Greyhound

The classic Greyhound cocktail is a sparkling, tart shake perfect for brunch, lounging in the sun at the beach or at home, it’s a lemony refreshment that works for all seasons.

This delicious pick-me-up is a no-fuss concoction of gin (or vodka) and grapefruit juice, served over ice like a sour screwdriver. Simple and versatile – it’s worth getting acquainted with.

What’s in a Greyhound cocktail?

The classic Greyhound requires no more than gin or vodka and fresh grapefruit juice as you can get it. Like the Screwdriver – its cousin among brunch cocktails – it’s drastically improved with freshly squeezed juice, but also works beautifully with bottled grapefruit juice.

Greyhound Glassware

We don’t consider this type of drink a highball for nothing; For starters, it has a higher proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer than a spirit. But it is also ideal in a volleyball Glass. Look for one of these, or a Collins glass (they’re similar glassware, with the highball being a bit thinner). The wider stemless wine glasses or double old-fashioned glasses can also work in a delightful pinch.

Garnish your greyhound

A lime or lemon wedge or a sprig of rosemary tucked next to the ice is all you need for garnish. Using any of these toppings adds a lot of elegance and panache.

History of a Greyhound Cocktail

The Greyhound cocktail can be traced back to the legendary 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book. At the time, it was considered just a variation on a “grapefruit cocktail” made with grapefruit jelly. Harry Craddock, author of the Savoy Cocktail Book, updated the original cocktail and added fresh grapefruit juice instead – this is how it was served in restaurants on Greyhound bus routes.

That’s the usual origin story, but just a few years earlier, in the classic Bureau of Chemistry and Soils chief’s report, you’ll find mention of a cocktail made with gin, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup, which is quite apt — further on what the Greyhound cocktail today is. The US Bureau of Chemistry and Soils, which isn’t known for its innovation in cocktails, was clearly just replicating a cocktail that many people looked alike.

It wasn’t until the late 1940s that vodka began to replace gin when the sudden emergence of vodka in the United States led to a frenzy to reinvent classic cocktails with the novel, neutral spirit.

Best Brands of Gin or Vodka for a Greyhound

Gin is the spirit for greyhound drinkers who want that extra bit of character. Beefeater London Dry is one of the best choices for this cocktail – it’s strong, delicate enough in taste and very affordable.

Alternatively you can try Plymouth this is a little lemony and distinct juniper. Old Tom Gin is another option, a slightly sweeter precursor to modern gin that relies heavily on the botanicals.

Vodka has been criticized by most bartenders as the spirit of choice for those who dislike the taste of alcohol. But its neutrality adds versatility to your cocktails and makes a great cocktail base when you want to improvise. Since you’re mixing the vodka with so much grapefruit juice and even a little water (courtesy of the ice), there’s no reason to use a more expensive sipping vodka or even Ketel One. Try Absolut – a great pairing with citrus fruits – or Tito’s.

Greyhound Variations

Here are a few variations of Greyhound cocktails you can try:

• A Sea Breeze contains sweetened cranberry juice.
• Salty Dog is an almost equally popular twist on the Greyhound cocktail with salt on the rim.
• Italian Greyhound contains Campari, a grapefruit flavored liqueur.
• Dalmatian combines a black pepper syrup with fresh grapefruit and vodka.