The salty dog is a classic grapefruit and gin cocktail with a salt-rimmed glass that makes all the difference. I like mine short and punchy in a rocks glass, with a higher ratio of gin to grapefruit but it can also be served in a tall glass and be more grapefruit forward.

About the salty dog

The salty dog is essentially a greyhound cocktail with a salt rim, and that rim really does transform the drink. The salt brings out the sweetness in the grapefruit and softens the bitterness, so you get this gorgeous balance of salty, tart, and just a little sweet. It’s a simple change that makes a big difference.

My version is a little boozier than the traditional tall glass version. I use a rocks glass with a higher ratio of gin to grapefruit juice, which makes it more concentrated and spirit-forward. I think the salt rim works even better this way because you’re getting more flavor in every sip. If you prefer something longer and more refreshing, you can absolutely serve this in a highball glass with more grapefruit juice (I’ve included that option in the recipe notes).

I use gin for my salty dog because the botanicals pair so well with grapefruit. The juniper adds a bit of depth that vodka doesn’t, and with a drink this simple, that extra layer of flavor really matters. I also like adding a small splash of rosemary simple syrup to bring a herbal note that ties everything together, though plain simple syrup works just as well.

salty dog cocktail with rosemeary sprig.

The key ingredients

London Dry Gin: I like using a London Dry where the juniper really comes through. Nothing too fancy, just a good quality gin with clean flavor. The botanicals complement the grapefruit perfectly, and in a shorter drink like this, you really taste them.
Grapefruit juice: Ruby red grapefruit is my go-to here. It’s naturally sweeter than white or pink grapefruit and gives the cocktail a gorgeous color. Fresh squeezed is delicious if you’ve got the time, but bottled works too. Bottled will make the drink sweeter though.
Simple syrup: Just a small dash to round things out. I love using rosemary simple syrup for an herbal touch, but plain simple syrup works well too.
Salt for the rim

Method

Run a grapefruit wedge around the rim of your glass.

Dip the rim into a thin layer of flaky salt until it’s nicely coated.

Combine the gin, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup with ice in your cocktail shaker. Shake just until chilled

Pour into the prepared glass.

Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and a sprig of rosemary.

Tips

Salt only half the rim: If you’re not sure how much salt you want, try rimming just half the glass. That way you can sip from the salted side or the clean side depending on your mood.
Use ruby red grapefruit: It’s sweeter and more balanced than white grapefruit, which can be quite bitter. If your grapefruit is very tart, add a little extra simple syrup.
Make it a longer drink: My recipe is on the boozier side, served short in a rocks glass. For a taller, more refreshing version, use 4 to 5 oz / 120 to 150 ml of grapefruit juice instead and serve in a highball glass. This gives you something closer to the traditional salty dog ratio.
Try it with vodka: Swap the gin for vodka if you prefer a cleaner, more grapefruit-forward drink. Without the salt rim, you’ve got a greyhound cocktail.
Make it spicy: Mix a little chili powder into your salt for the rim. It adds a nice warmth that works really well with the grapefruit.

If you love this salty dog, try some of these cocktails next:

Grapefruit gimlet – gin, grapefruit, and cordial
Ginger beer paloma – tequila and grapefruit with bubbly ginger beer
Foghorn cocktail – another easy gin and mixer drink
Vodka Gimlet – refreshing and simple
Cranberry Orange Rosemary Tonic – this mocktail has similar bitter notes