Shake off winter blues with the refreshing, thrist-quenching Salty Dog cocktail. Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and vodka pair perfectly to brighten the gloomiest of winter days!
One thing I love about winter produce is grapefruit.
Oranges seem to be available year-round now, flown in from all parts of the globe, but grapefruit isn’t.
A Salty Dog cocktail is a perfect example of how delicious fresh grapefruit juice can be!
It’s a refreshing, easy cocktail you’ll want to drink all winter long.
What is a Salty Dog Cocktail?
This cocktail is easy and simple to make; just two ingredients.
Grapefruit juice and vodka.
The Salty Dog cocktail is identical to a Greyhound cocktail, with the exception of a salted rim on the Salty Dog cocktail glass.
Use Fresh Grapefruit Juice
Fresh grapefruit juice does taste different than bottled juice. It’s easy to juice and worth the few minutes to do so.
Any type of grapefruit can be used.
I used a grapefruit that is a deep honey-hued that almost looks orange.
If fresh grapefruit is not available, choose a fresh grapefruit juice vs canned juice for best flavor.
PRO TIP: Best Methods to Juice Grapefruit (and other citrus fruits)!
Freshly squeezed juice makes all the difference with this cocktail! There are multiple ways to freshly juice.
Use a Juicer
For this cocktail I used a juicer I bought a few years ago when I thought I was going to get into juicing (it was a short-lived passion).
It’s a wonderful way to extract all the juice and separate it from the outer skin of the grapefruit segments and the membranes. I use a Breville juicer for this.
Use a Glass Citrus Juicer
The other way to extract the juice is with a simple classic glass juicer (also sometimes called a ‘reamer’) your Grandmother probably had.
They are very affordable (less than $10) and require a bit of ‘elbow grease’ but again is worth it.
PRO TIP to get More Juice from Citrus Fruits
Microwave the grapefruit for about 10 seconds before juicing.
More of the juice will be extracted from the grapefruit (this is true of juicing any citrus fruits by the way)!
How to make a Salty Dog drink – Step by Step:
This cocktail could not be easier to make! If you haven’t rimmed a cocktail glass, there are instructions below.
STEP 1: Rim two Old Fashioned glasses with coarse salt. Fill with ice.
STEP 2: Combine the fresh grapefruit juice and vodka in a cocktail shaker with ice.
STEP 3: Shake vigorously and strain into the salt-rimmed glasses.
How to Make a Salt Rim on a cocktail glass
This method can be used for rimming a cocktail glass salt OR sugar.
I’ve even used Pop Rocks to rim a glass and use the same technique.
STEP 1: Place rimming salt on a small flat plate deep enough to form a rim of salt on the glass when dipped.
STEP 2: Dip a clean thumb and forefinger (same hand) into juice, gently pinch together and run around the rim of the glass.
Alternatively, a small wedge of the grapefruit can be cut about 1/4-inch on the point; insert the lip of the glass into the cut and run the grapefruit around the rim of the glass.
STEP 3: Turn the glass upside down in the salt and twist the glass back and forth to allow the salt to adhere to the moisture on the glass.
STEP 4: Gently lift out of the salt and allow to sit for a few minutes for the salt to dry on the glass.
More Grapefruit Recipes You’ll Love
Try These Cocktail Recipes too!
- Colorado Bulldog cocktail
- How to Make Orgeat Syrup + How to Use It
- Elderflower Gin Fizz
- Cranberry Moscow Mule
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Recipe
Salty Dog cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups freshly squeezed Grapefruit Juice if using a manual juicer, strain the juice thorugh a seive (bottled grapefruit juice may be substituted)
- 3 ounces Vodka
- Course Salt for rimming the glass
Instructions
- Rim two Old Fashioned glasses with coarse salt and fill with ice.
- Combine the grapefruit juice and vodka in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into the prepared glasses.
Nutrition
Originally published: January 18, 2018
A Salty Dog cocktail is a fresh, delicious cocktail perfect for winter sipping.
Tonje says
This is so goood. It’ so easy as well, I’ll be making this more often!
Suzy says
We loved it! Because we are such big fans of grapefruit we knew this would be perfect! Love how simple it was to throw together!
Lauren Kelly says
My husband and I love this cocktail so much! I think it’s time to make it again this weekend!
Joanne says
Really refreshing cocktail, and so easy to make!
Stephanie @CopyKat.com says
Love this! I love vodka-based cocktails.
Heather says
Love the simplicity of this recipe and the flavors!
Erin says
I love this cocktail how refreshing!
Lori @ RecipeGirl says
Fun cocktail recipe!
Cathy Pollak says
I need to join the Salty Dog movement!
lc says
love this salty dog!