flavor profile with just enough citrus to make it bright and refreshing.  

His Ingredients (adapted from Death & Co's Brown Derby)
2 oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon
1 oz fresh pink grapefruit juice
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 oz raw sugar simple syrup
Grapefruit twist

Combine all the ingredients except the twist in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.  Shake until 

Her Ingredients (adapted from Bon Appetit's Sage Brown Derby)
2 oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon
1 oz fresh pink grapefruit juice
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
1/4 oz raw sugar simple syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 fresh sage leaf

Combine all ingredients except for the sage leaf in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.  Shake until well chilled.  Strain into a coupe glass.  Garnish with fresh sage leaf that's been slapped in palm of hand to release the oils.

Raw Sugar Simple Syrup
Combine equal amounts raw sugar or demerara sugar with water in a small saucepan over medium low heat.  Stir until the sugar dissolves.  Do not let boil.  Remove from heat and allow to cool.  Will keep in fridge for several weeks.