Salty Dog Cocktail Recipe

It’s about time for a cocktail, wouldn’t you say? I go wild when I see a mixed drink that is low in sugar without being boring and flavorless. This salty dog recipe is perfect for hot summer evenings on the patio. The grapefruit is tart, but in a good way, and the vodka is icy perfection.

Why This Recipe Works

So seeing as how grapefruits are seasonally available right now, I just HAD to try my hand at making a salty dog. Apparently the kids had the same idea (minus the booze), because they found the grapefruits and hit them hard. I actually had to hide the last one so I could make these drinks today… the things we do.

The grapefruit is bright and refreshing, while the vodka is crisp and smooth. This is the perfect porch sipper for a hot summer day!

How to Make a Salty Dog

There are just two simple ingredients needed to make salty dogs. First, a really nice vodka. Like, the best one that is still affordable. My budget decided that Tito’s was the nicest one for me, so that’s what I made these with today. I also bought a bottle of pure grapefruit juice from the grocery store. The brand I like is Knudsen. It’s an organic juice with no added sugar, so definitely speaking my language! I can also buy it at my local grocery store, which is a huge plus.

I used shot glasses to measure the liquid into 1 ½ ounce servings, but then I ended up eyeballing a smidge more to fill the glass up a little further. If I wanted to add some carbonation, I could have topped it off with a Topo Chico or any sparkling water.

The last supplies I used were small cocktail glasses and I rimmed them with a mix of salt and sugar. The glass was then filled with ice. Lots of ice. To be fancy, I used a wedge of grapefruit to garnish the glass.

That’s really all it takes to make a salty dog!

Variations

The first alternative recipe that I want to share is a nonalcoholic version. I actually drank one of these while I was shooting these photos and it did not disappoint! Instead of adding vodka to the grapefruit juice, substitute a can or bottle of sparkling water. If I were making this for my boys, I would use sugar to rim the glass instead of the sugar and salt mixture.

Mixing recipes up is so much fun! There are definitely no rules here. If grapefruit juice isn’t really the best flavor IYO, how about switching it up with orange juice? Did this just go from a salty dog to a screw driver? Absolutely, but I won’t tell if you don’t. Any juice can be substituted for the grapefruit juice.

If you make this recipe, please leave a comment below! This provides helpful feedback to both me and other readers. For more delicious recipes from scratch and homesteading tips, follow me on instagram @NinnescahHomestead

Recipe

More to love

If you like a tart Salty Dog, I bet you would just love my Fresh Margaritas! These are a must-have for a summer barbecue or Friday night celebration. I also recommend trying a spicy or mild Ranch Water from scratch. Don't worry, these are so easy to m make and much healthier than the premixed versions! If an alcohol free mock-tail is more your speed, try a Dark Cherry Kombucha drink!