Italian Greyhound Cocktail Recipe

Italian Greyhound Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol %:20%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Italian Greyhound is a variation of the classic Greyhound cocktail, which is simply vodka and grapefruit juice. The Italian Greyhound adds a splash of Campari, an Italian aperitif, giving the cocktail a bitter edge and a beautiful rosy color. It's a popular choice for those who enjoy a refreshing, citrusy drink with a bit of a kick.

How Italian Greyhound Tastes?

The Italian Greyhound is a refreshing, citrusy cocktail with a bitter edge. The sweetness of the grapefruit juice balances the bitterness of the Campari, while the vodka adds a smooth, strong undertone.

Interesting facts about Italian Greyhound

  • The Italian Greyhound is named after the dog breed, which is known for its speed and agility.
  • The cocktail is typically served in a highball glass with a salted rim.
  • Despite its Italian name, the cocktail is popular worldwide, especially in the United States.

Ingredients

A few good options for Italian Greyhound are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Vodka

Vodka is the backbone of this cocktail, providing a neutral base that lets the other ingredients shine. It's like the straight-laced friend who ensures everyone else has fun. At 2 oz, it keeps the party polite without getting wild. Skip the vodka, and you'll miss the kick that takes the edge off the Campari's bitterness. If you substitute it with gin, you'll add botanical notes; swap it for tequila, and you're veering into Paloma territory.

Emma Rose

Grapefruit Juice

Grapefruit juice is the party animal here, bringing brightness and a sour punch that livens up the mix. 4 oz is a nice balance to keep it from overshadowing the vodka and Campari. Imagine a dance floor without music if you leave it out — absolutely essential for the overall vibe. If grapefruit isn't your jam, try orange juice for a sweeter twist or if you're up for it, a dash of lemon for a tart kick.

Alex Green

Campari

At 1 oz, Campari brings enough mystery and intrigue with its herbal bitterness to make the cocktail interesting without causing a scene. Picture an unexpected plot twist in your favorite show; that's Campari for you. Leave it out, and the plot flatlines. WARNING: Overdo it, and you'll turn the cocktail into a bitter battleground. If Campari is too much for you, Aperol offers a sweeter, less intense experience without the kick.

Mary Mitkina

Salt

A pinch of salt doesn't just sit on the rim; it's the unexpected guest who spices up the conversation. That little pinch elevates the other flavors, just like the right emoji does in a text message 😉. Without it, you'll still have a cocktail, but with it, you've got a flavor gala. Substitute with sugar for a flirty edge, or go wild with a spiced rim for extra pizzazz.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Italian Greyhound Drink

  1. Rim a highball glass with salt.
  2. Fill the glass with ice.
  3. Pour in the vodka, grapefruit juice, and Campari.
  4. Stir well to combine.
  5. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh grapefruit juice for the best flavor.
  • If you want to add a bit of sweetness, you can add a splash of simple syrup.
  • For a smoky twist, try using mezcal instead of vodka.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese Plates: A variety of rich cheeses (think aged Parmesan or creamy goat cheese) can complement the bold flavors of the Italian Greyhound.
  • Seafood: Light seafood dishes like ceviche or grilled shrimp will harmonize with the citrus notes of the cocktail.
  • Salty Snacks: Olives, salted nuts, or even a small bowl of seasoned popcorn can enhance the salty rim of the drink.

Main Courses

  • Pasta: A light pasta dish with olive oil and garlic pairs nicely, especially if it contains bitter greens like arugula which echoes the bitterness of Campari.
  • Pizza: Opt for a pizza with less heavy toppings, such as a Margherita, to let the cocktail shine.

Desserts

  • Citrus Desserts: Lemon tarts or grapefruit sorbet will be a delightful match to the grapefruit in the cocktail.

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What you could change in Italian Greyhound

If you don't have Campari, you can substitute it with another bitter aperitif like Aperol. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, you can replace the grapefruit juice with orange juice.

Explore all drinks starting with I here

And of course - twists🍹

Ruby Red Greyhound

Swap out the regular grapefruit juice for ruby red grapefruit juice, and you'll add a hint of sweetness and a blushing color that's perfect for a summer soirée. Use 2 oz vodka, 4 oz ruby red grapefruit juice, and 1 oz Campari. You'll find a touch of sweetness taming the bitterness, creating a dance of flavors that's sure to please the palate.

Mediterranean Greyhound

Introduce a sprig of rosemary and a splash of elderflower liqueur into the mix. The rosemary adds an aromatic quality, while the elderflower offers a flowery sweetness. Stir 2 oz vodka, 3.5 oz grapefruit juice, 1 oz Campari, and 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur together. The flavor is like a gentle sea breeze with a floral whisper — a touch more complex and perfect for a fancy night in.

Spicy Greyhound

Give the Italian Greyhound a fiery spin by infusing the vodka with jalapeños. Let sliced jalapenos mingle with the vodka for a few hours. Then, shake 2 oz of the infused vodka with 4 oz grapefruit juice and 1 oz Campari. The heat will take you by surprise, igniting a fiery dance with the bitterness of Campari and the tartness of the grapefruit.

In case you forgot basics how to make Italian Greyhound

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Italian Greyhound

Can I prepare the Italian Greyhound cocktail ahead of time?

This cocktail is best served fresh for its tangy and refreshing attributes. However, you can prepare a larger batch of the cocktail mixture (excluding the ice) and store it in the fridge. Just before serving, add ice and give it a good stir.

Can I substitute vodka with another type of alcohol?

Yes, you may substitute vodka with gin or tequila, though it may affect the taste profile of the cocktail.

What is the best time to enjoy the Italian Greyhound cocktail?

The Italian Greyhound, being a refreshing and citrusy cocktail, is perfect for summertime enjoyment or as an aperitif to stimulate the appetite before meals.

Why is it called the 'Italian Greyhound'?

The cocktail takes its name from the Italian aperitif, Campari, used in its recipe and the Greyhound cocktail which it is a variant of. The Greyhound cocktail only includes grapefruit juice and vodka but the Italian Greyhound introduces Campari to give it a bitter edge.

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