I love this Salty Cocktails recipe mixing freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, crisp gin or vodka, and a daring rim of coarse sea salt. Its balance of tart and smooth notes offers an unbeatable refreshment that I enjoy on sunny afternoons. Pure liquid art at its finest indeed. Savor every sip.

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I absolutely love mixing up a good Salty Dog cocktail on a sunny afternoon. Its refreshing blend instantly reminds me of a cool breeze on the beach even if it’s not summer.

I like to start with 2 oz of my favorite gin or vodka and mix it with 4 oz of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice which gives it that perfect tangy bite. I throw in plenty of ice cubes, letting the chill mix and meld with the flavors.

Before serving, I carefully rim the glass with coarse sea salt giving it that extra salty kick that sets it apart. There’s something wild about combining salty alcoholic drinks with a nod to dog themed cocktails that makes it fun and memorable.

Every sip takes me back to carefree moments spent around the ocean. Its playful yet bold vibe makes it one of the best beach drinks cocktail recipes I’ve ever made.

Hope you give it a try its pretty rad!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe cuz it gives me a refreshing kick every time, it’s super simple to make, i enjoy playing around with the spirit options (gin or vodka) it suits my mood, and the salt rim just adds that extra zing i can’t get enough of.

I’ve been making this cocktail for a while now and here’s how i do it: First i take a fresh grapefruit slice and rub it around the rim of my glass to get it really wet. Then, i immediately dip the wet rim into a small plate filled with coarse sea salt and press it in gently so the salt sticks. Next, i fill the glass to the top with plenty of ice cubes to keep the drink super chilled. Once that’s done, i pour in 2 oz of my chosen spirit, whether its gin or vodka, whichever i feel like that day. After that, i add 4 oz of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, usually squeezing it right before so it tastes best. I stir everything gently to combine all the flavors without melting too much ice. Finally, if i notice some of the salt has worn off, i might give the glass another quick salt rim-dip, and then i just sit back and enjoy my salty, refreshing cocktail.

Ingredients

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This spirit adds a punch, contributing smooth alcohol taste without beneficial nutrients.
It is tangy and refreshing, packed with vitamin C and antioxidants for a healthy boost.
They chill the drink perfectly, diluting intensity and enhancing flavor without adding calories.
It rims the glass creating a savory contrast and texture that heightens the cocktail experience.
Although not nutritious, the spirit offers calories and satisfies those cocktail cravings.
Its natural sugars give a subtle sweetness, making the drink balanced and zingy.
Unlike fine salt, coarse grains provide a crunchy mouthfeel with each sip taken.

Ingredient Quantities

2 oz gin or vodka (choose your fav)

4 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice

Ice cubes

Coarse sea salt for rimming the glass

How to Make this

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1. Start by rubbing a fresh grapefruit slice around the rim of your glass so it gets nicely wet.

2. Immediately dip the moistened rim into a shallow plate filled with coarse sea salt and press gently so the salt sticks.

3. Fill your glass to the top with ice cubes to keep things nice and chilled.

4. Pour 2 oz of your chosen spirit (gin or vodka, whichever you like best) over the ice.

5. Add 4 oz of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice; try to squeeze it right before for the best taste.

6. Stir the mix gently so that everything gets combined well but without melting too much ice.

7. If you want, give the glass one last light rim-dip if some salt has worn off.

8. Sit back and enjoy your salty, refreshing cocktail!

Equipment Needed

1. A cocktail or rocks glass for serving your drink
2. A shallow plate to hold your coarse sea salt
3. A knife and cutting board to slice your grapefruit
4. A handheld citrus juicer for extracting fresh juice
5. A jigger or small measuring cup to portion out the 2 oz of spirit
6. An ice cube tray or pre-made ice cubes to chill your glass
7. A stirring spoon to gently combine the ingredients

FAQ

Should I use gin or vodka?

It's really up to your taste. If you like a bit more botanical flavor go with gin, but if you're after a smoother profile, vodka works great.

Why do I need coarse sea salt?

Coarse sea salt gives that extra crunch and salty kick that balances the tartness of the grapefruit juice. It's pretty important for that classic flavor.

How do I properly rim the glass?

Just rub a slice of grapefruit around the rim, then dip it in a plate of coarse salt until it's evenly coated. It’s easier than it sounds.

Why is freshly squeezed grapefruit juice a must?

Using fresh grapefruit juice really ups the flavor game. It gives a bright and tangy punch that bottled juice just can't match.

Can I tweak the recipe if it's too tart?

For sure, if you find it a bit too sour, you can add a splash of simple syrup to mellow it out and suit your taste.

Salty Dog Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of gin or vodka, you can use tequila or even white rum if you’re feeling adventurous
If you dont have freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, try using 100% bottled grapefruit juice but make sure its unsweetened
You can swap regular ice cubes for crushed ice which might make your drink colder quicker
If you cant find coarse sea salt, kosher salt or Himalayan pink salt work just as well

Pro Tips

1. Always squeeze your grapefruit juice fresh before you mix things up cuz it makes a huge difference in the flavor – bottled juice just won’t cut it.
2. When you’re rimming the glass, make sure you’ve really wet the rim well so the salt sticks properly; sometimes you might have to go over it a couple times if it’s not looking right.
3. Use plenty of ice to keep your drink super cold, but stir it gently – a rough stir will melt the ice too fast and end up watering down your cocktail.
4. If you’re switching between gin and vodka, note that each one gives a different vibe to the drink, so try both to see which one you like more.

Salty Dog Recipe

Recipe by Sam Ecclestone

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

190

kcal

Equipment: 1. A cocktail or rocks glass for serving your drink
2. A shallow plate to hold your coarse sea salt
3. A knife and cutting board to slice your grapefruit
4. A handheld citrus juicer for extracting fresh juice
5. A jigger or small measuring cup to portion out the 2 oz of spirit
6. An ice cube tray or pre-made ice cubes to chill your glass
7. A stirring spoon to gently combine the ingredients

Ingredients

2 oz gin or vodka (choose your fav)
4 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
Ice cubes
Coarse sea salt for rimming the glass

Directions

Start by rubbing a fresh grapefruit slice around the rim of your glass so it gets nicely wet.
Immediately dip the moistened rim into a shallow plate filled with coarse sea salt and press gently so the salt sticks.
Fill your glass to the top with ice cubes to keep things nice and chilled.
Pour 2 oz of your chosen spirit (gin or vodka, whichever you like best) over the ice.
Add 4 oz of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice; try to squeeze it right before for the best taste.
Stir the mix gently so that everything gets combined well but without melting too much ice.
If you want, give the glass one last light rim-dip if some salt has worn off.
Sit back and enjoy your salty, refreshing cocktail!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.