The Greyhound cocktail is a classic cocktail made with just two simple ingredients: vodka or gin and grapefruit juice. It’s a tart and tangy two ingredient cocktail that is perfect for those who love citrus flavors.
The Greyhound’s appeared in the famed Savoy Cocktail Book by kegendary Harry Craddock which was published in 1930. Though we make it with vodka today, Craddock insisted it as made with gin.
Although the assumption might be to associate it with the dog of the same name, you would be wrong. It’s called the Greyhound because you would find it in Greyhound bus terminals all around the country. It was the signature serve of the Post House restaurants linked to the Greyhound bus company. Their version was served with vodka and it stuck!
Where to find ingredients for Greyhound cocktails
You can find all the ingredients at Spirits Kiosk (10% off the entire site by quoting this code: ALushLife10SK.) in the UK; or Saucey.com in the USA!
What goes into the Greyhound
Making the classic Greyhound cocktail recipe is easy, and it only requires three simple ingredients: grapefruit juice, vodka, and ice.
Fresh Grapefruit Juice
The key ingredient in this popular drink is freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. It is recommended to use pink grapefruit juice for its sweet and tangy flavor. If you don’t have a juicer, you can buy pre-squeezed grapefruit juice from the store. However, fresh grapefruit juice is always the best option.
Vodka
The second ingredient in a classic Greyhound cocktail is vodka. Your choice of vodka used can vary depending on personal preference. Some people prefer a neutral vodka, while others prefer a flavored vodka. It is recommended to use a premium vodka for the best taste. If you are making the gin version, then London Dry is a great choice.
What tools you need to make Greyhound.
You’ll need a cocktail shaker for this easy cocktail! Grab a jigger, a strainer, and a cocktail glass for the best Greyhound cocktail.
Step 1: Add Ice to the Cocktail Shaker
The first step in making a Greyhound cocktail is to add ice to the cocktail shaker. This will help to chill the drink and create a refreshing taste. Use 3-4 ice cubes for best results.
Step 2: Pour the Grapefruit Juice into the Shaker
Next, pour about 4 ounces of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice into the cocktail shaker. If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add a teaspoon of simple syrup to the shaker as well.
Step 3: Add the Vodka to the Shaker
Add 2 ounces of vodka to the cocktail shaker. You can use either gin or vodka for this recipe, but vodka is the more traditional choice.
Step 4: Shake the Mixture Vigorously
Shake the mixture vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. This will help to mix the ingredients together and create a frothy texture.
Step 5: Strain the Mixture into a Glass
Finally, strain the mixture into a martini glass. You can use a rocks glass or a collins glass, depending on your preference. Add ice to the glass if desired, and garnish with a wedge of grapefruit or a sprig of rosemary or edible flowers.
It’s super easy!
Tips and Tricks
To make the perfect Greyhound cocktail, there are a few tips and tricks that can help elevate the drink’s taste and presentation. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Experiment with Different Spirits
While vodka is the most common spirit used in this two-ingredient drink, it’s not the only option. Gin can be used as a substitute for vodka, and it can add a unique flavor profile to the drink. For those who prefer a smokier taste, tequila or mezcal can be used instead of vodka, but that would be the Paloma!
Rim the Glass with Salt and Sugar
To add an extra dimension of flavor and texture to the Greyhound cocktail, consider decorating tthe rim of the glass with a mixture of salt and sugar. This can help balance out the tartness of the grapefruit juice and add a sweet and salty note to the drink.
Garnish with Fresh Citrus
To make the Greyhound cocktail look as good as it tastes, consider garnishing the drink with fresh citrus. A slice of grapefruit or lime can add a pop of color and freshness to the cocktail, making it even more appealing to the eye.
- 🍸Top Tip(le): The Greyhound cocktail is best served chilled, so be sure to chill the glass before pouring the drink.
Variations
There are many variations of the Greyhound cocktail that can add a unique twist to the classic recipe. Here are a few popular variations to try out:
Salted Rim Greyhound aka Salty Dog!
For those who like a little extra saltiness to their cocktail, try a Salted Rim Greyhound. To make this variation, simply rim the glass with salt before adding the cocktail ingredients. The salt will add a nice contrast to the tart grapefruit juice and smooth vodka or gin. This would be the Salty Dog cocktail!
Rosemary Greyhound
For a more herbaceous take on the Greyhound, try a Rosemary Greyhound. To make this variation, add a sprig of fresh rosemary to the shaker with the other ingredients. The rosemary will infuse the cocktail with a subtle earthy flavor that complements the grapefruit and vodka or gin.
Spicy Greyhound
For those who like a little heat in their cocktails, try a Spicy Greyhound. To make this variation, add a few slices of jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the shaker with the other ingredients.
Italian Greyhound
Just add 1 ounce (30 ml) of Aperol or Campari to the recipe to give it that Italian amaro kick! Just add it to the shaker. The color will be even more glorious!
Overall, there are many ways to customize the Greyhound cocktail to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer a salty, herbal, or spicy twist, these variations are sure to add an extra layer of flavor to the classic recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re new to making cocktails, you may have some questions about the Greyhound. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
What’s the difference between a Greyhound and a Salty Dog?
A Salty Dog is a variation of the Greyhound that includes a salt rim on the glass. To make a Salty Dog, simply rim the glass with salt before adding the cocktail ingredients.
Can I use fresh grapefruit juice instead of bottled?
Yes, fresh grapefruit juice is a great option for making a Greyhound. It will give the cocktail a brighter, more vibrant flavor than bottled juice.
Can I make a pitcher of Greyhounds for a party?
Absolutely! To make a pitcher of Greyhounds, simply multiply the recipe by the number of servings you need. For example, to make 8 servings, combine 12 ounces of vodka or gin with 32 ounces of grapefruit juice in a pitcher. Stir well and serve over ice.
Can I add other ingredients to my Greyhound?
While the classic Greyhound is made with just vodka or gin and grapefruit juice, you can certainly experiment with adding other ingredients. Some popular additions include simple syrup, honey, or a splash of club soda. Just be careful not to overpower the grapefruit flavor.
Where to find more vodka recipes
Here are a few of my favorites:
- How to Make the Vodka Martini
- How to Make the Watermelon Punch
- How to Make the Vodka Tonic
- How to Make the Vodka Press
Plus more grapefruit cocktail recipes here
Here is the recipe!
Greyhound
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka or gin
- Freshly squeezed Grapefruit juice
- Garnish: lime wheel or fresh edible flowers
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a shaker
- Add ice
- Shake, shake, shake
- Strain into a cocktail glass
- Garnish with edible flowers or a lime wheel
Nutrition
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