Introducing the perfect summer cocktail: The Greyhound

Cocktails come in all shapes and sizes, but there’s something special about the Greyhound Cocktail. This summer favourite combines vodka or gin with the zesty brightness of pink grapefruit juice.

The Greyhound Cocktail, known for its straightforward elegance, traces its roots back to the mid-20th century and gained popularity as a close relative of the classic Screwdriver. The primary difference between the two lies in the choice of citrus juice: the Screwdriver uses orange juice, whereas the Greyhound opts for the tangy allure of pink grapefruit juice.

Ingredients

• 50 ml of vodka or gin
• 100 ml of freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice
• Ice cubes
• Pink grapefruit slice or wedge for garnish
• Sugar (optional, for rimming the glass)
• A cocktail shaker (or a stirring glass if you prefer)

Method

1. Fill your cocktail shaker (or stirring glass) with ice cubes.
2. Measure out 50 ml of your preferred vodka or gin.
3. Add 100 ml of freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice.
4. Secure the shaker’s lid and give it a good shake to thoroughly chill and mix the ingredients. If you’re using a stirring glass, gently stir the contents to combine them.
5. Pour into a chilled glass.
6. For a final touch of elegance, garnish your Greyhound with a pink grapefruit slice or wedge.

Variations

The Greyhound Cocktail is wonderfully versatile, making it easy to customise to your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas for putting your own spin on this classic:

• Sweeten the deal: If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, add a touch of simple syrup or agave nectar to balance the tartness of the grapefruit juice.
• Salted rim: For an adventurous twist, try rimming the glass with a pinch of sea salt instead of sugar.
• Sparkling Greyhound: Top off your Greyhound with a splash of sparkling water or club soda to add effervescence and make it a bit lighter.
• Fresh herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a herbal infusion that complements the citrus notes.
• Frozen Greyhound: Blend your Greyhound with ice to create a slushy version perfect for hot South African summers.