Greyhound Cocktail Recipe

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Greyhound Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:1g

Carbohydrates:17g

Alcohol:14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

The Greyhound cocktail has a rich history dating back to the 1930s. It was originally created as a refreshing and simple drink, perfect for warm summer days. The cocktail gained popularity among Hollywood stars and was often enjoyed at glamorous parties.

  • The Greyhound is believed to have been named after the famous Greyhound bus line, as it was a popular drink among travelers.
  • The cocktail has evolved over the years, with bartenders adding their own twists and variations to the classic recipe.

How Greyhound Tastes?

The Greyhound cocktail is a refreshing, tart, and slightly sweet drink. The combination of grapefruit juice and vodka creates a crisp, clean flavor with a hint of bitterness. The drink is well-balanced, making it easy to enjoy and perfect for those who prefer a less sweet cocktail.

Interesting facts about Greyhound

  • The Greyhound is often considered a healthier cocktail option due to its low sugar content and the use of fresh grapefruit juice, which is high in vitamin C.
  • The cocktail can be easily transformed into a Salty Dog by adding a salt rim to the glass.
  • The Greyhound is sometimes made with gin instead of vodka, which adds a more complex and herbal flavor to the drink.

Ingredients

A few good options for Greyhound are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Vodka

Vodka is the foundation of the Greyhound cocktail, providing a clean, neutral spirit that allows the grapefruit juice to shine. Opting for 2oz strikes the right balance — strong enough to know it's there, but not so much as to overpower the delicate citrus. If you go overboard with the vodka, you might end up on a boozy cruise without appreciating the scenic grapefruit vistas!

Alex Green

Grapefruit Juice

Consider this the lifeblood of your Greyhound. Freshly squeezed is best for the zesty, tangy, slightly sweet notes that define this drink. At 4oz, it's double the vodka to ensure the flavor profile stays fruity and refreshing. Less juice could leave your pooch (drink) too 'ruff’ around the edges, while more might make it too 'paw'-latably sweet!

Emma Rose

Ice

This isn't just to keep things cool; it also slightly dilutes the drink as it melts, mellowing the flavors and making them more harmonious. No ice? Get ready for a bolder, possibly less refreshing sip—not ideal for the Greyhound’s leisurely jaunt.

Mary Mitkina

Grapefruit Wedge

The garnish is more than just a fancy hat for your drink; it also adds a fresh aroma that enhances the first sip, creating an inviting sensory experience. Plus, it's a snack for when you've finished — talk about multi-tasking!

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Greyhound Drink

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
  2. Pour 2oz of vodka over the ice.
  3. Top with 4oz of fresh grapefruit juice.
  4. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge on the rim of the glass.

Pro Tips

  • Use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice for the best flavor.
  • Chill your glass beforehand to keep your cocktail cool for longer.
  • For a twist, try using gin instead of vodka for a more complex flavor.

Perfect Pairings

Seafood

  • Grilled shrimp or lobster complement the citrus notes of the Greyhound.
  • A light ceviche could also be paired wonderfully, as the acidity of the cocktail cuts through the dish's richness.

Salty Snacks

  • Salted nuts or olives bring out the savory side of the vodka and contrast the tartness of the grapefruit.
  • Potato chips can also be a simple yet satisfying snack with this drink.

Salads

  • Arugula salad with vinaigrette dressing pairs well by echoing the tart and slightly bitter profile of grapefruit.
  • A fennel and orange salad could offer a sweeter contrast while staying in the citrus family.

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What you could change in Greyhound

  • Vodka can be replaced with gin for a more herbal flavor.
  • If you don't have fresh grapefruit juice, you can use bottled grapefruit juice, but the taste may not be as fresh.
  • For a Salty Dog cocktail, simply add a salt rim to the glass.

Explore all drinks starting with G here

And of course - twists🍹

Salty Dog

  • Instead of a simple glass, coat the rim with salt for a contrasting taste that enhances the grapefruit's tartness.
  • The recipe is the same, but the experience is akin to a refreshing wave lapping at a salty shore — invigorating!

Italian Greyhound

  • Use an Italian aperitivo like Aperol in place of vodka for a lower-alcohol, bittersweet twist.
  • 1oz Aperol, 1oz vodka, 4oz grapefruit juice, garnished with a sprig of rosemary.
  • It's a more complex, herbaceous romp through the Italian countryside with each sip.

Rosy Greyhound

  • Give the classic a rosy makeover with a splash of cranberry juice.
  • 2oz vodka, 3oz grapefruit juice, 1oz cranberry juice, served with a lime wedge.
  • You'll find your Greyhound blushing with every fruity, tangy sip—perfect for a flirty evening out.

In case you forgot basics how to make Greyhound

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Greyhound

What type of vodka is best used in the Greyhound cocktail?

Although any quality vodka can be used, a neutral vodka allows the grapefruit juice to be the focal point. If you prefer a vodka with more character, a citrus-flavored vodka could complement the grapefruit nicely.

What are some popular variations of the Greyhound cocktail?

Besides substituting vodka with gin or adding a salt rim for a Salty Dog, some variations include adding a splash of lime juice for extra tartness, or adding a splash of cranberry juice for a sweeter and fruitier version.

Why is the cocktail called 'Greyhound'?

While the drink is believed to have been named after the famous bus line, another theory is that it's named 'Greyhound' because of the grapefruit's association with the tropics, and greyhounds being fast runners - something like a 'tropical quick-fix' cocktail.

Are there any specific occasions to serve the Greyhound cocktail?

The Greyhound is perfect for any occasion due to its refreshing quality. However, it's a particularly good choice for summer parties and brunches.

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