- Oct 11, 2020
- 2 min read

Greyhound

Looking for another simple Vodka drink to try out ? Well we are back with another one that is as easy as it gets to make. This is the Greyhound.

The Greyhound is another Vodka based Highball drink (technically not a cocktail) that you will probably realise is very similar the Screwdriver. The only difference between these two drink is the mixer fruit juice has changed from Orange to Grapefruit. The earliest record of this drink is in Harry Craddocks Savoy Cocktail Book of 1930 where the drink is described as “a variation of the Grapefruit Cocktail”. This would suggest that similar recipes existed before this date in different books. Harrys recipe consisted of Gin , Grapefruit juice and ice.

A recipe for a similar cocktail with the name "Greyhound" appears in Harper's magazine in 1945 saying: "The cocktails were made of vodka, sugar, and canned grapefruit juice -- a greyhound”. This cocktail was served at Greyhound's popular restaurant chain that was located at bus terminals, called 'Post House'." Before 1945 Vodka was not a popular spirit in drink like in many “classy cocktails” we like to think of today. Instead most of these recipes would have Gin in them instead of Vodka. After 1945 Vodkas popularity grew and as a result Gins waned. One of the most popular examples of this change in drinks over time is a classic Martini , which started out as just a Gin cocktail but has since evolved and now has a Vodka variation.

The Greyhound itself has a few variations including the “Salty Dog” which sees the drink have a salted rim glass. This was served a lot during prohibition in America as at the time the quality of alcoholic drinks was not so good. Its flavour is sweet and simple, if you have ever tried Grapefruit juice on its own this is essentially what you are getting with the alcohol content of the Vodka in it. This is defiantly one for those who like their drinks bitter as that is the nature of Grapefruit juice. So, if you are looking to make a quick and easy vodka drink and are short on fancy mixers, the Greyhound is certainly an option for you . Here is how it is made.