Here’s a refreshingly tart drink: the Greyhound cocktail! It’s citrusy and light, perfect as a brunch drink or for sipping at happy hour. It works in any season: it can be beachy for summer, or throw in a rosemary branch and use winter citrus! This dog-themed cocktail has just a few ingredients and is easy to mix up! Alex and I love making this classic gin cocktail for entertaining. Ready to taste?
What’s in a Greyhound cocktail?
The birth of the Greyhound cocktail was between the 1900’s and 1930’s. The original drink was made with gin, but over time a vodka variation was born. Why is it called a Greyhound cocktail? It’s named after the bus company of the same name! It was served as a popular restaurant in Greyhound bus terminals called “Post House” (source). What’s in the drink?
Gin or vodkaGrapefruit juiceSimple syrup (optional)
How to make a Greyhound cocktail (3 basic steps!)
Ready to try this grapefruit cocktail? Here’s how to make it:
Variations on the Greyhound
There are a few drinks that are similar to the Greyhound:
Salty Dog adds a salt rim!Vodka Greyhound combines vodka and grapefruit juice instead! Dalmatian uses vodka and black pepper syrupItalian Greyhound uses vodka and Campari instead of gin
Speaking of vodka and grapefruit juice…the Sea Breeze Cocktail also uses it! It combines them with cranberry juice for a brilliantly beautiful drink.
Serve it tart, or balance with a dash of sweet!
The official definition of the Greyhound cocktail does not include sweetness. As a rule, Alex and I prefer drinks that are very tart. But with this one, we felt it needed just a little sweetness to balance it. Often we use a little drizzle of maple syrup into the drink: we always have it onhand, and it adds a nice complexity of flavor. (It doesn’t taste like maple: promise!) Or you can make your own simple syrup.
When to serve a Greyhound cocktail
The Greyhound cocktail is refreshing and tart; it’s perfect as a:
Happy hour drinkDinner party drink Brunch drink (Mother’s Day, etc) Bridal shower drink or bachelorette party drinkGirls night drinkSummer drink
More classic cocktails
Here are a few more of our best cocktails you might also enjoy: No reviews
Classic Margarita Here’s the only margarita recipe you need! Here’s how to make the very best margarita with 3 simple ingredients: lime, Cointreau and tequila—and no added sugar.Classic Mojito It’s perfectly balanced with lime, rum and fresh mint! This iconic Cuban cocktail is refreshing and just sweet enough.Tom Collins Cocktail This popular gin cocktail that’s light and bubbly! Here’s how to make this refreshing drink: and don’t forget the cherry.
Want another fruity cocktail? This Watermelon Cocktail with Gin is vibrant and refreshing, featuring sweet watermelon, lemon, mint, and gin.
