This rosemary greyhound cocktail recipe is made with vodka and grapefruit juice and sweetened with rosemary simple syrup. A pretty pink drink that’s super easy to make, and even easier to drink!

What is a Greyhound?

The Greyhound is a simple cocktail that consists of grapefruit juice and gin or vodka. The name “Greyhound” is said to have been made popular by the restaurant chain “Greyhound Post House” which was associated with the Greyhound bus terminals, but there’s not a lot of hard evidence to know whether or not that’s the real origin.

Regardless, it’s a good cocktail (actually GREAT) and is perfect for a fun happy hour with friends, a pitcher for a gathering, or just a weeknight night cap!

What Makes This Recipe Great

This delicious grapefruit cocktail is infused with rosemary simple syrup, vodka, and grapefruit juice and garnished with a sprig of rosemary for a Homemade Rosemary Greyhound Cocktail that you can drink all year long!

The sweet and savory simple syrup mixed with the tart grapefruit juice makes this easy-to-drink cocktail bursting with flavor. The rosemary garnish gives this grapefruit cocktail a great scent with every sip. Plus, it’s the perfect little stirring tool to mix up your drink as you sip it.

Ingredient Notes

This classic greyhound cocktail is made with simple ingredients and a cocktail shaker!

ingredients to make a grapefruit cocktail

Fresh Rosemary: Fresh is best for this rosemary cocktail, for both the simple syrup and the garnish. If you have a home garden, I recommend growing your own rosemary! It’s super easy and so nice to have on hand.

Sugar: This grapefruit cocktail recipe calls for 2 cups of regular sugar for the simple syrup. You can also sub monk fruit sweetener or Swerve, or another 1:1 sugar replacement if you’re looking to make a “skinnier” grapefruit cocktail version.

Vodka: Use your favorite! You can also swap this for gin if desired.

Grapefruit Juice: I like Ruby Red for this greyhound cocktail recipe, but to make it skinny, you could also use fresh grapefruit juice, but it’ll be a little more tart.

Step-by-Step Instructions

a photo of a measuring glass pouring rosemary simple syrup into a glass jar

Rosemary Simple Syrup

  1. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, dissolve the sugar into the water for about 5 minutes. Do not let the mixture boil, or crystals will form.
  2. In a heat-safe container, pour the warm sugar water mixture over the rosemary sprigs and let it steep for at least 1 hour.
  3. Store the simple syrup in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 10 days.

Rosemary Greyhound Cocktail

  1. In a cocktail shaker filled with plenty of ice, combine the vodka, rosemary simple syrup, and pink grapefruit juice.
  2. Strain into a tall glass of ice, then garnish your with a sprig of rosemary, and enjoy!
two glasses filled with rosemary greyhound cocktails next to half a grapefruit

Expert Tips

Grapefruit Juice: I prefer Ruby Red grapefruit juice, but any kind will work. You can also use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, and adjust the amount to taste (as it will be a little more tart).

Pitcher: To make a pitcher of this rosemary cocktail, click on the printable recipe below and select print. Increase the servings to 8-12 (or however many cocktails you need!) and the ingredients will automatically adjust! This grapefruit cocktail is the perfect signature cocktail at an event or gathering, so make as much as you need!

Variations: One variation of the Greyhound is the Salty Dog, which is a Greyhound cocktail served in a glass with a salted rim.

a closeup of a glass filled with vodka and grapefruit juice with a rosemary infused simple syrup

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this grapefruit cocktail keto-friendly?

Yes! To make this keto friendly, simply swap the sugar in the simple syrup for monk fruit sweetener or Swerve sugar replacement, and use 2 oz of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. Each serving will be just 5.5 net carbs.

Can I save the leftovers?

Yes! If you make a pitcher of this classic cocktail and want to keep it on hand, simply store it in the refrigerator with a lid and give it a good stir before serving over a glass of ice. It should last for up to a week!

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Rosemary Greyhound Cocktail

This sweet & savory rosemary greyhound cocktail recipe is made with vodka, grapefruit juice and rosemary simple syrup. A pretty pink drink that's super easy to make, and even easier to drink!
4.81 from 21 ratings

Ingredients 
 

Rosemary Simple Syrup

  • 2 cups of water
  • 2 cups of sugar
  • 6 sprigs of rosemary

Cocktail

  • 2 ounces vodka
  • 1/2 ounce rosemary simple syrup
  • 4 ounces grapefruit juice
  • sprig of rosemary for garnish

Instructions 

  • Simple Syrup: In a small sauce pan over medium low heat, dissolve the sugar into the water for about 5 minutes. Do not let the mixture boil or crystals will form. In a heat safe container, pour the warm sugar water mixture over the rosemary sprigs and let it steep for at least 1 hour. The rosemary simple syrup will keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 10 days.
  • Cocktail: In tall glass filled with ice combine the vodka, rosemary simple syrup and grapefruit juice. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

Notes

Grapefruit Juice: I prefer Ruby Red grapefruit juice, but any kind will work. You can also use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, and adjust the amount to taste.
Pitcher: To make a pitcher, click on the printable recipe below and select print. Increase the servings to 8-12 (or however many cocktails you need!) and the ingredients will automatically adjust! This grapefruit cocktail is the perfect signature cocktail at an event or gathering, so make as much as you need!
Calories: 235, Total Carbs: 26.3g, Protein: 0.7g, Fat: 0.3g, Fiber: 0.8g, Net Carbs: 26g
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