Salty Dog With Saddle Leather A Western Themed Cocktail Recipe

The glorious rustic charm of a Salty Dog with a Western twist is something to behold in cocktail form. This classic drink is transformed for my purposes into a perfect cocktail that works for either gin or vodka and balances the bitterness of grapefruit juice with another flavor that’s hard for me to pin down.

When I make it with locally made gin, the taste can best be described as green, but in a citrusy way—I think a lack of sufficient salt in my Salty Dog contributing to the sweetness in the grapefruit balances the tart drink, softening it into a dawn-drenched drink. Serve either way at breakfast or a morning barbecue—it’s vitamin and antioxidant-rich, after all.

Ingredients

Gin or Vodka: Supplies the base of the alcohol; presents a smooth, spirit-forward flavor.

Grapefruit Juice, Freshly Squeezed: A concentrated source of vitamin C, it contributes a citrus, tangy, and delicious flavor.

Sea Salt: Enhances flavors, adds a savory touch to the drink.

Ice Cubes: Chills the beverage, resulting in a refreshing and crisp drink.

Grapefruit slice or twist: Provides an olfactory garnish that boosts appearance.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 ounces gin or vodka
• 4 ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
• Coarse sea salt for rimming the glass
• Ice cubes
• Grapefruit slice or twist for garnish

Instructions

1. Start by getting your glass ready. Take a thick cocktail glass and wet the rim with a grapefruit wedge.

2. Place a plate in front of you. Put a good amount of coarse sea salt on the plate.

3. Carefully dip the wet rim of the glass into the salt, making sure to coat the entire circumference evenly.

4. Chill the glass by filling it with ice cubes.

5. Mix 2 ounces of gin or vodka with 4 ounces of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice in a cocktail shaker.

6. Put a few ice cubes in the shaker.

7. Fasten the lid onto the mixer tightly, and then mix the contents vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the mixture is well chilled.

8. The mixture should be strained with precision into the salted glass, which is filled with ice, that has been prepared in advance.

9. For added flavor and visual allure, garnish the drink with a slice or twist of grapefruit.

10. Enjoy this Western-themed Salty Dog cocktail right away; it is too refreshing not to.

Equipment Needed

1. Thick cocktail glass
2. Grapefruit wedge
3. Plate
4. Cocktail shaker
5. Cocktail strainer
6. Ice cubes
7. Knife (for cutting grapefruit)
8. Measuring jigger or shot glass (for measuring gin or vodka and grapefruit juice)

FAQ

• Can I use bottled grapefruit juice instead of fresh?It is best to use freshly squeezed juice from the fruit for the best flavor, but if you must use juice that is not freshly squeezed, use bottled juice.
• What type of glass should I serve this cocktail in?A Salty Dog is served in a highball glass, in keeping with tradition.
• Can I substitute the sea salt with another type of salt?Coarse sea salt is the salt of choice because of its texture, but kosher salt can also be a good substitute.
• How do I properly rim the glass with salt?Take a wedge of grapefruit and run it around the glass’s rim. Dip the rim into a plate of coarse sea salt.
• Is vodka or gin better for a Salty Dog?This relies on preference; gin imparts a botanical flavor, while vodka supplies a cleaner taste.
• Can the Salty Dog be made ahead of time?The grapefruit juice is best served fresh, but you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge.
• What garnish works best for a Salty Dog?The drink matches beautifully with a slice or twist of grapefruit.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitute tequila for gin or vodka for a southwestern spin.
If you cannot obtain fresh grapefruit juice, use purchased grapefruit juice; but make sure it is 100% juice.
For a similar texture, use kosher salt instead of coarse sea salt.
Use crushed ice, not ice cubes, for a different mouthfeel.