Food and Recipes Drinks Cocktails There's Nothing More Summery Than A Classic Salty Dog Cocktail 5.0 (1) 1 Review Our salty dog cocktail recipe makes the most of gin, grapefruit juice, and salt. The result? A fresh, tart, and balanced drink. The Southern Living Test Kitchen crafted this cocktail with fresh grapefruit juice, but bottled juice would be fine in a pinch. If you are freshly squeezing, we recommend using ruby red grapefruit for a beautiful, pink drink. Finish your glass with a salted brim for a stylish look that balances the drink's flavor. More than a garnish, this briny salted boost is a great contrast to the salty dog's zest and complements the bitterness of grapefruit and juniper taste of gin nicely. By Southern Living Test Kitchen Southern Living Test Kitchen The Southern Living Test Kitchen has been publishing recipes since 1970, four years after the first issue of Southern Living Magazine appeared on newsstands. The Southern Living Test Kitchen team includes a team of professionals with deep expertise in recipe development, from pastry chefs and grilling experts to nutritionists and dietitians. Together, the team tests and retests, produces, styles, and photographs thousands of recipes each year in the state-of-the-art test kitchen facility located in Birmingham, Alabama. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on August 3, 2024 Rate PRINT Share Close Photo: Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox Active Time: 10 mins Total Time: 10 mins Servings: 1 Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox Ingredients 2 Tbsp. kosher salt 1 tsp. grapefruit zest, plus 3/4 cup fresh juice (from 2 grapefruits), divided 6 Tbsp. (3 oz.) gin 1/2 cup ice 1 grapefruit slice Directions Make salt rim: Stir together salt and zest on a small plate using your fingers until evenly combined. Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox Line the rim of a highball glass with water; dip rim in salt mixture. Set aside. Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox Add ingredients to shaker: Place grapefruit juice, gin, and ice in a cocktail shaker; cover and shake until thoroughly chilled, about 10 seconds. Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox Strain and serve: Strain into prepared highball glass; garnish with grapefruit slice. Serve immediately. Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox Rate It Print