The drink made from grapefruit juice and vodka is called a Greyhound. It’s a simple and refreshing cocktail that typically combines grapefruit juice, vodka, and ice. The grapefruit juice provides a sweet and sour citrus flavor that pairs nicely with the vodka’s smoothness and kick.
In the opening paragraphs, it’s important to answer key questions upfront:
What are the main ingredients in a Greyhound drink?
The two primary ingredients in a Greyhound are:
– Grapefruit juice – This provides the signature citrus flavor. Freshly squeezed juice is best, but store-bought is fine too.
– Vodka – A neutral spirit like vodka allows the grapefruit flavor to shine. Standard vodkas like Smirnoff or Titos work well.
What is the ratio of grapefruit juice to vodka?
The typical Greyhound ratio is:
– 2 parts fresh grapefruit juice
– 1 part vodka
So for example, a common recipe would be:
– 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
– 1 oz vodka
This balances the sweet/tart juice with the vodka’s kick. The juice takes center stage while the vodka adds boozy depth.
How did the Greyhound cocktail get its name?
There are a few origin theories about how the Greyhound got its name:
– The grapefruit flavor resembles the bittersweet taste of the actual grapefruit fruit, which has a grayish-yellow rind.
– The vodka gives the juice a “kick” similar to a greyhound dog taking off running.
– The appearance of a tall, narrow Greyhound glass resembles a greyhound dog physique.
Whatever the exact origin, the grapefruit-vodka pairing evokes imagery of the fast, sleek dogs.
History of the Greyhound Drink
Now that we’ve covered the key questions, let’s dive deeper into the full history behind the Greyhound cocktail:
Invention in the 1920s
The Greyhound is believed to have been invented in the 1920s Prohibition era in the United States. With alcohol outlawed, underground bars and speakeasies served freshly squeezed grapefruit juice as a handy way to mask the flavor of cheap illicit spirits like bathtub gin. Adding juice to liquor became common practice during this time.
Rise of American cocktails
After Prohibition ended in 1933, the Greyhound emerged as an early example of a quintessentially American cocktail. Unlike old European liqueur-heavy drinks, it showed off New World ingredients like citrus fruits, vodka, and simple recipes.
Post-World War II popularity
The Greyhound really took off after World War II. Soldiers stationed in Europe developed a taste for vodka cocktails. When they returned home, vodka surged in popularity as a mixer. Around this time, Americans also fell in love with quick and easy foods like TV dinners—and the Greyhound fit right into this convenience culture with just 2-3 ingredients and fast assembly.
The rise of brunch
In recent decades, the Greyhound has become a popular brunch cocktail. Mornings are ideal drinking times for light, refreshing beverages rather than heavier cocktails. The grapefruit juice provides some needed Vitamin C and potassium. Plus a touch of alcohol helps kickstart the day.
Making the Perfect Greyhound
While the Greyhound is simple in concept, there are some tips and tricks to mixing up a perfect glass:
Ingredients
– Grapefruit juice – Freshly squeezed juice has the best flavor and natural sugars. If using store-bought, check the label to make sure grapefruit is the only ingredient.
– Vodka – A basic 80 proof vodka like Smirnoff, Absolut, or Titos works best. Avoid flavored vodka.
– Ice – Use fresh ice cubes. Cracked ice can water down the drink.
Ratios
– 2 parts fresh grapefruit juice
– 1 part vodka
Adjust ratios to taste preference, but this 2:1 ratio highlights the grapefruit.
Glassware
– Highball glass – This elongates the drink’s appearance like a greyhound dog.
– Copper mug – Some prefer a copper mug, which keeps the drink extra cold.
– Mason jar – For a rustic brunch look, try a mason jar.
Garnishes
– Grapefruit wedge or wheel – Rim the glass with grapefruit essence.
– Sprig of mint – Brightens up the citrus flavor.
– Sugared rim – Contrasts with grapefruit tartness.
– Salt or pepper rim – Adds a savory edge.
Preparation
– Add ample ice to chill the glass.
– Squeeze in fresh grapefruit juice.
– Pour in vodka.
– Gently stir 3-4 rotations with a barspoon.
– Garnish with grapefruit wedge, mint, or salted/sugared rim.
– Serve immediately before ice melts.
Enjoying the Greyhound Drinking Experience
Now for the best part – actually drinking and enjoying this classic cocktail:
Appreciate the aroma
Before your first sip, take a moment to inhale the Greyhound’s bright, sunny grapefruit scent. The aroma helps prime your senses.
Savor the first sip
Let the chilled cocktail wash over your tongue and appreciate the balance of sweet citrus flavor and smooth yet strong vodka.
Note the refreshing experience
As you continue to imbibe, note how the drink quenches your thirst while perking up your mind and body. The Greyhound is as refreshing as a cool breeze.
Be present in the moment
Focus your attention – don’t gulp this cocktail down mindlessly. Tune into the present experience one satisfying sip at a time.
Feel comfortable ordering it
The Greyhound isn’t some obscure mixology concoction. Feel confident striding up to any bar and ordering this classic, beloved drink.
