Italian greyhound is a pretty pink gin cocktail made with fresh grapefruit, Aperol liqueur and a sparkling rosemary sugar rim.
This Italian greyhound pink gin cocktail made with fresh grapefruit juice and a dash of bitter liqueur hits the spot when you’re craving adult refreshment.
It’s a great drink to make any time of year, and it’s not too sweet or strong.
There’s really nothing better than winding down with a glass of chilled rosé or prosecco at the end of the day, especially during the warmer months, but every once in a while a gin cocktail is in order.
Molly of Orangette wrote about a pretty salmon-colored drink she liked that included the liqueur Aperol, a brand of Italian bitters very much like Campari.
That drink, a Pamplemousse, is mixed with fresh grapefruit juice and white wine.
But it reminded me how refreshing grapefruit juice can be in a cocktail, especially when combined with gin and blended into concoctions like a Salty Dog.
After a short search around my local liquor stores, I rounded up a bottle of Aperol.
It’s not quite as bitter as Campari, with a tiny bit more sweetness and more complex hints of herbal-citrus flavors.
I embellished this Italian greyhound by rimming the glass with rosemary sugar, which tempers the bitter edge of the grapefruit and Aperol with every sip. Rosemary sugar is easy to make: Mix 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves with 1/4 cup sugar.
You will love, love, love this drink! It’s dangerously thirst-quenching.
If you’re not usually a fan of gin, an Italian greyhound is a good place to get acquainted.
The complexity of herbs, roots and botanicals that go into a good gin match up nicely with grapefruit juice and aromatic piney rosemary.
Italian Greyhound Cocktail with Rosemary Sugar
If you're looking for an easy twist on the classic greyhound, this Italian Greyhound cocktail will do the trick. It's a thirst-quenching gin cocktail with fresh red grapefruit juice and Aperol liqueur.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 or 2 ounces gin
- 4 ounces freshly squeezed pink or red grapefruit juice
- 1 ounce Aperol or Campari liqueur
- Rosemary sprig, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the rosemary and sugar and spread on a small plate.
- Rub the edge of a glass on a wedge of fresh citrus — grapefruit would be perfect — then press the glass onto the plate, turning to coat.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice. Add the gin, juice and Aperol. Garnish with a rosemary spring
- Swirl or stir gently. Enjoy.
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Hi there! I’m Karen, a mother of two and a professionally trained cook certified in holistic nutrition.
As the recipe developer, photographer and publisher of Familystyle Food, I share recipes and tips for making easy seasonal meals that are healthy and flavorful. Learn more about me here.
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Carl says
My mouth is watering. Love collecting cocktail recipes and sharing with friends.
Jacqueline says
What a shame. I’m reading this at 8 a.m. Will have to wait at least a couple of hours to try it.
amy says
I read the same post at Orangette, and went to find some Aperol. I had been drinking Kettle One, grapefruit and Campari and thought I would try Aperol instead. I like them both, but still prefer the Campari.
I was also surprised to see you call gin and grapefruit a “greyhound.” I usually think of a greyhound being grapefruit and vodka.
Lindsay @ Pinch of Yum says
I could feel my lips pucker from the sweetness of the sugar from just looking at the picture. Really, I did. This is lovely!!
Karen says
Lindsay – ha! I love that you had that reaction.
Hi Amy. I’m glad I found the Aperol. I’ll never abandon Campari, but it adds a little different “something” that I like.
Yes, and funny that we think of Greyhound as a vodka drink these days. Traditionally it was made with gin. Just like martinis, gin has gone out of fashion in favor of vodka. I’d be telling my age, but I worked in a bar when I was in college, and served lots of gin Greyhounds!
Jacqueline. I agree. But now you have something to look forward to later today. 😀
Hi Carl! So glad to see your comment. I wish I could clink glasses with you.
Carolyn Jung says
This looks like one of those addicting drinks you have to have seconds of! LOL
Beautiful color, and I love the rosemary in it.
Lynn says
That looks so refreshing! I am not a big Gin drinker but I’m going to go find some Aperol and make one with vodka. Could be my new summer cocktail!
eatlovedrink says
That sounds great! I drink gin a lot and Aperol a lot, but I don’t usually combine them…and with grapefruit, another fav! I’ll definitely be making this one. Also, love the idea of a rosemary sugared rim. Really creative. I can totally imagine how wonderful that would be with this cocktail…and others…hmm…dreaming of weekend cocktails…
Thanks! I’m really excited about this one!
sara says
Wow, what a gorgeous photo! This drink looks SO yummy!
Peggy says
The color alone on this drink is reason enough to make it! Sounds absolutely delicious! =)
susie says
I love Campari, so I am going on the hunt for Aperol! Will skip the rosemary sugar however, I once pricked my lip with fresh rosemary and my entire face swelled…apparently I am allergic! Beautiful bog…
Josh says
I’ll go with tradition and stick with gin. I just made a batch of these, but carbonated them. Very refreshing. Made for a wonderful Sunday afternoon.
The Cilantropist says
Ah yes, another great grapefruit cocktail! I love it! The color is really beautiful, and I am sure the rosemary sugar enhances the flavor of the gin.
Michael says
I had a very successful run with the following recipe at a restaurant I often consult for:
1 1/2 oz. Charbay Ruby Red Grapefruit
3 oz. Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Juice (I prefer the cocktail variety, of course)
1/2 oz. Rosemary-infused Simple Syrup
In a seltzer bottle, combine 8 oz. Aperol with 8 oz. of Sparkling water and charge.
In a tall Collins glass rimmed with half turbinado sugar and kosher salt, add large ice cubes and the first 3 ingredients (adjust the Rosemary Syrup to taste) and stir well. Top with 1oz. of the Aperol Spritz. Garnish with a candied slice of grapefruit and sip to your heart’s content!
Maryanne Ashton-Sporne says
I breed and exhibit Italian Greyhounds. I am going to provide these cocktails at my housewarming in the next couple of months.
ashlie says
this sounds really good! and i love the glasses you used!
Terri says
This is my new drink for the summer. I fell in love with Aperol on a trip to Venice, and am so happy to see it available in the States. I make mine with vodka because gin makes me mean.
Karen says
Ha – Terri you made me smile. Best to love Aperol while in Venice (or anywhere) than to drink gin and get mad! Cheers.
Ponyfaceparkin says
oooh I can’t wait until Yardarms for this one 🙂
Sarah | Shine Food says
A sexy drink indeed! The rosemary sugar is what really makes this special (as well as your gorgeously clean and calm photos!).
We’re rounding-up everyone’s sexiest recipes this month on the Shine Supper Club and this would make an excellent contender. I hope you’ll join us!
MAYA @ MAYA- KITCHENETTE says
wow !! rosemary sugar looks freaking yummy !! thank you karen 🙂
Krizza says
Hi! I’m a staff writer for Spoon University (UT Austin chapter) and I just wanted to make sure that it was okay if I linked your recipe in one of my articles: https://spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/7-cocktails-make-next-spring-soiree/
Thanks,
Krizza