The Bloodhound is one of those cocktails that’s just made for warm evenings and easy laughter. It’s a bright, fruity blend of gin, vermouth, and muddled strawberries that hits that perfect balance between refreshing and just a little bit fancy. I’ve made this drink countless times-especially when strawberries are at their peak-and it never disappoints. Here’s how to make it, along with some tips, swaps, and ways to make it your own.
Bloodhound
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glassware: Martini glass or coupe
Ingredients
– 3-4 fresh strawberries, sliced
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) gin
– 0.75 oz (22 ml) dry vermouth
– 0.75 oz (22 ml) sweet vermouth
– Ice
– Optional: extra strawberry slice for garnish
Method
- Muddle the strawberries in a mixing glass until they’re juicy and broken down. This releases all their sweet, fresh flavor.
- Add the gin, dry vermouth, and sweet vermouth.
- Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir gently for about 20 seconds. You want the drink chilled and slightly diluted, but not watery.
- Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass. If you don’t have a strainer, you can use a fine mesh sieve.
- Garnish with a strawberry slice on the rim or float it on top.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. If you’re using frozen, let them thaw completely and pat them dry before muddling.
– Chill your glass ahead of time in the freezer for 10 minutes to keep the drink extra cold.
– Stir, don’t shake. Shaking can make the drink cloudy and frothy-stirring keeps it silky smooth.
– If you’re tweaking the recipe, remember: more sweet vermouth = richer, deeper flavor; more dry vermouth = lighter, crisper taste.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can muddle the strawberries and mix everything except the ice a few hours ahead. Just store the mixture covered in the fridge, and stir with ice right before serving.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
– Swap the gin: Try vodka for a smoother, more neutral base.
– Try different berries: Raspberries or blackberries give a deeper fruit flavor.
– Go citrusy: Use orange slices instead of strawberries for a bright twist.
– Add heat: A dash of hot sauce makes a spicy Bloodhound-surprisingly good!
Non-Alcoholic Version (Virgin Bloodhound)
Replace the gin and vermouth with sparkling water or club soda, and double the strawberries. It’s light, fizzy, and perfect for brunch or a sunny afternoon.
What It Tastes Like
This cocktail is crisp and herbal from the gin and vermouth, but the strawberries add just enough sweetness and fruitiness to round it out. It’s not sugary-just clean, slightly sweet, and super refreshing. That balance is why it’s been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Bloodhound with foods that let its fruit-forward flavors shine:
Cheese Board
Soft cheeses like Brie or goat cheese are dreamy with this drink. Add some nuts and honey for extra texture.
Grilled Chicken or Shrimp
The clean flavors of the cocktail cut through savory grilled dishes really nicely.
Dark Chocolate
The strawberries in the drink love chocolate. Try it with a square of dark chocolate or a slice of flourless cake.
Storage
This cocktail is best made fresh, but if you’ve got leftover mixed liquid (without ice), you can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir with ice before serving again.
Fun Background
The Bloodhound dates back to the 1920s and was a hit with tennis players of the time-probably because it’s so light and easy to sip after a match. The name likely comes from the dog breed, but no one knows for sure. What we do know is that the mix of gin, vermouth, and strawberries was something of a novelty at the time-and it still feels special today.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw them first and drain off the extra liquid. Fresh gives you better texture and flavor.
Is it sweet?
Just lightly. The sweet vermouth and strawberries give a touch of sweetness, but it’s balanced by the gin and dry vermouth.
What gin works best?
Go with a classic London Dry for a clean, crisp flavor. If you like something more floral, try a craft gin with botanicals.
What’s the best glass to serve it in?
A martini or coupe glass works well. You want something that shows off the color and lets you enjoy the aroma.
Can I batch this cocktail?
Yes! Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings, muddle the strawberries in a pitcher, and stir in the other ingredients. Chill, then stir individual servings with ice before pouring.
Try These Variations
Raspberry Bloodhound
– Use raspberries instead of strawberries. Slightly more tart, but still delicious.
Citrus Bloodhound
– Swap in orange slices for a zingy twist. Garnish with an orange peel.
Spicy Bloodhound
– Add a tiny dash of hot sauce while mixing. It brings a surprising little kick.
Next time you’re looking for something a little fancy but not fussy, give the Bloodhound a try. It’s bright, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser-especially when strawberries are at their sweetest.
