Salty and tart, this grapefruit salty dog cocktail is the ideal refresher for 5 o’clock.
When the end of the day rolls around I’m ready for a drink!
As I’ve gotten older, I have gained an appreciation for the acquired taste.
This salty dog combines the tart yet sweet taste of freshly squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice, vodka and of coarse, salt.
Similar to a greyhound, a salty dog includes the same ingredients except for the addition of coarse kosher salt to the rim of the glass.
For this simple recipe I also added elderflower liqueur for a pop of sweetness as well as a sprig of fresh rosemary from my garden.
Have you ever tried this floral liqueur?
The elderflower liqueur adds subtle sweetness while the rosemary adds a peppery finish to each sip.
I’m not one for syrupy sweet drinks but with the grapefruit, this one is a great refresher.
The nice thing about this cocktail is that it is easily amendable.
If you’re out of vodka, gin is an acceptable replacement.
Can’t find fresh grapefruit in season?
Pick up a bottle of grapefruit juice from your grocer.
Sea salt also works well if you are out of coarse kosher salt.
Try a few of my other cocktail refreshers
Want to learn how to make a Grapefruit Salty Dog Cocktail?
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Grapefruit Salty Dog
Ingredients
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1/2 ounce elderflower liqueur I love St. Germain brand
- 3 ounces freshly squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice
- Kosher salt
- Grapefruit slices and fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Run a slice of grapefruit around the rim of each class. Sprinkle kosher salt on a small plate and coat the rim with kosher salt.
- Add ice to the glass followed by the vodka, grapefruit juice, and elderflower liqueur.
- Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a slice of grapefruit.
Ive heard of a salty dog but never knew what was in it. This looks so pretty and like the idea of the elderflower liqueur in there too.
Yes the elderflower adds a hint of sweetness to counteract the tart from the grapefruit juice. Enjoy!
I have always preferred grapefruit to orange, so this cocktail sounds like it was custom made for me! Thank you so much — this will replace my standard mimosa!
And the grapefruit this time of year is amazing…I prefer grapefruit too over orange
Such a beautiful cocktail and sounds really refreshing. Love the thyme sprigs and coarse sea salt.
Thanks Stephanie…the rosemary adds a nice hint to the cocktail 🙂
Looks so refreshing! And that color is beautiful! Cheers! 🙂
Thanks Lisa…it’s tart and refreshing!
Now this is a real cocktail! So delicious, and perfect for citrus season!
One of my favorite cocktails this time of the year 🙂
Perfect for the summer. I can not wait for summer
Thanks so much 🙂