So, I finally decided to give this “Texas Derby” thing a shot. I’d heard about it from some friends, and it sounded like a fun, chaotic mess – perfect for a weekend project.
First, I gathered my materials. I’m a simple person, this isn’t some fancy cocktail operation. I needed:
- Some decent bourbon – nothing top-shelf, but not the bottom-of-the-barrel stuff either.
- A grapefruit. A big, juicy one.
- Honey. Local, if you can get it.
- Some mint sprigs. Gotta have that fresh, herby kick.
Then came the prep work. This is where things get, well, a little messy, but that’s part of the fun, right?
- I juiced that grapefruit. Squeezed it with my bare hands, got juice all over the counter. No fancy juicer here, just pure, unadulterated citrus carnage.
- I made some honey syrup. Easy peasy: equal parts honey and hot water, stirred it up until the honey dissolved.
- I muddled some mint leaves in a shaker. Not too much, just enough to release the aroma. Just smashed ’em up a little.
Mixing It Up!
Now for the main event. I added the bourbon, the fresh grapefruit juice, and the honey syrup to the shaker with the mint. I didn’t measure anything too precisely, I eyeballed it. I add the ice.
I shook that thing like my life depended on it. Until my hands were freezing and the shaker was frosty.
Finally, I strained the concoction into a glass. A regular, everyday glass. No fancy coupe or anything. I Garnished with a little mint sprig, just for show.
And there it was. My Texas Derby. It was surprisingly good! Sweet, tart, a little bit boozy, and definitely refreshing. Would I make it again? Absolutely. It’s the perfect drink for a hot day, or just when you want something a little different. Plus, the whole process is just plain fun.
