If your lips pucker at the thought of sipping traditionally bitter grapefruit juice, fear not: This Ruth’s Chris Steak House recipe calls for a delicate, semisweet surprise of ruby red that will lure you over to the pink side.
“Some people really love grapefruit, and some people really hate it,” laughs Cindi Kirke, Ruth’s Chris Steak House’s award-winning bartender. “But when one gets ordered, the whole room starts drinking them.”
That may be due to the full slice of perfectly ripe, blush-pink grapefruit tucked into the curve of a tall Pilsner glass.
This isn’t your typical holiday drink: There’s no whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, or pumpkin spice, but the Ruby Red Greyhound truly stands out as the must-try on a robust cocktail menu. Kirke has worked at the Palm Desert steakhouse for 16 years and can make this sweet and sour favorite with her eyes closed.
Following the trend of reinventing classic cocktails, Ruth’s Chris has elevated a simple Greyhound — typically vodka or gin and grapefruit — by starting with crisp Belvedere Pink Grapefruit Vodka. Each bottle is distilled from 3 1/2 grapefruits, as well as fresh lemons, which add tartness and full citrus flavor.
Kirke next heightens the citrus by adding freshly squeezed ruby red grapefruit and lime juice; grapefruit bitters; a touch of simple syrup; and a splash of soda.
Her secret ingredient is St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, which balances the bite of the grapefruit and adds a savory herbal finish.
Even the greatest grapefruit skeptic will be tempted by the bright citrus, smooth ruby red sweetness, and fresh fruit flavors of this stylish drink.