Similar Drinks to Try
Once you master the standard Greyhound, try your hand at these delicious variations:
Salty Dog
Swaps out vodka for gin and adds a salty rim, hence the “salty” name. The gin’s herbal juniper notes play nicely with the grapefruit.
Paloma
Substitutes grapefruit juice with lime juice and tequila instead of vodka for a Mexican twist. Often garnished with grapefruit soda like Squirt or Jarritos.
Sea Breeze
Incorporates cranberry juice and vodka for a slightly tart, fruitier profile. A popular brunch option.
Harvey Wallbanger
Adds Galliano liqueur to vodka and orange juice. Greyhound fans will appreciate the similar citrus vibe.
Vodka Cranberry
A simpler cousin, swapping in cranberry juice for grapefruit. Also called a Cape Codder.
| Drink Name | Base Spirit | Juice | Additional Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | Vodka | Grapefruit | None |
| Salty Dog | Gin | Grapefruit | Salty rim |
| Paloma | Tequila | Lime | Grapefruit soda |
| Sea Breeze | Vodka | Cranberry & Grapefruit | None |
| Harvey Wallbanger | Vodka | Orange | Galliano liqueur |
| Vodka Cranberry | Vodka | Cranberry | None |
The Greyhound’s Pop Culture Appearances
Beyond being a mainstay drink, the Greyhound has made memorable cameos in movies, TV shows, and songs over the years:
Movies
– James Bond drinks a Greyhound in 1965’s Thunderball
– A retired hitman frequents a bar serving Greyhounds in The Matador (2005)
– Ryan Gosling’s character makes them for Emma Stone’s in Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)
Television
– An early Mad Men episode features Betty Draper sipping Greyhounds at a country club luncheon
– Carrie Bradshaw orders a round in an episode of Sex and The City
– The cocktail appears in True Blood, New Girl, General Hospital, and Beverly Hills, 90210
Music
– The Beastie Boys include a Greyhound recipe in their song “The New Style”
– Rapper Eve mentions Greyhounds in her hit song “Tambourine”
– Rock band Better Than Ezra refers to the drink in their song “A Lifetime”
The Rise of Grapefruit in Cocktails
The Greyhound helped establish grapefruit as an integral cocktail ingredient. Here are some ways grapefruit became a bartending staple:
Year-round availability
Modern agriculture allowed grapefruits to be grown and sold all year, unlike seasonal fruits. This made grapefruit juice easy to use in drinks year-round.
National distribution
Grapefruits became available nationwide as railroads and refrigeration expanded their reach beyond just Florida and Texas in the early 20th century.
Health-consciousness
Grapefruit increased in popularity in the 1950s-60s as a low-calorie, high-vitamin health food. Cocktails highlighted its slick associations with weight loss and wellness.
Rise of snacking citrus
Packaged juices and invented fruits like tangerines made citrus a popular between-meal snack. This cemented citrus as an anytime drink ingredient vs only breakfast.
Vodka’s versatility
Vodka surpassed gin as the most-used liquor starting in the 1950s. Its neutral flavor profile complemented grapefruit without overpowering.
| Decade | Drink Trends | Result for Grapefruit |
|---|---|---|
| Early 1900s | Year-round availability | Could use grapefruit juice any season |
| 1920s-30s | Prohibition ingenuity | Mixed with illicit booze to mask flavors |
| Mid-century | Rise of convenience culture | Perceived as easy, fast cocktail ingredient |
| 1950s-60s | Health and diet crazes | Seen as low-calorie, nutritious choice |
| 1960s+ | Vodka overtakes gin | Vodka highlights grapefruit without overpowering |
The Greyhound’s Recent Revival
While always a staple drink, the Greyhound has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years:
Rise of the brunch cocktail
Daytime and weekend drinking culture increased interest in lighter, fruit-forward drinks. The tangy, refreshing Greyhound fits brunch perfectly.
Millennial interest in classics
Many younger millennials came to appreciate the simple allure of no-frills classics like the Greyhound in the 2010s amidst ornate cocktail trends.
Enhanced cocktail culture
The craft cocktail renaissance led bartenders to spotlight heritage recipes. The Greyhound appeared on more menus as customers sought stories and origins.
Appreciation of balance
In today’s health and wellness era, many look closer at ABV (alcohol by volume) and balanced drinking. The Greyhound’s low alcohol percentage appeals.
Nostalgic retro appeal
Mid-century nostalgia in fashion and design also extended to retro cocktails. The Mad Men-era Greyhound fits this vintage recreation craze.
Key Takeaways
To recap this exploration of the Greyhound cocktail:
– It combines 2 parts fresh grapefruit juice with 1 part vodka, typically garnished with a grapefruit wedge.
– The Greyhound likely originated during 1920s Prohibition as a way to mask bathtub liquor flavors.
– It rose to popularity after World War II as a convenient, easy American cocktail.
– Versions like the Salty Dog and Paloma riff on the classic recipe.
– The drink helped establish grapefruit as a staple cocktail ingredient.
– In recent years it has enjoyed a revival in brunch and classic cocktail culture.
So next time you’re looking for a crisp, tangy drink with some zip, consider the iconic Greyhound. Salud!