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Salty Dog
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.86 / 5

The Salty Dog is a classic cocktail that combines the sharp, refreshing taste of grapefruit juice with the botanical notes of gin, presented in a highball glass with a distinctive salted rim which adds a savory contrast to each sip. Its simplicity relies on a well-balanced harmony between the bitterness and sweetness of the grapefruit and the complex flavors of the gin, creating a drink that is beloved for its bright and bracing character.

The Salty Dog is closely related to the Greyhound cocktail; the main difference being the salted rim that transforms the Greyhound into the Salty Dog. Ideal for sipping on a warm day, the Salty Dog holds a special place in the canon of summertime drinks.

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Microbadges

15 key ingredients
Cocktail Of The Day
Base ingredient
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Grapefruit Juice
Calories
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80 calories
Alcohol content
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11.43% | 1.6 units *
Details
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Easy
Classic
Shaken

Tags

Grapefruit Juice ingredient icon
Grapefruit Juice cocktails
Grapefruit Juice ingredient icon
Top ten Grapefruit Juice cocktails
Salt ingredient icon
Top ten Salt cocktails

Highball glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Gin cocktail ingredient icon for the Salty Dog cocktail
Gin
Grapefruit Juice cocktail ingredient icon for the Salty Dog cocktail
Grapefruit Juice
Salt cocktail ingredient icon for the Salty Dog cocktail
Salt
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

The Salty Dog ingeniously balances the tangy bitterness of grapefruit juice against the aromatic complexity of gin, topped off with a salted rim that accentuates the cocktail's refreshing nature. The crisp, sharp flavors make it a perfect choice for those who appreciate a drink that delivers a bracing punch while soothing with smooth botanical undercurrents.

Method
How to make a Salty Dog

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Moisten the rim of a highball glass and roll it in salt
Add the other ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
Strain into the salt-rimmed glass and serve

Power tips
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Use pink Himalayan salt for rimming the glass; its unique minerals can add subtle layers of flavor.
Choose freshly squeezed grapefruit juice to ensure the freshest and brightest flavors in the cocktail.
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Salty Dog masterclass

Master the craft of the Salty Dog cocktail with one of our cocktail deep dive masterclasses

The History of the Salty Dog

A classic cocktail that has become somewhat underappreciated in recent times, the Salty Dog is the p...

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Rim  ·  Highball  ·  Shake  ·  Strain  · 

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FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the origin of the Salty Dog cocktail?

The Salty Dog is believed to have originated in the United States during the early to mid-20th century. It's a variation of the Greyhound cocktail, distinguished by the salt rim on the glass. It gained popularity for its refreshing and simple combination of flavors.

Faq icon

Can I use vodka instead of gin in a Salty Dog?

Yes, you can substitute gin with vodka to make a version of the Salty Dog. This variation is common, as the cocktail's main feature is the grapefruit juice and salted rim. Using vodka instead of gin will result in a drink with a slightly different flavor profile, leaning towards a crisper and cleaner taste.

Faq icon

How do I properly salt the rim of the glass for a Salty Dog?

To salt the rim of the glass for a Salty Dog, first take a slice of grapefruit and run it around the rim to wet it. Then, dip the rim of the glass in a shallow plate of salt, rotating it gently to ensure an even coating of salt around the edge. Shake off any excess salt before adding the cocktail ingredients to the glass.

Faq icon

What is the best type of grapefruit juice to use in a Salty Dog?

The best type of grapefruit juice to use in a Salty Dog is fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice because it provides a fresher and brighter flavor compared to store-bought juices. Pink or ruby red grapefruits are preferred for their slightly sweeter and more vibrant taste, but white grapefruit can also be used for a more tart cocktail.

Non alcoholic variations icon

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Salty Dog, and how do I make it?

Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of the Salty Dog. Substitute the gin with a non-alcoholic spirit or simply omit the alcohol altogether, focusing on the grapefruit juice and salted rim. You might also consider adding a splash of soda water for some fizz. This will give you a refreshing, alcohol-free drink with the same distinctive salty and citrusy flavor profile.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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