A Greyhound cocktail is a simple gin and juice drink served over ice. Make it with grapefruit juice, gin, syrup, and a splash of lemon juice.
The Greyhound cocktail is a perfect combination of citrus, earthy, and sweet. Its delicious flavor is refreshing. That makes it perfect for sipping on a warm day. All you need to make this classic cocktail is a cocktail shaker, plenty of ice, and the four ingredients.
If you love grapefruit in cocktails, then you need to try a Greyhound.
What Is a Greyhound Cocktail?
The Greyhound is a simple gin and juice cocktail. Yep, like the Snoop Dogg song. It combines grapefruit juice, gin, and simple syrup to create a refreshing citrus cocktail. It’s the perfect warm weather sipping drink. This cocktail combination first appeared in the famous Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock in the 1930’s. It was officially named “The Greyhound” by Harper’s Magazine in 1945 supposedly because it was a popular cocktail at Greyhound Bus terminals. However, this drink is more enjoyable during happy hour on a patio instead of on public transportation!
If you add a salted rim to the glass, then a Greyhound becomes a Salty Dog. Both versions are delicious, though I prefer a classic Greyhound cocktail. This cocktail is different from the Italian Greyhound cocktail which is a vodka drink made with Campari.
If you prefer vodka cocktails, you will love this Grapefruit Martini. It’s a delicious botanical and citrus martini.
Ingredients Needed to Make a Greyhound Cocktail
- Grapefruit Juice: The most important component of this cocktail is the pink grapefruit juice. Fresh grapefruit juice is best for grapefruit cocktail recipes. But, I prefer bottled juice because it is already sweetened and less bitter. Plus, it keeps longer and is more affordable.
- Gin: This botanical liquor has the perfect complementary taste for grapefruit juice. If you don’t care for gin, consider replacing it with vodka.
- Simple Syrup: Even though bottled grapefruit juice is presweetened, this cocktail needs another little touch of syrup. It makes the cocktail more sippable.
- Lemon: Squeeze a small wedge of lemon into this cocktail when serving. The fresh lemon juice adds a brightness that completely changes the flavor. It takes the drink from good to great.
What Food Pairs Well This Cocktail?
This drink is slightly tart and slightly sweet, so it pairs well with a variety of foods. Especially lighter fare, like seafood, chicken, or salads. Consider pairing the cocktail with a cold dip on a warm day for the perfect refreshing pairing.
- Green Goddess Dip
- Texas Caviar
- BLT Dip
- Charcuterie
How to Make a Greyhound Cocktail
This Greyhound Cocktail recipe is a popular drink for the summer. It’s a refreshing cocktail for a hot summer day with just enough sweetness.
Step One – First, fill a highball glass about halfway to three-quarters with crushed ice cubes. Crushed ice adds to the dilution of the cocktail.
Step Two – Then add the grapefruit juice, gin, and simple syrup to the glass.
Step Three – Squeeze a wedge of lemon over the top of the cocktail. The fresh juice adds a bit of brightness to the cocktail.
Step Four – Then stir using a straw or cocktail stirrer. This combines the sweet flavors and chills them before serving.
Garnish the cocktail with a round slice of grapefruit and one of lemon or a sprig of rosemary. Enjoy with a straw or sip from the glass.
What Type of Glass Do I Use?
- Highball Glass: A Greyhound is typically served in a highball glass. These glasses are used for cocktails that contain a large amount of non-alcoholic mixer and are served over ice.
- Collins Glass: These glasses are similar to a highball glass, but are taller and more narrow. Usually, a Collins glass is used for drinks with more than one mixer that is served over ice.
- Something Fun: This cocktail is a great time to use a fun glass! Any tall, narrow glass will do! Use something with a fun design or pattern.
Shop This Post
These are affiliate links. I earn a small commission from affiliate links that go towards supporting this blog. Thank you!
Can I Make This Cocktail In Advance?
Yes! This cocktail is perfect for making in advance. Simply combine the ingredients, minus the lemon juice, and store them in an airtight glass jar or bottle. Serve over ice when ready. Add the lemon juice right before serving for the freshest flavor.
Store Greyhound cocktails in an airtight container for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Make Greyhound Cocktails In Bulk!
Since these cocktails store so well, they are also perfect for making in bulk. Multiply the ingredients by the number of guests you wish to serve. Then combine the ingredients in a large pitcher. Store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Pour the cocktails over ice and add the squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving.
More Cocktail Recipes to Try
Greyhound Drink
Ingredients
- 3 oz grapefruit juice
- 2 oz gin
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
Instructions
- Fill a highball or tumbler glass 3/4s with ice.
- Pour the grapefruit juice, gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice into the glass.
- Stir with a cocktail spoon or straw.
- Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and lemon in the glass.
