Are you in the mood of some grapefruit concoction this summer? We have the perfect greyhound cocktail recipe especially for you! During the heat, you mostly crave for something cold refreshing and right out of the refrigerator. But if you’re a fan of vodka, then you might add a bit of twist to your everyday drinks with a touch of some tropical fruits just like grapefruit. BUT, in this hot summer climate who really wants to go out in the bars to fetch drinks. Instead, what you can do is, actually shake these cocktails up right in your very own kitchen! However, before we head on to the recipe do you actually know what greyhound drink is? Worry not, let us first go back a bit and discover how and where this amazing cocktail came into being!
What is a Greyhound Cocktail?
Creating sweet fruit cocktails is indeed a great experience, but knowing a bit of back history of them is even more amazing. And we all love is when there is a certain backstory to a drink! A Greyhound cocktail is a straightforward, zesty vodka and grapefruit juice concoction. Its sharp, acidic flavor brings out the grapefruit’s inherent tanginess. This simple cocktail recipe, originating at the Post House restaurants in Greyhound bus terminals, helped it become well-known. Originally made with gin, the recipe changed, with vodka emerging as the preferred option once it became more well-known in the 1950s. The clean flavor and simple preparation of the Greyhound cocktail make it an excellent choice for brunches and casual drinking. Now let us hop on to the recipe!
LIGHTBULB! In 1930, Harry Craddock published The Savoy Cocktail Book, which contains the oldest record of this greyhound cocktail!
The Great Recipe for a Refreshing Greyhound Cocktail
Let us first see what ingredients go into this super delicious concoction!
Ingredients to Make Greyhound Cocktail
- Two ounces of gin or vodka
- 4 ounces of fresh grapefruit juice (or sweetened with ruby red grapefruit)
- Ice Optional
- Sparkling water, club soda, or a dash of simple syrup for sweetness (for fizz)
- Citrus wedges or grapefruit slices as garnish
Method for Greyhound Drink Recipe
- Step 1: Pour ice into a highball glass.
- Step 2: Combine 2 ounces of vodka or gin and 4 ounces of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice in a cocktail shaker. Add a small amount of simple syrup if desired.
- Step 3: Next, give it a good shake to cool and mix.
- Step 4: Pour into a glass with ice on top.
- Step 5: Add a grapefruit slice or a lime wedge as a garnish.
- Step 6: Add sparkling water or club soda on top for a refreshing touch.
Savor the traditional Greyhound cocktail!
Variations You Can Try on Greyhound Vodka Drink
Now what other variations can you try with a greyhound cocktail recipe? Let us discover!
Salty Dog with Greyhound Cocktail
- Instructions
- Before filling the glass with the Greyhound mixture, rim it with salt.
- Flavor
- The salt gives the tart grapefruit juice a savory contrast.
Twisted Greyhound
- Instructions
- For a distinctive twist, use vodka with a grapefruit taste.
- Flavor
- This deepens and enriches the grapefruit flavor in your greyhound cocktail recipe.
Drinks with Grapefruit Vodka
- Instructions
- Try adding other flavors, such as bitters or lime juice.
- Flavor
- Bitters give depth, and lime juice adds zest.
Spritz Greyhound
- Instructions
- Fill up your Greyhound cocktail recipe club soda or sparkling water.
- Flavor
- Enthusiasm adds a pleasant touch to this greyhound cocktail recipe you can also add it up with your tropical Hurrcane cocktail.
What We Can Serve with Our Greyhound Cocktail
Think of serving a Greyhound Cocktail with the following accompaniments to bring out the tangy grapefruit flavor;
- Salads
- To counteract the cocktail’s tartness, choose rich and savory salads. Try the Summer Prosciutto, Melon Salad, or Arugula Salad with Roasted Grapes.
- Cheese and Charcuterie Boards
- A sumptuous charcuterie spread or cheese board is ideal. Select a variety of cheeses and cured meats to make a filling snack.
- Brunch Ideas
- To elevate your brunch, serve coffee cake, Overnight Breakfast Enchiladas, or a Veggie-Loaded Breakfast Casserole alongside this cocktail. These foods enhance flavor and provide a great brunch menu.
Final Thoughts
Summing up, with its traditional blend of vodka and grapefruit juice, the Greyhound cocktail offers an unbeatably calm, relaxed, energizing experience. This adaptable beverage can be made straight up or with a twist by modifying the Salty Dog or adding simple syrup and fresh lime juice for more complexity. The simplicity and beauty of this beverage make it an excellent option for any occasion, whether you continue with the traditional Greyhound or try grapefruit vodka drinks. Hence, these grapefruit and vodka mixed drinks, which range from the classic Greyhound recipe to contemporary variations, offer a fascinating blend of creativity and tradition.
Hence, raise your glass to a perfectly balanced Greyhound beverage and enjoy the delightfully bubbly refreshment each sip brings!