This Greyhound cocktail is a little different than the rest. Vodka replaces gin in this classic cocktail and sparkling grapefruit juice adds effervescence and sweetness.
But the real palate pleasure is the rosemary!
Greyhound Cocktail Origin
This Greyhound cocktail is a sophisticated sort of cocktail. It has a sleek name and the ingredients are somewhat classy. I mean, your average watering holes don’t typically serve cocktails infused with rosemary.
According to Wikipedia, the Greyhound cocktail gets its name from a drink that was served in the ’40s at restaurants found in Greyhound bus stations. The original version has vodka, sugar, and canned grapefruit juice. I believe this version tastes infinitely better.
It does make you wonder how cocktails get their names. Certain ones, like Ginger Maple Bourbon Cocktail clearly disclose what the cocktail contains.
Other cocktails like this Bubbly Irish simply elude to ingredients hidden within. An often, cocktails are named after a person (Vodka Collins) or a place (Cape Cod). And sometimes, cocktail names make no sense at all. Those are the ones that get me.
Cocktails like “Sex on the Beach”, “Foghorn”, “Veterinary”, “Peach Bullfrog” or even the “high ball”, I suppose I can infer what they taste like, but they are a bit much, don’t you think?
How To Make A Greyhound Cocktail
This greyhound just fits me. You find Greyhounds made with gin, however, I prefer to use vodka. The grapefruit is a sparkling grapefruit beverage (I used Izze brand). I like the hint of sweetness and the way the bubbles dance on your lips and tongue, but it is the fresh rosemary that makes this cocktail stand out.
STEP ONE – In a small saucepan, combine the water and the sugar and bring to a boil over medium heat. When the sugar has dissolved add fresh rosemary sprigs and continue to boil on medium-low until the mixture becomes thick and reduces. Remove the rosemary and allow the syrup to cool.
STEP TWO – In a cocktail shaker combine the syrup, the vodka, and the juice from the lemon; shake and strain into two glasses filled with ice. Top each glass with grapefruit soda. Serve
I know using fresh rosemary may seem odd as it is a savory herb used in cooking, but it adds a clean, woodsy, and fragrant counterpart to the bubbly citrus.
Garnish your cocktail with fresh rosemary sprigs, perhaps a lemon slice or two, and enjoy each sip of this refreshing and simple cocktail!
Greyhound cocktails are similar to a Salty Dog cocktail. A salty dog is a cocktail of gin or vodka, and grapefruit juice and is served in a highball glass with a salted rim. The salt is the only difference between a salty dog and a greyhound
An Italian Greyhound cocktail is made quite the same way but also has the addition of colorful Aperol (and Italian Aperitif).
This cocktail is crisp, fresh, and refreshing! You will love the clean citrusy taste! This cocktail is wonderful during the summer months, but is great all year long as grapefruit is in season for a better part of the year!
Rosemary Greyhound Cocktail
This Greyhound cocktail is a little different than the rest. Vodka replaces gin in this classic cocktail and sparkling grapefruit juice adds effervescence and sweetness.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 2-4 Rosemary sprigs
- 4 oz vodka
- The juice from one lemon
- 1 bottle of grapefruit soda (I used Izze)
Instructions
In a small saucepan, combine the water and the sugar and bring to a boil over medium heat. When the sugar has dissolved add the rosemary and continue to boil on medium low until the mixture becomes thick and reduces. Remove the rosemary and allow the syrup to cool.
In a cocktail shaker combine the syrup, the vodka and the juice from the lemon; shake and strain into two glasses filled with ice. Top each glass with grapefruit soda. Serve
Nutrition Information
Amount Per Serving Calories 0Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 0mgFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 0g
donna c says
I’m a gin girl, but thanks for the idea! I’m going to play around with this one!