A Rosemary Greyhound cocktail adds a fresh twist to the classic Greyhound drink. This simple yet tasty mix brings together grapefruit juice, vodka, and a touch of rosemary for a refreshing drink.
The recipe calls for 2 ounces of vodka, 4 ounces of fresh grapefruit juice, and a sprig of rosemary – just shake with ice and strain into a glass. The rosemary adds a nice herbal note that works well with the tart grapefruit.
This drink works great for spring and summer gatherings. The pink color looks nice in a tall glass, and guests can garnish with extra rosemary sprigs for a fancy touch.
Rosemary Greyhound Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1 large sprig fresh rosemary plus extra for garnish
- Ice cubes for shaking and serving
- Optional: sugar for rim
- Optional: grapefruit wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Strip leaves from one rosemary sprig and place in cocktail shaker.
- Muddle the rosemary leaves gently to release oils.
- Add vodka and fresh grapefruit juice to the shaker.
- Double strain into an ice-filled highball glass.
- Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig and grapefruit wedge.
- Optional: Before filling glass, wet the rim with grapefruit juice and dip in sugar.
Notes
Tasting Notes
The Rosemary Greyhound cocktail offers a bright, crisp taste with a perfect balance of tart and herbal notes. Fresh grapefruit juice brings a zesty punch that wakes up the taste buds.
The smooth vodka base lets the other flavors shine while adding subtle warmth. Fresh rosemary adds an aromatic, pine-like quality that complements the grapefruit’s natural bitterness.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Primary: Tart grapefruit
- Secondary: Pine-like rosemary
- Base: Clean vodka
- Finish: Refreshing citrus
The drink starts with a bold citrus burst followed by gentle herbal undertones. The flavors blend together smoothly, creating a refined and refreshing experience.
A light sweetness from the grapefruit helps balance the drink’s tart elements. The rosemary’s gentle presence adds depth without taking over the cocktail’s flavor profile.
The finish is clean and bright, with lingering notes of citrus and herbs. This makes it an excellent choice for warm afternoons or early evening gatherings.
Substitute
You can swap rosemary greyhound ingredients while keeping the drink’s signature taste. Replace grapefruit juice with pink grapefruit soda for a fizzy twist. Mix in equal parts of the soda with vodka.
No fresh rosemary? Dried rosemary works in a pinch. Use 1/4 teaspoon of dried rosemary for each sprig of fresh rosemary. Let it steep in the drink for 2-3 minutes before straining.
Switch vodka with gin to create a herbal variation. Gin’s botanical notes work well with both rosemary and grapefruit flavors.
For a non-alcoholic version, replace vodka with sparkling water or tonic water. Add a splash of lime juice to balance the sweetness.
Alternative Grapefruit Options:
- Grapefruit-flavored sparkling water
- Freshly squeezed pomelo juice
- Store-bought grapefruit juice
- Ruby red grapefruit juice
These substitutes keep the drink’s essence while letting you work with what’s available. Each variation brings its own character to the cocktail.
