Gin Greyhound Cocktail

Bright, tart, and refreshingly simple, the Gin Greyhound is a grapefruit-driven cocktail that lets gin’s botanicals do quiet, confident work. This variation on the classic Greyhound swaps vodka for gin, adding aromatic depth while keeping the drink clean and highly drinkable. It’s an ideal choice for warm afternoons, brunch tables, or anytime you want citrus without sweetness.

Background

The Greyhound cocktail dates back to the mid-20th century, originally built with vodka and grapefruit juice as a no-nonsense highball. Using gin instead of vodka became a natural variation as gin regained popularity, giving the drink more character without complicating its minimalist structure.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• Gin – Provides botanical structure and subtle complexity beneath the citrus.
• Grapefruit Juice – Brings sharp acidity and refreshing bitterness that defines the drink.

Substitution notes:
No fresh grapefruit? Use high-quality refrigerated juice, but expect less brightness. Vodka can replace gin if you want the classic Greyhound profile.

Equipment

• Highball glass
• Bar spoon

Why You’ll Love It

This drink is all about restraint. Two ingredients, zero garnish required, and a flavor profile that stays crisp from first sip to last. The gin adds just enough nuance to keep grapefruit juice from feeling one-dimensional.

Substitutions & Variations

• Salty Dog variation: Rim the glass with salt before building.
• Softer citrus: Split grapefruit juice with fresh orange juice.
• Herbal twist: Try a floral or cucumber-forward gin for a gentler botanical note.

Helpful Tips

• Always serve well chilled. Plenty of ice keeps the acidity sharp and refreshing.
• Pink or ruby red grapefruit juice produces a rounder flavor than white grapefruit.
• This cocktail pairs especially well with salty snacks or light seafood.