One of my best friends from childhood came to stay with me a little while ago and we decided that it was time to share a cocktail. {OMG she just had a very special milestone moment so I MUST see her SOON!!} I had run out of the rum that I had previously kept on hand for her visits so I was forced to improvise. One of my favorite cocktails has always been the Greyhound or, with the addition of a salted rim, the Salty Dog. I think that my affinity towards them was in part because they fit my tolerances before I even knew that I had a tolerances to fit. I happened to have a bottle of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice ready for breakfast and a bottle of vodka in my freezer. Julia declared the Greyhound to be a snooze so I added some blueberries. We both approved of the result and I declared this new cocktail to henceforth be called "Julia's Back in Town!" I also think that "The Spotted Hound" would be a very appropriate name. I usually have some African blue basil growing in my garden so the next time that I made this cocktail, I added some of the flowers and leaves for absolute perfection! The measurements provided are just a guideline and can be increased or decreased to suit your needs. Increase the measurements to make a pitcher to share or decrease to lower the FODMAP content or add ice or chilled water to dilute if desired. 

{Please review the ingredient notes listed under Tips for the Posh Belly if following either Gluten Free, Low FODMAP, or Low Fermentation diets.}

INGREDIENTS

5 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
2.5 oz vodka
10-20 blueberries
Ice (optional)

OPTIONAL GARNISH
 

African blue basil or other peppery/fragrant herb

METHOD

Add blueberries to the bottom of a glass or pitcher and press with muddler. If using herb leaves, they can be muddled as well or simply added after as garnish. If vodka and grapefruit juice are pre-chilled, add those to glass and stir. If vodka is warm, add vodka and grapefruit juice to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to chill. Strain out ice when pouring into glass. If preferred, ice can be added to the glass as well. Garnish with the african blue basil flowers or other herbs if using.

TIPS FOR THE POSH BELLY

GLUTEN: Fresh squeezed juice is naturally gluten free. Vodka is a distilled spirit so should be gluten free. Some people prefer to select vodka made from potatoes or corn as an added precaution.

FODMAPs | FRUCTOSE MALABSORTION: Grapefruit juice has not been officially tested for FODMAP content but when I was originally diagnosed with Fructose Malabsorption most of the lists for FructMal listed small amounts (4-8 oz) as safe. Monash rates 1/2 of a grapefruit as moderate for fructans but the FODMAP Friendly app gives this same item a pass as safe. Please test grapefruit juice to find your own tolerance. Alcohol is a gut irritant but vodka is one of the safer alcohols to drink for those following the FODMAP diet. Blueberries were tested to be FODMAP friendly at 20 berries but are considered to be high for fructans at 40 berries.

SIBO | CEDARS-SINAI LOW FERMENTATION DIET: This recipe is SIBO safe in moderation.

MISCELLANEOUS: Alcohol is a known gut irritant so should be limited to those experiencing GI issues.