Greyhound Drink – A Beautiful Mess

The Greyhound Cocktail is a refreshingly tart, easy to sip brunch cocktail. This two-part classic cocktail is as easy as they come. By simply combining vodka or gin and grapefruit juice you can mix up this classic drink at home. I’m a huge fan of simple cocktails to serve guests for brunch or a day at the pool.

Related: Salty Dog, Paloma Cocktail, Harvey Wallbanger, Screwdriver.

Ingredients in a Greyhound

• Vodka or Gin – Choose a mid-priced, high quality vodka or gin. 
• Grapefruit Juice – Fresh grapefruit juice is best. Either way, choose an option without pulp. You can use white, ruby red or pink grapefruit juice. 
• Lime – Use a lime wheel as garnish.

The best glassware choice for this grapefruit cocktail is a collins glass, or any tall glass.

Ingredients

You can use a cocktail shaker if you wish, but it’s not necessary for this recipe. 

Begin by pouring vodka or gin in your glass with ice cubes. 

Next, top with grapefruit juice until almost full. Give it a gentle stir to combine ingredients. 

Garnish with a lime wheel or lime wedge.

How did the Greyhound Cocktail get its name?

Originally, this drink was a Prohibition-era cocktail and typically served with gin. The first known published recipe was in bartender Harry Craddock’s Savoy Cocktail Book. His original recipe used grapefruit jelly and gin. After World War II, vodka grew rapidly in popularity. In 1945, this vodka recipe was featured in Harper’s Magazine. By the 1950s, it was a popular choice available at at the Post House restaurants found at Greyhound bus terminals. The drink’s popularity continued to increase. Sipping a Greyhound Cocktail on a Greyhound bus in 1950s America—it sounds pretty iconic. Like an episode of Mad Men.

Tips for Making

• By adding a salted rim, this recipe becomes the Salty Dog. 
• Too tart? To add sweetness, add a little simple syrup or honey syrup to taste. 
• If you prefer tequila with your grapefruit juice, try making a fresh Paloma Cocktail. 
• For a lighter version, fill the glass to 3/4 with juice and top with club soda.

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