Tart and strong, the robust and tangy Salty Dog is a drink that lives up to its name.
In the 1930s, a simple two-ingredient cocktail appeared on the scene and has remained largely the same to this day. Gin and grapefruit juice served over ice is known as the Greyhound. And like many a gin-based dram over the decades, vodka became a popular alternative spirit to use in the recipe.
In the 1950s, some folks would salt the rim of the glass that Greyhounds were served in. This cut the bitterness of the grapefruit in the cocktail, and this version of the drink came to be known as the Salty Dog. Sounds a little nautical, but it’s more of a tipple to sip on at the dog track than while sailing.
The Salty Dog had its first appearance in a cocktail book in 1962, namely Ted Saucier’s Bottoms Up: New and Revised Edition. And fans of writer Elmore Leonard will recognize the drink as being a favorite of the honest crooks Ernest “Stick” Stickley Jr. and Frank Ryan in his 1976 novel Swag.
You don’t have to make a dangerous living to enjoy a Salty Dog. Just grapefruit juice and gin. Or vodka. Maybe both.
What is the Best Gin or Vodka to Use in a Salty Dog?
To use gin or vodka in this drink, that is the question. Vodka is a fantastic mixer, because a good top-shelf spirit will be crisp, neutral, and clean-tasting, taking on and melding seamlessly with the flavor of the grapefruit juice. A flavored vodka is not recommended, but you can try one if you like.
Gin, on the other hand, is infused with botanicals, giving the spirit an herbal and aromatic quality. It certainly tastes great alongside the grapefruit and salt but is less subtle than the vodka. There are many to choose from: Tanqueray is a dry, well-balanced gin; Bombay Sapphire has floral and citrus hints; while Hendrick’s uses cucumber and rose to influence its taste.
Ingredients
- Salt for the rim
- 2 ounces gin or vodka
- 4 ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1 grapefruit wedge for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Wet the rim of your highball glass with a grapefruit wedge, then dip it into salt.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Add your gin or vodka and grapefruit juice to a shaker with ice and shake until well-mixed.
- Strain into the prepared glass and garnish with a wedge of grapefruit.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
A highball glass rimmed with salt and filled with ice is how you’ll want to drink a Salty Dog. Garnish with a wedge of grapefruit. You can try a sprig of rosemary or even a jalapeño slice for a spicy twist.
Does it matter what type of salt I use?
The bigger the better. You don’t want to go with a finer, thinner variety. Use a pink Himalayan or coarse sea salt with this cocktail.
Similar cocktails to the Salty Dog
If the tart bite of grapefruit juice and gin (or vodka) makes you happy, you might want to explore a few other beverages out there that use the same tangy energy. And by that, I mean a dram that utilizes the popular face-puckering fruit juice. Check some of these recipes out from Twist & Toast, then explore the site for other delicious ideas.
- Paloma – The classic grapefruit-flavored fizzy concoction is sure to quench your thirst.
- Jingle Juice Punch – Grapefruit juice is just one of many fruit juices in this bowl full of holiday cheer.
- Grapefruit Martini – A tart and tangy ‘tini to tempt your taste buds.
- The Hemingway Daiquiri – Papa preferred the classic rum tipple with grapefruit juice.
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