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How to Make a Salty Dog
5 from 3 votes

How to Make a Salty Dog

Made with gin or vodka and grapefruit juice, this classic salty dog cocktail is so easy and always a crowd-pleaser! Served in a highball glass with a salted rim, this drink is perfect for brunch or Summer parties! Just be sure to use fresh grapefruit juice, it really makes all the difference!

Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
Servings: 1 cocktail
Course: Cocktails
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For a Classic Salty Dog:
  • 1/4 cup salt coarse
  • 2 ounces gin or vodka
  • 1/2 cup grapefruit juice fresh, 113 grams
  • 2 grapefruit fresh, wedges
  • rosemary sprig, for garnish, optional
For a Sparkling Rosemary Grapefruit Salty Dog:
  • 1/4 cup salt coarse
  • 2 ounces gin or vodka
  • grapefruit bitters dash or two
  • 2 rosemary simple syrup 3 teaspoons
  • 1/4 cup club soda grapefruit flavored
For the Rosemary Grapefruit Simple Syrup:
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar 99 grams
  • 1/3 cup grapefruit juice fresh, 74 grams
  • grapefruit peel 2 strips, 3 inches long
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1 rosemary fresh sprig

Instructions

How to Make a Salty Dog:
    Cup of Yum
  1. Fill a rimmed plate or shallow bowl with salt. Using 1 wedge of grapefruit, moisten the rim of the glass by running the flesh of the grapefruit around the rim. 
  2. Dip the rim of the glass into the salt until it is covered with salt. Fill glasses with ice cubes and set aside while you make your drink.
  3. In a cocktail shaker, add gin or vodka, and grapefruit juice, and shake vigorously to combine. Alternatively, you may simply pour the gin or vodka over the ice, then top with grapefruit juice. 
  4. Pour the salty dog over the ice, garnish with a wedge of grapefruit, and a sprig of rosemary, if using. Serve at once! 
How to Make a Sparkling Rosemary Grapefruit Salty Dog:
  1. Fill a rimmed plate or shallow bowl with salt. Using 1 wedge of grapefruit, moisten the rim of the glass by running the flesh of the grapefruit around the rim. 
  2. Dip the rim of the glass into the salt until it is covered with salt. Fill glasses with ice cubes and set aside while you make your drink.
  3. In a cocktail shaker, add gin or vodka, grapefruit bitters, rosemary simple syrup, and grapefruit juice, and shake vigorously to combine. Alternatively, you may simply pour the gin or vodka over the ice, then top with bitters, simple syrup, grapefruit juice, and stir. 
  4. Pour the salty dog over the ice, top with club soda, and garnish with a wedge of grapefruit and a sprig of rosemary, if using. Serve at once! 
For the Rosemary Grapefruit Simple Syrup:
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, grapefruit juice, grapefruit peel, and water. Bring to a rolling simmer over medium-high heat. Then reduce to medium-low and continue simmering, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. 
  2. Remove from heat, add in the sprig of rosemary, and set aside to cool for at least 1 hour. 
  3. Once cool, discard rosemary and grapefruit peel, and pour into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks! 

Notes

  • This recipe may be doubled as needed.