Salty Dog

The SALTY DOG is a grapefruit and gin (or vodka) mix with a salt rim adorning the glass. The 1950’s saw the addition of its salt rim added to a former Harry Craddock cocktail called the Greyhound, as was listed in his 1930’s Savoy Cocktail Book. Salt brings the parts together and works well with grapefruit juice. Lemon or lime garnish completes this refreshing summer or brunch cocktail.

• 2 oz. gin (or vodka)
• 4 oz. fresh grapefruit juice
• lemon (or lime) wheel garnish
• fine salt for glass rim

Wet the rim of a highball glass with lemon (or lime). Turn the highball glass onto a plate of salt to form a salt rim. Fill glass with ice cubes and pour gin (or vodka) and grapefruit juice into the glass. Garnish with a lemon (or lime) wheel. A straw is optional.

Comments: Since there are only two ingredients to this mix, the quality of the gin or vodka is important. Using fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and straining it in advance to remove pulp is a plus.

History: The 1969 classical-oriented song “A Salty Dog” by the pop British band Procol Harum was critically acclaimed as arguably their best song, but had nothing to do with the drink. Still, it’s hard for those who grew up in the 60’s to not think of the song when ordering the drink at a bar or if enjoying it while ocean-side. Cheers to the late great Gary Brooker.

Similar Cocktails:

Salty Bird — https://keetscocktails.com/salty-bird

Platinum Blonde — https://keetscocktails.com/platinum-blonde

Paloma — https://keetscocktails.com/paloma-2

Hemingway Daiquiri — https://keetscocktails.com/hemingway-daiquiri-2

Brown Derby — https://keetscocktails.com/brown-derby-2