Home » Cocktails » Refreshing Grapefruit and Basil Gin Cocktail Recipe (Basil Greyhound)

Refreshing Grapefruit and Basil Gin Cocktail Recipe (Basil Greyhound)

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This delicious and fruity Gin Basil Grapefruit Cocktail recipe is the perfect refreshing grapefruit drink to enjoy this summer. Fresh basil adds a herbal twist to this classic Greyhound cocktail recipe that just takes minutes to mix together!

A grapefruit cocktail on a white marble board garnished with fresh basil.
Let’s make this Basil Greyhound recipe!

This Grapefruit Gin Cocktail is super tart and refreshing but still has a hint of sweetness from my homemade basil simple syrup.

It’s the new citrus cocktail recipe you didn’t know you needed. And you’ll sip it all summer long.

A gin cocktail perfect for summer

A Greyhound is a classic gin cocktail recipe that simply mixes fresh grapefruit juice with gin, served over ice. If you give your glass a salted rim you’ve got a Salty Dog. But if you add a basil-infused simple syrup?

Well, I don’t know what it is called. Ha!

I love a good classic cocktail. But a classic cocktail I can put my own unique twist on so I can look fancy without actually putting all that much effort in. And this Greyhound with basil is just that!

Related: Aperol Gin and Tonic

Grapefruit juice and gin can sometimes be a little too tart and strong on their own. over ice sounds like it needs a hint of sweetness, and

By adding basil simple syrup, you get the perfect touch of sweetness and it makes a refreshing and thoroughly enjoyable grapefruit cocktail when served over ice.

You’ll be making this Gin Basil Grapefruit Cocktail on repeat all summer long.

Ingredients

Ingredients for a grapefruit gin cocktail on the kitchen counter.
Just 3 ingredients are needed to make this simple grapefruit cocktail with gin!

Here is what you need to make an easy Basil Grapefruit Cocktail:

I infuse my own basil simple syrup to add a herbal flavor to all my favorite drinks for summer. But, if you don’t want this extra step use regular simple syrup and muddle some fresh basil with the grapefruit juice in the cocktail shaker.

To add extra basil flavor to your drink, you can still do it even if you’re using basil simple syrup.

I’m really loving Tanqueray gin right now as it works so well in all gin-based drinks, but feel free to reach for your favorite bottle or use what you already have.

See the printable recipe card for quantities and full recipe.

Directions

Woman pouring a measure of gin into a cocktail shaker.

Step 1

Measure the gin over ice into a cocktail shaker.

Woman pouring grapefruit juice into a cocktail shaker.

Step 2

Add the grapefruit juice and basil simple syrup.

Woman in a black and white top shaking a silver cocktail shaker.

Step 3

Shake well.

Woman pouring a grapefruit juice cocktail into a tumbler of ice.

Step 4

Strain over ice in a short cocktail glass and garnish with fresh grapefruit slices and fresh basil leaves if you’re feeling fancy!

Hint: for extra basil aroma (which will enhance the flavor of basil in your drink as it hits your nose) clap the basil between your palms before garnishing the drink with it.

Variations

  • Add soda water – this drink is tasty on its own but it is also nice served as a longer drink topped up with soda water to add a little fizz.
  • Change the spiritvodka or tequila blanco would both be delicious in place of the gin in this recipe.
  • No alcohol – simply use a 0% gin for a no alcohol version of this grapefruit basil cocktail without losing the botanical flavors from the gin. If you want to serve this to kids and don’t feel comfortable giving them the no alcohol versions of spirits, simply combine the fresh grapefruit juice and basil simple syrup and top up with soda water. I love AVEC’s Grapefruit & Pomelo mixer as it will also add flavors of vanilla and black pepper to the drink. Yum!

Top tips

  • Make the basil simple syrup ahead so it is cool enough not to melt the ice in the cocktail shaker when you make your drink.
  • If you’re making a big batch of this grapefruit basil cocktail for a gathering squeeze the grapefruit juice up to a day in advance and keep it in the fridge.
Grapefruit cocktail garnished with fresh basil next to a bottle of gin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any other herbs in this recipe?

The basil is in the infused simple syrup I’ve used in this cocktail but if you have rosemary or thyme-infused syrup at home both herbs also pair really well with grapefruit and gin. Don’t go making a new flavored simple syrup when you already have one you can use!

Can I substitute bottled grapefruit juice in this gin cocktail?

I like the super tart flavor of fresh grapefruit juice but you can easily use bottled in a pinch. It will instantly make the drink a little sweeter from the added sugars in the juice.

Can I make this cocktail a little sweeter?

I get it, grapefruit can be quite tart and that may not quite be your thing. Feel free to up the simple syrup a bit, or use red or ruby grapefruit which are a little sweeter than the regular ones.

Printable pages on top of an image of kitchen gadgets with text next to it.

A few more easy grapefruit recipes you might enjoy

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Close up of a grapefruit cocktail garnished with fresh grapefruit juice and basil.

A Refreshing Grapefruit Basil Gin Cocktail Recipe For Summer

This fruity Gin Basil Grapefruit Cocktail recipe is the perfect refreshing grapefruit drink (and is also known as a Greyhound!) made with basil simple syrup and your favorite gin.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: cocktails
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Calories: 188kcal
Servings: 1 cocktail

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add the grapefruit juice, basil simple syrup and gin to a cocktail shaker with ice.
  • Shake well.
  • Strain over fresh ice in a short cocktail glass.

Notes

I infuse my own basil simple syrup. But, if you don’t want this extra step use regular simple syrup and muddle some fresh basil with the grapefruit juice in the cocktail shaker. To add extra basil flavor to your drink, you can still do this even if you’re using basil simple syrup.
For extra basil aroma (which will enhance the flavor of basil in your drink as it hits your nose) clap the basil between your palms before garnishing the drink with it.
This drink is tasty on it’s own but it is also nice served as a longer drink topped up with soda water to add a little fizz.

Nutrition

Serving: 1drink | Calories: 188kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 17mg | Potassium: 65mg | Fiber: 0.03g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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