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!
Ingredients
For a Classic Salty Dog:
- 1/4 cup coarse salt
- 2 ounces gin or vodka
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) fresh grapefruit juice
- 2 wedges of fresh grapefruit
- Sprig of rosemary, for garnish, optional
For a Sparkling Rosemary Grapefruit Salty Dog:
- 1/4 cup coarse salt
- 2 ounces gin or vodka
- Dash or two of grapefruit bitters
- 2 or 3 teaspoons rosemary simple syrup (start with a small amount and add more if desired)
- 1/4 cup grapefruit club soda
For the Rosemary Grapefruit Simple Syrup:
- 1/2 cup (99 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (74 grams) fresh grapefruit juice
- (2) 3"-long strips of grapefruit peel
- 1/3 cup (74 grams) water
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
Instructions
How to Make a Salty Dog:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- Remove from heat, add in the sprig of rosemary, and set aside to cool for at least 1 hour.
- 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.
Tried it and loved it?Snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @Bakerbynature and by using the hashtag #BakerByNature