Deckside Derby

The Deckside Derby is a bright and spiced whiskey cocktail that’s perfect for sunny afternoons or easy evenings outside. Rye whiskey gives it a bold base, while pink grapefruit and lemon juices add sharp citrus flavor. Honey syrup brings a soft sweetness, and allspice liqueur and orange bitters round it out with just enough warmth and complexity. Garnished with grapefruit and mint, it’s refreshing with a little bite easy to sip, but far from boring.

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Tasting Notes

The Deckside Derby is bright, spiced, and citrusy with a smooth whiskey base. Rye adds a little bite and depth, balanced by fresh grapefruit and lemon juice for a crisp, tart edge. Honey syrup softens everything out, giving just enough sweetness to round off the citrus. Allspice liqueur brings a warm, spiced undertone that lingers without overpowering. The orange bitters tie it all together, adding subtle complexity. It’s refreshing but still bold, with a mix of warmth and brightness that makes it great for sipping in any season especially outdoors, chilled, and garnished with fresh mint and citrus.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need a shaker, jigger, citrus press, and fine mesh strainer. A bar spoon and mixing glass work if you prefer to stir, but shaking helps blend the honey syrup and citrus. Use a rocks glass or double old fashioned glass it fits the ice and garnish comfortably. A cocktail pick is useful for holding the mint and grapefruit together for garnish. Chill your glass ahead of time, and make sure your honey syrup is fully blended to keep the texture smooth.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz rye whiskey
• 1 oz pink grapefruit juice
• 0.75 oz lemon juice
• 0.5 oz honey syrup
• 0.25 oz allspice liqueur
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• Garnish: grapefruit slice and mint sprigs

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice.
• Shake well until chilled.
• Strain into a collins glass over fresh ice.
• Garnish with a grapefruit slice and a sprig of mint.

Pro Tips

• Use fresh citrus for best balance and brightness.
• Shake hard to blend honey syrup evenly.
• Try with a higher-proof rye for more kick.
• Chill glassware before serving to keep it cold longer.
• Use a wide grapefruit slice and fresh mint for best garnish aroma.
• Allspice liqueur can be subbed with a spiced syrup if needed.
• Add a grapefruit twist for extra oils on the surface.

When to Serve

The Deckside Derby is great for spring through fall, thanks to its mix of citrus and spice. It works well at brunches, late afternoon hangs, or evening cocktail hours. Serve it at backyard parties, patio dinners, or anywhere you want something that feels fresh but still has depth. It’s approachable enough for casual drinkers but interesting enough for whiskey fans. The balance of fruit and spice makes it a flexible choice easy to pair with grilled food, charcuterie, or even dessert.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Rye Whiskey: Rittenhouse Rye, Bulleit Rye, or Wild Turkey 101
• Allspice Liqueur: St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, Hamilton Pimento Dram
• Honey Syrup: Mix 1:1 honey and warm water until smooth
• Bitters: Regans’ Orange Bitters No. 6 or Angostura Orange
• Grapefruit Juice: Fresh-squeezed pink grapefruit for best results
• Garnish: Fresh mint and a thin slice of pink grapefruit

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