Greyhound cocktail recipe

Tart, tangy and surprisingly simple, the famous Greyhound cocktail is almost as speedy to make as its namesake can run. It’s made with only two ingredients: vodka and freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. This fusion of quality spirits and zippy grapefruit has long been a favourite on the bar scene, and it’s a must-try for those with a penchant for chic, citrusy delights. 

The Greyhound was first documented in a 1930s cocktail book penned by celebrity bartender Harry Craddock of London’s iconic Savoy Hotel. According to Harper’s Magazine, the cocktail got its name after being served at the famous Post House restaurant chain – often located near Greyhound bus terminals. Originally crafted using gin (the then spirit du jour), the Greyhound quickly segued to a vodka base as its popularity soared in the 1940s. 

Fun fact: the grapefruit was created by fusing the sweet orange with a pomelo. This new unique bitter flavour so enticed Europeans that it was sometimes referred to as ‘the forbidden fruit’. Bonus? Grapefruit juice is rich in the powerful antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin A and potassium, and loaded with fruit fibre. That’s one hard-working citrus hybrid! 

The dynamic duo of components that makes up this delicious cocktail seems simple enough, yet you can safely bet on it being a frontrunner in the flavour and popularity stakes at any soirée. Thank goodness a genius added a quality spirit one fateful day to create what we now know as the Greyhound – a match made in zesty heaven.

It’s common to find Greyhound cocktails showcasing both vodka and gin, so be sure to give them both a try to see which spirit you prefer in this tangy bev. With only two ingredients on show, aim for a high-quality base spirit. The same goes for the ‘forbidden fruit’; freshly squeezed grapefruit juice will help achieve the Greyhound’s lionised refreshing zing. 

This recipe is the real deal, but it creates a vodka-dominant sour drink that may prove a little challenging for some. For a lighter take, simply keep adding more juice – and ice – to fill your glass if a taller option is what the moment needs.

If you like to mix it up a wee bit more, the Greyhound offers an excellent base for experimentation, whatever your flavour faves. The various types of grapefruit will change the final flavour, so see which variety you like best. If you want to bring a slightly savoury edge to this drink, try adding a salt rim, and you have yourself a Salty Dog cocktail (our non-alc version is also a winner). Or make the base spirit of your standard Greyhound from grapefruit-infused vodka for some added torque for your tastebuds.