the salty dog
I need to make something clear: I am no mixologist. I’m not even a wannabe mixologist. I mean, if I were a mixologist, that’d be cool and all but really it’s not really what I strive to be. However, because I enjoy the occasional cocktail or two, I do like to have a few drinks that I can make with the small selection of alcohol we keep on hand. And trust me, it’s small – well, small-ish.A bonus of making the cocktails is that I get to practice my cocktail photography. And these are so stinkin’ pretty I couldn’t help but want to take their pictures.
A couple of weeks ago, we went out to dinner at an awesome new restaurant called ‘The Final Cut’ at the new casino in town (yes, it’s still weird that we have a casino). I ordered a drink called ‘The Salty Dog’ which seemed to be a combination of grapefruit, vodka and some other sweet/salty bits. It was surprisingly tasty and seemed to be something I could do at home.
After doing a bit of research, I found that there is a wide range of what a ‘Salty Dog’ could be, including the use of either vodka OR gin. Hmmm…I tend to be a vodka kind of girl, but the gin intrigued me. I whipped up this super simple cocktail using a handful of grapefruits that I had laying in my fridge and some gin. Oh, and salt. Can’t forget the salt.
I thought it was quite enjoyable, but it did get mixed reviews (namely from my husband). He felt it was a little too salty (which I am not sure I agreed with because there is the word ‘salty’ right there in the title and felt that it was an expected element. Maybe it was just me).
Anyways, I liked it but he was on the fence. I’m going to share it with you and see what you think. If you have some grapefruits and gin laying around, whip this up and let me know what you think.
Have you ever made a ‘Salty Dog’ and if so, do you prefer gin or vodka? Extra mixers or flavors – I saw one that had maraschino liquor in it and thought that sounded crazy awesome, but alas, no maraschino liquor is currently gracing my cabinet. And quite frankly, I didn’t feel like changing out of my sweatpants to go to the liquor store. That’s pure class, people. Pure. Class.
Happy Saturday!
makes 1 cocktail
slightly adapted from DrinksMixer
Ingredients:
2 oz gin
5 oz ruby red grapefruit juice (I used fresh squeezed)
Salt for rimming
Grapefruit wedges for garnish
Directions:
Dip the rim of a high ball glass in water and then in salt. Set aside.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour gin and juice over ice and replace the lid. Shake until liquids are cold, about 30 seconds. Pour chilled liquid into salt rimmed glass. Garnish with grapefruit wedge.
Drink and enjoy!
I love this drink. Super salty rim and gin, all the way.
(Although this deviation might push the drink beyond true salty dog-ness, I love a little thyme simple syrup with my gin + grapefruit.)
Thanks, Carey! I love the idea of the thyme simple syrup, and will definately try that. Have a Happy New Year!
I love salty dogs. However we’ve always made them with a sugar/salt rim. That may appeal more to your husband.
Love the sugar/salt idea! Thanks, Lauren!
I haven’t had a Salty Dog in years. I like mine with vodka. Thanks for the reminder. I think I’ll spin up a couple tomorrow night. Happy New Year!
I will have to make one with vodka next time! Thanks for stopping by, Terri! Have a Happy New Year!
I’ve ever had a salty dog maybe I will give this a shot
if you do, let me know what you think! Thanks for stopping by!
LOVING your pictures. Gorgeous colors.
Thanks so much, Jada!
I’m not sure abut your recipe, however, you are a terrific photographer, tese pic look delish and hip!
Thanks so much!
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Beautiful photograph… those cocktail glasses are perfect! Do you recall where you found them?
They are one of my favorites and I actually found the set of glasses and a small matching ice bucket at my local antique mall. I have had the best luck finding unique glassware there. Thanks for stopping by!
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i think you are a terrific photographer, tese pic look delish and hip!
I am wondering where you got the glasses from?
Hi Elaine! These glasses were some that I picked up at an antique mall. I have by far found some of my favorite glassware at antique malls and thrift stores – I definitely recommend it!
definitely a sour taste
yes! The grapefruit definitely brings the sour 🙂
definitely a sour taste
Sweeter grapefruits will yield a sweeter flavor