Greyhound
The Greyhound is a classic highball known for its bracing simplicity and sharp, refreshing taste. Typically made with grapefruit juice and vodka, though originally with gin, it's a straightforward drink that's effortless to make and enjoy. Its tangy, bittersweet profile makes it a popular choice for brunch or as a light, thirst-quenching drink on a warm day. The name is famously associated with the Greyhound bus terminals, where it was a popular drink served at their Post House restaurants in the mid-20th century.
Preparation
Preparation time: 2 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Greyhound is a classic cocktail, categorized as a highball due to its simple two-ingredient composition of a spirit and a larger portion of a non-alcoholic mixer, served in a tall glass over ice. Its long history places it firmly in the classic cocktail canon.
Serving
The Greyhound is served cold over ice in a tall Highball or Collins glass. It's a moderately alcoholic drink designed for easy sipping.
Serving size
180-240 ml / 6-8 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-15% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
The Greyhound's first known print appearance was in Harry Craddock's 1930 "The Savoy Cocktail Book," where the recipe called for gin. The drink's popularity surged in the United States at the "Post House" restaurant chains located in Greyhound bus terminals. It was there that the name "Greyhound" became cemented, and over time, vodka's rise in popularity made it the default spirit for this simple and refreshing cocktail.
Origin
While the recipe appeared in the UK in 1930, its name and popularity were established in the United States during the mid-20th century.
Greyhound
The drink is consistently known as the Greyhound. The name "Vodka Greyhound" is sometimes used to specify the spirit, as the original recipe called for gin, though vodka is now more common.
Original name
Greyhound
Alternative name
Vodka Greyhound
Characteristics overview
The Greyhound delivers a sharp, tart flavor profile dominated by fresh grapefruit, leading to a clean, highly refreshing experience. Its appearance is a simple cloudy pale pink, and it has a light, crisp texture perfect for quenching thirst.
Flavor
Tart, citrusy, bittersweet, refreshing, crisp
Aroma
Grapefruit, citrus, spirit-forward (vodka or botanical gin)
Taste balance
Sour, slightly bitter, slightly sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, tart, crisp
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Cloudy, pale pink or pale yellow (depending on grapefruit), translucent
Texture
Thin, light, watery
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, all-season
Flavor intensity & Experience
This is a sour and fruity drink with a touch of bitterness and minimal sweetness, creating a refreshingly light alcoholic beverage. It is a completely still drink with no carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This simple cocktail requires only two main ingredients: a spirit, which is typically vodka or gin, and grapefruit juice. For optimal taste, using freshly squeezed grapefruit juice is recommended.
- Vodka or Gin60 ml / 2 ozVodka is the modern standard, while gin was the original spirit. Choose based on preference.
- Grapefruit Juice120 ml / 4 ozFreshly squeezed juice is highly recommended for the best flavor. Pink grapefruit juice provides a slightly sweeter taste and color.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
No special equipment is needed; the drink is built directly in the glass. A jigger helps with measuring, and a bar spoon is useful for a quick stir.
- Jigger or measuring cup for accurate pouring
- Bar spoon for stirring
Instructions
The Greyhound is one of the easiest cocktails to make, as it is built directly in the serving glass. Simply fill the glass with ice, add the spirit and juice, give it a gentle stir, and serve.
1. Fill a highball glass to the top with ice cubes.
2. Pour 2 oz (60 ml) of vodka or gin over the ice.
3. Top with 4 oz (120 ml) of grapefruit juice.
4. Stir gently with a bar spoon for a few seconds to combine the ingredients.
5. Garnish with a lime or grapefruit wedge, if desired.
Garnishing
A simple citrus garnish like a lime, lemon, or grapefruit wedge complements the drink's flavors and adds a touch of visual appeal. The garnish is typically optional.
- Lime or Grapefruit Wedge - placed on the rim of the glass or dropped into the drink.
Dietary Information
The Greyhound is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. When made with vodka distilled from sources like potatoes or corn, or with most gins, it is also gluten-free and suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
The drink is relatively low in calories, with most of its carbohydrates and sugar coming naturally from the grapefruit juice. Nutritional values can vary based on the sweetness of the juice used.
Calories
Averagely 170 kcal / 711 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 14 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 13 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This drink's light and refreshing character makes it ideal for daytime events like brunch, picnics, or summer parties. It is also a perfect choice for a simple, no-fuss cocktail at a casual gathering or as a relaxing afternoon sipper.
- Brunch
- Summer Party
- Afternoon Drink
- Casual Gathering
Pairing suggestions
The Greyhound's tartness cuts through richness and complements saltiness well. It pairs excellently with brunch dishes, light seafood appetizers, and a variety of salty snacks, making it a versatile choice for food pairing.
- Salty Snacks (e.g., pretzels, nuts, potato chips)
- Light Seafood (e.g., shrimp cocktail, ceviche)
- Brunch Foods (e.g., eggs Benedict, quiche)
- Simple Salads
The Greyhound: A Refreshing Sprint to Simplicity
The Greyhound is a classic two-ingredient cocktail celebrated for its refreshing simplicity and invigorating taste. Its straightforward combination of vodka (or gin) and tart grapefruit juice creates a crisp, clean, and perfectly balanced drink. Ideal for brunch, warm afternoons, or any occasion that calls for an easy-to-make yet satisfying beverage. The Greyhound's timeless, no-fuss nature makes it a perennial favorite for those who appreciate a sharp, citrus-forward profile.