What Is a Salty Dog Cocktail?
If you’ve never heard of a salty dog drink, don’t worry. It’s actually a classic grapefruit and vodka cocktail, although it’s sometimes made with gin. A salty dog is bright, delicious, and served with a sea salt rim for a refreshing and sippable evergreen cocktail! I love that you can use this salty dog cocktail recipe to make individual cocktails or a pitcher drink. This is a great recipe for parties! If you need a cousin to this recipe, this Greyhound Drink is another fan favorite.
Difference Between a Salty Dog and a Greyhound
If you’re thinking, wow, a salty dog sounds very similar to a greyhound given the vodka (or gin) along with the grapefruit juice, you’re right! The difference is that a salty dog drink has a salted rim whereas a greyhound does not. Other than that, they’re virtually identical.
Ingredients in a Salty Dog Cocktail
A salty dog is essentially a grapefruit vodka cocktail. Here’s what you’ll need to make one:
Sea salt Ice Vodka or gin Grapefruit juice Grapefruit wedge, optional for garnishing Lime slice, optional for garnishing
Scroll to the bottom of this post for the recipe card with the exact measurements.
What’s the Best Vodka for This Cocktail?
Since this is a two-ingredient vodka cocktail, the vodka really shines. As such, I don’t recommend getting the cheapest vodka at the grocery store. Reasonably priced vodkas that I recommend for making a salty dog cocktail include: Tito’s, Absolut, and Reyka. However, use whatever vodka you prefer (so long as it’s unflavored!).
How to Make a Salty Dog Cocktail
This is one of the easiest cocktails you can make. There’s no special equipment or technique involved, and you can measure out the grapefruit juice and vodka in parts rather than in exact ounces. Here’s an overview of how the salty dog recipe is made:
Can I Make This as a Pitcher Cocktail?
Yes! Salty dogs are an easy drink to make as a pitcher recipe or a big-batch recipe because there’s nothing carbonated, so there’s nothing to go flat. You can even make a pitcher in advance and pop it in the fridge if you’re going to be entertaining for New Year’s or for a summer pool party or barbecue, of course when we get back to that phase of life, one day. Salt the rims of individual glasses before serving or as noted below, you can add a pinch of sea salt to the drink itself. I love a salted rim especially when it’s warm outside. Bring on the margaritas and salty dogs indeed!
Can This Recipe Be Made with Gin?
Yes! Salty Dogs can be made with either gin or vodka. I prefer them with vodka because the salt helps neutralize the vodka flavor and makes for a really smooth cocktail. I also will almost always choose vodka over gin, but of course, suit your personal preferences.
Can I Use Another Citrus Juice?
Yes, but then it won’t be a classic salty dog recipe. A salty dog is always a grapefruit vodka cocktail (or gin).
Tips for the Best Salty Dog Cocktail
Salt: A pinch of sea salt can be added to the drink itself if you’re a salt lover. Grapefruit juice: For the best flavor, I recommend using only fresh squeezed grapefruit juice or the refrigerated store-bought kind. If possible, avoid using shelf stable grapefruit juice such as Ocean Spray because it doesn’t have quite the same fresh and natural flavor as a fresh grapefruit does. If that’s all you can find, work with what you’ve got.
What to Serve with a Salty Dog
Serve your salty dog drink with your favorite nibbles! We love the following:
Coconut Shrimp Pineapple Chipotle Salsa Watermelon Cucumber Salad Strawberry Crostini Prosciutto Flatbread
Or, make a DIY cheeseboard or charcuterie board!
Favorite Cocktail Recipes:
ALL OF MY COCKTAIL RECIPES! Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! Manhattan Cocktail — This classic bourbon cocktail is made with vermouth, Angostura bitters, and orange peel for a sophisticated and easy drink everyone should know how to make! Homemade Margaritas — How to make a margarita with just three natural ingredients! Nothing fake, neon green, and no sugary chemicals. This is the best homemade margarita recipe I’ve tried and it’s the easiest!! Tequila Sunrise — Not only is it pretty to look at, but a tequila sunrise is also refreshing, nostalgic, and the grenadine sweetens it up enough that you may not even notice it packs quite a punch! Rum Runner — A fruity and tropical cocktail, but not in a strawberry daiquiri doesn’t-do-much kind of way. This delicious Rum Runner recipe (complete with my secret ingredient!) packs a punch that can sneak up on you! Tropical Alcoholic Punch— One of my all-time favorite party drinks! Feel free to leave the alcohol out if desired. This punch tastes delicious even without it! Creamy Nutella Martini — Everything’s Better with Nutella! A wonderful dessert martini!
