Refreshing Salty Dog Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 ounces of gin
5 ounces of grapefruit juice
1/4 teaspoon of sea salt (for rim)
Ice cubes
Grapefruit slice (for garnish)

Steps and instructions

Pour the salt onto a flat surface such as a plate or a shallow dish.
Take a grapefruit slice and rub it around the rim of a cocktail glass to wet it.
Turn the glass upside down and dip the rim into the salt, rotating it as needed until the rim is fully coated.
Add ice to the glass.
In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin and grapefruit juice.
Shake well for about 20 seconds to mix the ingredients together.
Strain the mixture into the salt-rimmed glass.
Garnish the glass with a slice of grapefruit.
Serve immediately and enjoy your Salty Dog cocktail.

Tools for making

Cocktail shaker - Used to mix the gin and grapefruit juice together.
Cocktail glass - The serving glass for the Salty Dog cocktail.
Plate or shallow dish - Used for the salt-rimming process.
Knife - For slicing the grapefruit garnish.
Ice cubes - To chill the cocktail.

Recipe variations

Use vodka instead of gin for a slightly different flavor.
Try different types of grapefruit juice, such as pink grapefruit or ruby red grapefruit, for a variation in taste.
Add a splash of lime juice for a citrusy twist.
Experiment with different rimming salts, such as smoked sea salt or chili lime salt.
For a sweeter version, add a teaspoon of simple syrup or agave nectar.
For a non-alcoholic version, replace the gin with club soda or sparkling water.
Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or a few basil leaves for an herbal infusion.
Blend the ingredients with ice to create a frozen Salty Dog slushie.
For a spicy kick, muddle a few slices of jalapeno in the cocktail shaker before adding the other ingredients.
Replace the grapefruit garnish with a twist of lemon or lime.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a refreshing and tangy twist on your usual cocktail with this Salty Dog recipe. This cocktail is a wonderful blend of gin and grapefruit juice, served in a salt-rimmed glass for a perfect salty finish. Its citrusy flavor makes it a fantastic choice for a summer day, but it's also a great option for any time of the year when you want to enjoy a unique and flavorful drink. Simple and easy to make, this classic cocktail will surely add a stylish touch to your gatherings. Let's dive into the recipe and see how to prepare this delightful drink!

Common questions

Can I use vodka instead of gin?
Yes, you can substitute vodka for gin in this recipe if you prefer.
Can I use bottled grapefruit juice?
Yes, you can use bottled grapefruit juice if fresh grapefruit juice is not available. However, fresh grapefruit juice will provide the best flavor.
Can I use table salt instead of sea salt for the rim?
While table salt can be used as a substitute, sea salt is recommended for its coarser texture and enhanced flavor.
Can I add extra ingredients like simple syrup or soda?
The classic Salty Dog recipe does not call for additional ingredients like simple syrup or soda. However, feel free to experiment and customize the recipe to your taste preferences.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Salty Dog?
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version by omitting the gin and replacing it with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic gin alternative.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cocktail shaker - Used to mix and shake the ingredients together.
Cocktail glass - The glassware in which the Salty Dog is served.
Plate or shallow dish - Used to hold the salt for rimming the glass.
Flat surface - Needed to rub the grapefruit slice and rim the glass with salt.
Ice cubes - Added to the glass to keep the drink chilled.
Grapefruit slice - Used for wetting the glass rim and as a garnish.

Origin stories

The Salty Dog cocktail hails from the United States, with its first known appearance in the 1950s. This drink owes its name to an old nautical term. A "salty dog" was a nickname given to experienced sailors, due to the white salt stains left on their uniforms after a long time at sea. The Salty Dog cocktail, with its tart grapefruit juice and salt-rimmed glass, is a fitting homage to those seasoned seafarers. Just like the open ocean, this classic cocktail brings together the elements in perfect harmony - the tang of the citrus, the smoothness of the gin, and the sharp bite of the salt. Each sip is a taste of adventure, making you feel as though you've set sail on a journey of your own.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.