Salty Dog

The Salty Dog is a classic two-ingredient cocktail with a twist: a salted rim that elevates its simple components. Typically made with either gin or vodka and grapefruit juice, it is served over ice in a highball glass. The salt on the rim cuts through the bitterness of the grapefruit and enhances its sweetness, creating a perfectly balanced and thirst-quenching drink. Its simplicity and refreshing nature make it a popular choice for brunches, summer parties, or any casual occasion.
Salty Dog

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Salty Dog is a classic highball cocktail. It falls into the category of simple, refreshing drinks that are easy to prepare and enjoy. It is considered a classic due to its long history and enduring popularity.

Serving

Served cold in a salt-rimmed highball glass, this is a refreshing drink with a moderate alcohol content.
Serving size
Approximately 180-240 ml / 6-8 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-15% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball glass
Glass treatment
Salt-rimmed

Backstory

The drink is believed to have originated in the 1920s, with its name being a reference to a "salty dog," an old slang term for an experienced sailor. The salt was likely added to counteract the bitterness of early canned grapefruit juice. Its unsalted version, the Greyhound, was named after the bus line, as it was a popular drink in the bus terminal restaurants. The addition of salt gave birth to this popular variation.
Origin
United States, circa 1920s. The recipe first appeared in print in George Jessel's "The World I Live In" in 1952, specifying gin.

Salty Dog

The drink is primarily known as the Salty Dog. Its unsalted counterpart is called a Greyhound, leading some to refer to the Salty Dog as a Salty Greyhound, though this is uncommon. The name directly references the salted rim, which distinguishes it from the simpler Greyhound cocktail.
Original name
Salty Dog
Alternative name
Salty Greyhound

Characteristics overview

The Salty Dog offers a bright, tart flavor profile dominated by grapefruit, balanced by a savory saltiness. It has a clean aroma and a crisp, refreshing finish perfect for warm weather.
Flavor
Tart, citrusy, salty, slightly sweet
Aroma
Grapefruit, juniper (if using gin)
Taste balance
Sour, salty, sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, tart
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Pale pink, cloudy, translucent
Texture
Smooth, thin
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, all-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

This is a sour and fruity drink with a notable salty kick from the rim. It is low in sweetness and bitterness, with a moderate alcohol presence and no carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need a base spirit of either gin or vodka, fresh grapefruit juice, and coarse salt for the glass rim. Freshly squeezed juice is key for a superior taste.
  • Gin or Vodka60 ml / 2 oz
    Gin adds botanical notes, while vodka provides a cleaner profile. London Dry Gin is a classic choice.
  • Fresh Grapefruit Juice120 ml / 4 oz
    Freshly squeezed juice is highly recommended for the best flavor. Pink grapefruit juice gives a sweeter taste and pink hue.
  • Coarse SaltFor rimming
    Coarse sea salt or kosher salt works best for the rim.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

This is a built-in-the-glass cocktail, so no shaker is required. You'll simply need a jigger for measuring and a plate for rimming the glass with salt.
  • Highball glass for serving
  • Small plate for salt
  • Jigger or measuring cup for measuring

Instructions

The process involves first rimming a highball glass with salt, then filling it with ice. The spirit and grapefruit juice are poured directly into the glass, stirred, and garnished.
1. Prepare the glass: Pour a layer of coarse salt onto a small plate.
2. Run a grapefruit or lime wedge around the lip of a highball glass to moisten it.
3. Dip the moistened rim of the glass into the salt to coat it evenly.
4. Fill the salt-rimmed glass with ice cubes.
5. Pour the gin or vodka over the ice.
6. Top with fresh grapefruit juice and stir gently to combine.
7. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge or wheel and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple grapefruit wedge or a thin wheel placed on the rim of the glass is the perfect garnish.
  • Grapefruit wedge or wheel on the rim

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. It is vegan, vegetarian, and can be gluten-free if a suitable spirit is used.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The Salty Dog is a relatively low-calorie cocktail, with most of its carbohydrates and sugar coming naturally from the grapefruit juice.
Calories
Averagely 160-200 kcal / 670-840 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 12-15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 12-15 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is incredibly versatile, perfect for daytime events like brunch or a sunny afternoon on the patio. Its refreshing quality makes it ideal for summer parties and casual get-togethers.
  • Brunch
  • Summer party
  • Casual gathering
  • Afternoon drink

Pairing suggestions

Its tart and salty profile pairs wonderfully with light appetizers, seafood, and brunch dishes. The acidity also helps cut through the richness or spiciness of certain cuisines, making it a versatile food-friendly cocktail.
  • Salty snacks like nuts or pretzels
  • Light seafood dishes like ceviche or shrimp cocktail
  • Brunch foods like eggs benedict or avocado toast
  • Spicy Mexican or Thai food

The Salty Dog: A Classic Cocktail with a Savory Bite

The Salty Dog is a timeless and refreshing highball that masterfully balances tart, sweet, and salty flavors. Built directly in a salt-rimmed glass, its simple combination of gin or vodka and grapefruit juice is elevated by the savory rim, which enhances the fruit's character. It's an incredibly easy-to-make drink, perfect for any casual occasion, especially during warmer months or as a brunch companion. Its crispness and straightforward appeal have cemented its place as an enduring classic.

Similar cocktails

Greyhound

The same drink but served in a glass without a salted rim.

Paloma

A similar grapefruit-based highball, but it uses tequila and grapefruit soda instead of juice, also often served with a salt rim.

Sea Breeze

A vodka-based highball that uses both grapefruit and cranberry juice.

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