Salty Dog Drink | Grapefruit Cocktail
Introduction
The Salty Dog Drink is the perfect refresher for those who love bold, tangy citrus flavor paired with an intriguing savory twist. Grapefruit offers a naturally zesty brightness, while the signature salted rim transforms this simple grapefruit cocktail into a real standout. It’s ultra-simple to prepare, requires just a handful of ingredients, and remains a foolproof crowd-pleaser—ideal for happy hour or your next brunch gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Grapefruit Cocktail
What sets the Salty Dog apart is its irresistible interplay of flavors: the tart grapefruit, crisp gin or vodka, and that salty rim that teases your taste buds with every sip. This cocktail isn’t just easy—it’s gorgeous in the glass, and endlessly customizable. Use fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice for a more vibrant taste, or try with your favorite spirit. Whether you’re hosting or unwinding at home, the Salty Dog Drink always brings a sophisticated, sunny vibe to the table.
How to Prepare the Perfect Salty Dog Drink
Start with the freshest grapefruit you can find. To make juicing and prepping a breeze, a high-powered blender like the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, Black will help you quickly whip up fresh juice. You’ll want to salt the rim of your glass first: gently rub a wedge of grapefruit along the rim, then dip it into a shallow plate of kosher salt for that classic touch.
Fill your glass with ice—this can be done easily with larger cubes from your freezer or by crushing smaller ice in a high-powered blender. Pour in your chosen spirit, top with your grapefruit juice, and stir well. For the most refined result, consider straining the drink through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp.
Tips for the Best Salty Dog Experience
– Use a measuring tool or a digital kitchen scale to get perfect proportions every time.
– For easy grapefruit segmenting or juicing, keep a sharp, multipurpose tool like the KitchenAid Classic Multifunction Can Opener and Bottle Opener, Black handy—not just for opening bottles, but for prepping citrus as well.
– Store any leftover juice in airtight, leakproof containers (the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 are perfect for this) to keep it fresh for your next round.
Salty Dog Cocktail Serving Suggestions
Pour your finished cocktail into a salt-rimmed glass, add a fresh slice of grapefruit or a wedge as garnish, and serve immediately. For an extra-cold, refreshing sip, consider chilling your glasses in the fridge beforehand. Make a non-alcoholic version by replacing the gin or vodka with sparkling water, transforming it into a bright grapefruit spritzer that everyone can enjoy.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
Each Salty Dog Drink contains about 150–190 calories depending on the spirit and juice measurements. Fresh-squeezed juice brings additional vitamins and antioxidants, while the sodium content from the rim remains minimal—just a zesty accent!
Salty Dog Drink (Recap)
The Salty Dog is an iconic grapefruit cocktail that balances bright fruit notes with a savory rim for an utterly refreshing experience. With just a handful of ingredients and easy preparation, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing drink for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rub a grapefruit wedge around the rim of a highball or old-fashioned glass. Dip the rim into a dish of kosher salt to coat.
- Fill the glass with ice. For easier prep and less mess, use the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, Black to crush your ice or juice your grapefruit.
- Pour 2 oz gin (or vodka) into the glass.
- Add 4 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice.
- Using a digital kitchen scale for juicing, measure juice for accuracy and consistency.
- Stir gently. If desired, strain into a fresh glass for a pulp-free experience.
- Garnish with a fresh grapefruit wedge or slice. Serve at once.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes