If you love simple cocktails, you have to try the Salty Dog cocktail. Combine gin or vodka with grapefruit juice and serve in an ice filled glass with a salted rim. This classic cocktail is a variation of the Greyhound and the salt is the element that gives this recipe its own unique personality.
I saw a “cool girl” order this drink once, so it will forever be a cool drink to me. This is an excellent drink to serve at parties and makes a great pitcher cocktail as well.
Related: Tequila Sunrise, Screwdriver Drink, Paloma Cocktail, Rum Runner, Cuba Libre.
Ingredients
- Gin or Vodka – Choose a quality spirit. The flavor will come through with only two ingredients, so choose a great spirit.
- Grapefruit Juice – Freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
- Coarse Salt – For a salted rim. I use this margarita salt.
- Grapefruit Wedge – As garnish.
My recipe shows a double old fashioned glass. A highball glass is also a great choice for serving.
Instructions
Use water, lime juice or honey to wet the outer rim of your glass. Dip in coarse salt, creating a salt rim. Ensure that there is no salt on the inside of the rim.
Fill the glass with ice. Pour in vodka, then grapefruit juice. Stir to mix.
Garnish with a grapefruit slice.
How to Make a Pitcher
Turn this recipe into a pitcher drink by combining 6 cups grapefruit juice with 1 and 1/4 cups vodka or gin. If you want to add ice to your pitcher, do so just before serving. Be sure to encourage salted rim glasses when serving.
Tips for Making
- For added citrus, add some grapefruit zest to the salt before creating your salt-rimmed glass.
- Omit the salted rim to make a Greyhound cocktail.
- Other garnish ideas: a grapefruit twist, fresh herbs, maraschino cherries.
Variations
- Sparkling Salty Dog – Top off your drink with club soda for a fizzy finish.
- Rosemary Salty Dog – Use a bit of rosemary simple syrup and some rosemary salt for the rim.
- Types of Grapefruit – There are many variations of grapefruit available that create different flavors and drastically different flavors for your drink. I used red grapefruit here. Try pink grapefruit, white, pomelo or melogold.
Serving Suggestions
Recipes that pair well with a classic Salty Dog cocktail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in a Salty Dog cocktail?
A Salty Dog cocktail is vodka or gin mixed with grapefruit juice served with a salted rim.
Do I need a cocktail shaker?
You do not need a cocktail shaker for this easy recipe.
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Instructions
-
Use water, lime juice or honey to wet the outer rim of your glass. Dip in coarse salt, creating a salt rim. Ensure that there is no salt on the inside of the rim.
-
Fill the glass with ice. Pour in vodka, then grapefruit juice. Stir to mix.
-
Garnish with a grapefruit slice.
Notes
- For added citrus, add some grapefruit zest to the salt before creating your salt-rimmed glass.
- Omit the salted rim to make a Greyhound cocktail.
- Other garnish ideas: a grapefruit twist, fresh herbs, maraschino cherries.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Salty Dog
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
