Salty Dog Cocktail (with vodka or gin)

The Salty Dog is made with fresh grapefruit juice and vodka or gin, served with a salted rim. It's bright, tangy, and wonderfully refreshing.

The Salty Dog is one of those cocktails I come back to when I want something simple and refreshing. Made with fresh grapefruit juice and a salted rim, it's bright, tangy, and perfectly balanced with that signature sweet-salty finish.

I love how the salt softens the sharp citrus and makes each sip feel extra crisp. Vodka keeps it clean and straightforward, while gin adds a subtle herbal note that pairs beautifully with the grapefruit.

It couldn't be easier to make-just pour, add ice, and you're done. It's unfussy, refreshing, and exactly the kind of drink I reach for on a warm day.

Tip: While not traditional, a sprig of fresh thyme adds the most wonderful aroma.

Kristen Stevens

Salty Dog Cocktail (with vodka or gin)

A Salty Dog made with fresh grapefruit juice and vodka or gin, finished with a salted rim. It's crisp, simple, and refreshing.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 1 cocktail

Course: Cocktail

Ingredients  

• Salt for the rim
• 2 ounces gin or vodka see notes
• 4 ounces grapefruit juice
• Grapefruit wedge and fresh thyme to serve

Method

 

1. Wet the rim of a glass by running a cut piece of grapefruit (or another citrus) along it, then dip the wet rim into salt. Fill the glass with ice.
   Salt
   
2. Pour the gin or vodka into the glass, then top with grapefruit juice. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and some fresh herbs - we especially like using thyme.
   2 ounces gin or vodka, 4 ounces grapefruit juice, Grapefruit wedge and fresh thyme
   
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Notes

Traditionally, a salty dog is served in a tall glass. The amounts listed in the recipe will fit, with ice, into a 10-ounce highball glass. But when I want a low-alcohol cocktail, I'll use a rocks glass, one ounce of alcohol, and two ounces of grapefruit juice; it's how you see the cocktail served in the pictures.