Greyhound Drink Recipe (Gin Cocktail)
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This Greyhound Drink Recipe is light and refreshing, perfect for any occasion. Freshly squeezed citrus juice is a wonderful balance to the smooth, botanical spirit. Make this gin and grapefruit cocktail in seconds with just 4 simple ingredients!
Greyhound Drink Recipe
You don’t have to be a master mixologist to create a delicious alcoholic beverage.
In fact, some of the best combinations, like this Greyhound cocktail recipe, only require a few ingredients!
If grapefruit is too tart for your tastebuds, try a Gin Daisy or Gin Fizz instead.
While both are made with fresh lemon juice, they include simple syrup or grenadine for a touch of sweetness.
Or, try the ever-popular Sex on the Beach Drink for sweet summer vibes. No matter the weather, you’ll be instantly transported to a sunny beach vacation!
What Is A Greyhound Cocktail Make Of?
It is a simple concoction of either vodka or gin and grapefruit juice that is garnished with a twist of citrus.
While there are descriptions of this gin cocktail recipe found throughout the early 1900s, it became notably popular and gained its name in the 1940s.
That’s because the famous bus line started serving it at the restaurants located at each terminal.
Nowadays, honey or simple syrup is often used to offset the bitterness from the grapefruit, and sometimes club soda is added to transform it into a sparkling beverage.
Different Variations
Over time, vodka replaced the gin in many mixed drinks as it became more available and gained popularity.
Because the quality was not the same as it is today, certain modifications were made to make the Greyhound drink recipe more pleasant.
In the end, the preparation really comes down to taste preference.
- Salty Dog: Salt the rim of the glass.
- Dalmatian: Use a little black pepper syrup.
- Italian Greyhound: Include Campari, which is an Italian bitters.
- Herbed: Add a splash of lavender or rosemary syrup.
- Jalapeno: Muddle a few slices of jalapeno in the bottom of the glass.
Tips to Make the Perfect Gin and Grapefruit Cocktail
- Extra chilled means extra tasty!
Don’t stop at just ice — pop your glasses into the freezer for a few minutes, and consider storing your gin in there as well.
While stirring gin and grapefruit in the glass is easiest, there’s nothing wrong with breaking out your shaker instead!
Shake gin and grapefruit juice with ice for 20-30 seconds, then strain over fresh ice in the glass.
- A little garnish goes a long way for presentation.
Place a slice of lime on the rim of the glass or twist it onto a toothpick for a fancier presentation.
I like to keep a pack of metal or plastic bar picks on hand — they look nicer than regular wooden toothpicks.
You can also garnish with lemon or smaller slices of grapefruit. A sprig of rosemary is another popular choice.
- Make a large batch for parties!
All you have to do is scale up this Greyhound drink recipe, then combine the ingredients in a pitcher or punch bowl.
Combine just the gin and grapefruit juice, then have a bucket of ice on the side for guests to pour their own drinks.
If you want to prepare this Greyhound cocktail recipe ahead of time, simply store the pitcher in the fridge — again, with no ice or it will get watered down!
Prep Ahead
- Juice grapefruit
- Slice limes
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Citrus Juicer – The standard handheld press is too small for grapefruit halves. You’ll need to put those wrists to work instead!
- Jigger – Essential for any well-stocked bar, this quickly and accurately measures liquids for making cocktails. In a pinch, liquid measuring cups will work as well.
- Bar Spoon – Slender enough to slip in between the ice for a perfectly blended gin and grapefruit drink.
Greyhound Cocktail Recipe FAQ
When it comes to mixed drinks, freshly squeezed wins every time. Bottled shelf-stable juices like Ocean Spray have too much added sugar and the consistency tends to be grainy.
You can press the citrus a few hours in advance if needed and store it in the refrigerator. Or, use chilled juice from the refrigerated cases at the store.
Absolutely! Transform this gin and grapefruit cocktail into an easy mocktail by replacing the spirits with club soda. Or, try flavored sparkling water to enhance the citrus taste.
Both star tart grapefruit, but in slightly different forms, and an entirely different spirit.
A Greyhound cocktail is made with freshly squeezed juice and either gin or vodka with a garnish of lime.
Instead, a Paloma combines tequila with lime juice and a grapefruit-flavored soda.
Greyhound Drink Recipe (Gin Cocktail)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup ice
- 1 1/2 ounces gin
- 5 ounces grapefruit juice
- lime slice, for garnish
Instructions
- Add ice to a rocks glass and pour in the gin and grapefruit juice.
- Stir with a bar spoon for 10 seconds.
- Garnish with a slice of lime.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published August 2021, updated and republished March 2024
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Very refreshing taste, will be great for summer.