🍊 Cocktails with Colleen: Blood Orange Honey Brown Derby

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by slicedicedish

This one comes with a side of bloopers—and honestly, that’s part of the fun.

I thought I was set up and ready to film… and then realized I wasn’t. Instead of stopping, we decided to just roll with it. Real life, real kitchen, real cocktail. And if nothing else, this drink confirmed one important thing: I’m still not a bourbon girl.

That said… I’m committed. I’ll keep trying bourbon cocktails until I find the one that converts me.

And if you are a bourbon fan? You might absolutely love this one.

🥃 Why This Cocktail Works

The Brown Derby is a classic for a reason. The combination of citrus and honey softens the bourbon just enough, while still letting it shine. Using blood orange adds a slightly sweeter, more complex citrus note that feels special without being fussy.

It’s smooth, balanced, and ideal for:

  • A cozy night in
  • A winter dinner party cocktail
  • Or anyone who loves a spirit-forward drink with a hint of brightness

And the thyme garnish? Optional—but highly recommended for a little extra aroma and elegance.

🍊 Blood Orange Honey Brown Derby

Makes 1 cocktail

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 oz fresh blood orange juice
  • ½ oz honey
  • Optional garnish: fresh sprig of thyme

How to Make It

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add bourbon, blood orange juice, and honey.
  3. Shake well until chilled, about 10–15 seconds.
  4. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass.
  5. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme and serve immediately.

➡️ Make it Easy on Yourself with this Shortcut

🔹 Make it ahead in a pitcher by make 4 servings at once. Combine 8 ounces bourbon, 4 ounces blood orange juice and 2 ounces honey in a pitcher. Mix with a bar spoon. Add ice 3½ ounces of the mixture to a cocktail shaker and proceed with step 3.

🥂 The Takeaway

Not every cocktail has to be perfect—and not every spirit has to be your favorite. Sometimes the fun is in trying, experimenting, and laughing when things don’t go exactly as planned.

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Here’s to bloopers, honesty, and finding what you love one cocktail at a time! 🥃

Cheers,
Colleen 🥂

Published by

slicedicedish

I’m the creator behind a growing collection of dinner party eCookbooks filled with approachable menus, easy recipes, and simple hosting ideas for real life. Whether you’re planning a casual get-together, a cozy seasonal dinner, or just looking for fresh recipe inspiration, my goal is to help you create meals that feel thoughtful, flavorful, and doable. I live in Wyomissing Hills, Pennsylvania with my husband, Bill—my biggest supporter and very willing taste tester. I’m also an Independent Consultant with Pampered Chef , a role I’ve loved for nearly 30 years because it allows me to help make cooking easier and more enjoyable with tools that truly work. When I’m not creating recipes or planning my next dinner party menu, you’ll usually find me watching hockey, mixing a great cocktail, or spending time with my poodle. Most of the recipes and entertaining ideas you’ll find here are designed to be simple, flavorful, and approachable—because I believe gathering people around the table should feel joyful, not overwhelming.

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