Move over Bloody Mary, there’s a new drink in town for weekend brunch. We’re shaking things up and serving this refreshing and easy Greyhound Cocktail instead.
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All brunches should include a signature cocktail and they don't get any easier that this Greyhound Cocktail at Sunday brunch. Bright colors and bright flavors – how can you go wrong?
And that means using freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and a gin you love. When you add your favorite gin to that perfectly sweetened grapefruit juice, you get a fabulous Greyhound.
I mean, what’s not to love? It’s pretty, easy to make and tastes delicious.
It can make any day seem just a little brighter. Now that, my friends, is my kind of brunch cocktail.
Ingredients
It is a refreshing, simple drink made with grapefruit juice and gin. Because the ingredient list is so short, you truly must use the best ingredients.
Instructions
Making a greyhound is easy, especially when you follow these easy steps:
- Fill a shaker with ice
- Add freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and gin
- Shake well to combine
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with fresh thyme and fresh grapefruit chunk and serve immediately.
FAQs
As with all cocktails, the history of it is a little muddy. The first printed recipe of the Greyhound cocktail was in The Savoy Cocktail book in 1930 and was created by Harry Craddock, renowned English bartender in the 20s and 30s.
In 1945, after prohibition ended, Harpers Bazaar printed the recipe swapping out the gin for vodka and called it the Greyhound because it was served in the restaurants located in Greyhound bus terminals.
To make an outstanding rather than average greyhound, please, please, please use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice.
Here's why: Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice is perfectly sweet on its own. It's not bitter and acidic like some of the cartons you can buy. And it's the difference between making a good cocktail and a fabulous cocktail.
This reamer is a workhorse in my kitchen, but if you prefer to keep the pulp out of your drinks, this hand juicer is your new best friend.
Trust me, the fresh grapefruit juice is a game-changer in this drink.
You can use either gin or vodka in this cocktail. Either one works great; it's totally a personal choice.
Gin was originally used in this drink because vodka was not a common alcohol before 1945. Many drinks that use currently have vodka as the star originated with gin, so go with your preference.
Even better, set both liquors (vodka and gin) out at brunch so your guests have options and can serve themselves!
Drink Variations
- Salty Dog: It's easy to be confused by these two cocktails. The only difference between them is the addition of a salted rim on the Salty Dog.
- Vodka Greyhound: You guessed it, swap out the gin and replace it with vodka and you have a vodka greyhound.
- Dalmatian: Add some black pepper syrup and club soda to a Greyhound and you get a Dalmatian.
- Italian Greyhound: Replace the gin with Campari and vodka for a little bit of Italy in a glass.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a Bloody Mary as much as the next person.
But there’s something about the brightness of citrus that makes me think of bright, sunny days. What’s not to love? It’s pretty, easy to make and tastes delicious.
It can make any day seem just a little brighter. And any cocktail that can do that is always a win. I'll drink to that!
Cheers!
Favorie Signature cocktails
- Grapefruit Martini - Like a stiffer drink? This easy martini recipe uses some of your leftover grapefruit juice.
- Aperol Gin Cocktail - This Italian aperitif is one of our favorites!
- Blood Orange Margaritas - These light and bright tequila drinks are great for a crowd.
- Chocolate Martini Recipe - Why bake dessert when you can shake it up instead?
Recipe
Greyhound Cocktail
Ingredients
- 5 ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice strained
- 1 ½ ounces gin or vodka
- ice
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Instructions
- Squeeze the juice out of grapefruit halves into a large bowl and then pour through a strainer to remove pulp and seeds.
- Fill a highball glass with ice and set aside.
- Pour 5 ounces of grapefruit juice in a shaker filled with ice. Add gin or vodka and shake to combine.
- Strain into glass and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.
Signature cocktails always make brunch better! These easy Greyhound Cocktails can be made with gin or vodka and are so refreshing!! Pro tip: Make sure you use FRESH juice! It's a game-changer in this cocktail!
Kayla says
So I know that fresh squeezed grapefruit juice is obviously the way to go. However, we are going on a camping trip this weekend and I'm just wondering if this cocktail would taste alright with vodka and a carton of grapefruit juice cocktail. I'm guessing that as long as the juice is sweetened it would be okay but just want an expert opinion before I go and buy the stuff. Let me know if you have any tips for me to make it work with store bought juice!! Thanks!
Lisa says
Hi Kayla,
What a fun weekend! Yes, it will work with grapefruit juice in a carton perfectly fine, just know that the color will be a little different! Have fun camping!