Greyhound Drink (Gin Cocktail)
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A Greyhound drink is light and refreshing, perfect for any occasion. Make this gin cocktail recipe in seconds with just 4 simple ingredients!
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 drink, 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 Drink?
It is a simple concoction of grapefruit juice and either gin or vodka 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 cocktail 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.
How To Make A Greyhound Cocktail
Simply add a few ice cubes to a rocks glass and pour the liquids over the top. Then, stir well with a bar spoon and garnish with a twist of lemon or lime.
If you prefer, you can combine everything with a cocktail shaker and strain the beverage into a glass instead.
To make a larger batch for parties, increase the ingredient amounts and combine them in a large pitcher or punch bowl.
FAQ – Common Recipe Questions
Which is better, fresh juice or bottled?
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.
Can I make this Greyhound drink non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! Transform it into an easy mocktail by replacing the spirits with club soda or try flavored sparkling water to enhance the citrus taste.
Enjoy!
With love from our simple kitchen to yours.
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MORE COCKTAIL RECIPES
Greyhound Drink (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
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Very refreshing taste, will be great for summer.