Salty Dog cocktail

Salty Dog

Highball Glass
Ordinary Drink
Classic
Summer
Savory
Gin
Grapefruit

A refreshing, savory twist on the Greyhound cocktail. This classic highball combines the botanical notes of gin with tart grapefruit juice and a hint of salt to enhance the citrus flavors. While traditionally served with a salted rim, this variation incorporates the salt directly into the drink for a consistent savory profile. Vodka may be substituted for gin for a smoother finish.

What it tastes like

The aroma is dominated by sharp citrus and pine from the juniper. The palate combines tart grapefruit with a savory edge from the dissolved salt. The mouthfeel is light and refreshing, while the finish is crisp with a lingering saline dryness.

Flavour profile

Sweet
Strength
Bitter
Complexity

Ingredients

  • Gin1.5 oz
  • Grapefruit juice5 oz
  • Salt0.25 tsp

Preparation

  1. 1

    Fill a highball glass with fresh ice cubes.

  2. 2

    Pour the gin and grapefruit juice over the ice.

  3. 3

    Add the salt directly to the mixture.

  4. 4

    Stir well to ensure the salt dissolves and the drink is thoroughly chilled.

  5. 5

    Serve immediately.

Substitutions

  • GinVodka — This creates a more neutral profile that emphasizes the tartness of the grapefruit juice.
  • SaltSalt rim — Providing salt on the rim offers a concentrated burst of salinity compared to dissolving it directly in the liquid.
  • Grapefruit juicePomelo juice — Pomelo is sweeter and less acidic, leading to a milder citrus flavor profile.
  • GinTequila Blanco — Tequila adds an earthy, vegetal quality that pairs naturally with both salt and grapefruit.

Variations

Greyhound

Omit the salt entirely to transform the drink into a simpler, strictly tart and botanical highball.

Smoky Salty Dog

Use mezcal in place of gin to add a distinct smoky layer to the savory citrus base.

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