Top Hat

This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy here.

Cocktail History

The Top Hat is a modern cocktail that was created in 2021 by Alex Sukopp, former bartender of the retired Instagram account Sips From Scripts, for his wedding at Villa Bellezza Winery & Vineyards in Pepin, Wisconsin. The recipe is a very simple variation of the Brown Derby, a vintage drink from the 1930s, that adds rosemary, grapefruit, and peppercorn-flavored bitters to the classic’s mix of whiskey, grapefruit, and honey.

Cocktail Ingredients

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Bourbon: This is a type of whiskey made in the United States with at least 51% corn, grains, malted barley, and water. I used Buffalo Trace Distillery Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Grapefruit Juice: This is the liquid juice of a grapefruit. I used freshly squeezed grapefruit juice.

Honey Syrup: This is a sweetener made with honey and water. I made mine using this stovetop recipe.

Rosemary, Grapefruit, & Peppercorn Bitters: This is a food product made with rosemary, grapefruit, peppercorn, botanicals, and alcohol. I used Crude Bitters “Rizzo” Rosemary, Grapefruit, & Peppercorn Bitters.

Bartending Tools

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:

Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Boston Shaker: This is used to shake ingredients. I used the Boston shaker from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Hawthorne Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is shaken. I used the A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer.

Paring Knife: This is used to cut ingredients. I used the OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife.

Juicer: This is used to juice citrus. I used the ALEEHAI Manual Fruit Juicer.

Tasting Notes

This cocktail has the following flavor profile:

• Appearance: Brilliant amber orange hue

• Aroma: Bourbon accented with citrus and vanilla

• Taste: Robust sweetness from the honey and grapefruit that’s balanced by the bitters’ complexity and a smooth, oaky bourbon backbone

• Finish: Delicate spices and tangy citrus

Kendall’s Take
“The Top Hat holds a special place for me because it was one of the cocktails served at a beautiful wedding I attended, so recreating it always feels a little nostalgic. It’s essentially an easy twist on the Brown Derby, with bright citrus and multi-faceted bitters balancing the richness of the bourbon in a really satisfying way. The result is smooth and surprisingly easy to sip. If you enjoy bourbon drinks with a citrusy edge, this one is definitely worth mixing up.”

Recipe