How to make a classic grapefruit greyhound drink, plus variations, in cocktail or mocktail form. This post is for 21+ only. 

How to make a greyhound drink cocktail or mocktail with gin or vodka and grapefruit juice.

Our grapefruit trees are suddenly ready to be picked. Ripe grapefruits are tumbling off the tree daily, while baby grapefruits are growing for next year. I wanted to do something easy and fun with them, and, being the weekend, the Greyhound drink came to mind first! You’ll also love this simple Grapefruit Soda which is a great non-alcoholic drink or can be made into a Paloma. 

While I don’t recommend drinking alcohol often, I do love a good cocktail, like Homemade Margarita Mix, Watermelon Frozen Rose or an Italian Aperol Spritz, on summer special occasions. The thing is, I really don’t like sugary drinks. I remember my mom occasionally making or ordering greyhounds and them being not sweet at all. So, this weekend I set out to make the best greyhound drink – in classic cocktail and mocktail/virgin form. I’ll share both recipes and some fun variations below! And if you’re looking for health beverages, go for the mocktail version, or detoxifying Infused Lemon Water, or ACV Drinks

What is a Greyhound Cocktail? 

A bottle of Bomboay Sapphire gin sits on a white countertop next to a fresh grapefruit with a greyhound drink in the background.

According to Wikipedia, bartender Harry Craddock’s 1930 cocktail cookbook includes a recipe made with only grapefruit juice, gin, and ice, which he says is a spin on a grapefruit cocktail. In 1945 Harper’s magazine published a similar recipe, with the addition of sugar, and called it a Greyhound. This greyhound drink was served at Post House restaurants inside Greyhound bus terminals. In short, a greyhound is a classic cocktail made with grapefruit juice, gin, and ice. I’ll share some variations below. 

How to Make A Greyhound Drink

A grapefruit tree.

Step 1: Juice Grapefruits 

You can of course find grapefruit juice in most grocery stores. If you’d like to use store bought grapefruit juice, look for the freshly squeezed variety with the fresh juices. Otherwise, gather some grapefruits. You’ll need 2-3 grapefruits for a couple of greyhounds. Use can use any type of grapefruit, though ruby red is my personal favorite. 

Freshly picked grapefruit on a cutting board to make greyhound drinks.

To juice your grapefruits, you can use a citrus reamer, electric juicer, or citrus press like I use. 

Grapefruits are pressed using a citrus press.

I wanted pink grapefruit greyhounds, so I also juiced 1 small blood orange with the yellow grapefruits I had growing the backyard. You’ll notice the juice here is not as pink as the final greyhound drinks. 

Step 2: Add Gin

Use a shot glass or other ounce-sized measuring cup to measure 1-2 oz. I like a 2:1 ratio of grapefruit juice to gin, but you may like 1:1. 

Step 3: Add Ice

A greyhound should be served very cold with plenty of ice. You can shake the drink with the ice in a cocktail shaker to get it really nice and cold, or make it straight in the glass. 

Ste 4: Garnish

Give the greyhound drinks a little stir and taste. If it’s too bitter for your taste, add a couple drops of liquid stevia (I like Trader Joe’s) or a drizzle of agave and stir in. Garnish with a slice of fresh grapefruit and/or a sprig of rosemary. I also used a slice of blood orange for garnish. 

Greyhound Drink Variations

Greyhound drink virgin mocktail made with grapefruit juice and la croix sprakling water.

  • Virgin Mocktail: Sup sparkling water for gin. 
  • Vodka Greyhound: Sub vodka for gin
  • Italian Greyhound: Sub vodka and Campari for gin
  • Rosemary: Add a splash of rosemary simple syrup
  • Basil: Muddle a few fresh basil leaves or add to a cocktail shaker. 
  • Lavender: Add a splash of lavender syrup and garnish with a fresh lavender flower. 
  • Jalapeno: I love a spicy cocktail! Muddle 2 slices of jalapeno into the greyhound drinks. 
Yield: 1

Greyhound Drink

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

How to make a greyhound drink. A classic greyhound cocktail recipe with grapefruit juice and gin or vodka, plus variations like rosemary and jalapeno.

Greyhound Drink

Ingredients

  • 1 oz. gin
  • 2 oz. freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
  • organic liquid stevia or agave, to taste (optional)
  • ice
  • sprig rosemary

Instructions

  1. Pour gin and grapefruit juice into a highball glass (or Mason jar) or cocktail shaker. Sweeten to taste with stevia or agave, if desired.
  2. Add ice to the glass or shake in the cocktail shaker.
  3. Garnish with rosemary.

Notes

Variations:

Virgin Mocktail: Sup sparkling water for gin.

Vodka Greyhound: Sub vodka for gin

Italian Greyhound: Sub vodka and Campari for gin

Rosemary: Add a splash of rosemary simple syrup

Basil: Muddle a few fresh basil leaves or add to a cocktail shaker.

Lavender: Add a splash of lavender syrup and garnish with a fresh lavender flower.

Jalapeno: I love a spicy cocktail! Muddle 2 slices of jalapeno into the greyhound drinks.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 114Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 2mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 0g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated by Nutritionix. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee accuracy. If your health depends on nutrition information, please calculate again with your favorite calculator.