A Grapefruit Vodka Cocktail to Shake Up This Valentine’s Day (Salty Dog Recipe)

The right strategy to elevate a comfy night at house is with a easy however particular cocktail to set the temper. Whether or not you’re gathering with shut buddies, doing a date evening at dwelling, or having fun with a solo evening of self-care, this refreshing grapefruit vodka cocktail is at all times a welcome addition at our home. Recognized classically as a Greyhound—or a Salty Canine when you’re feeling adventurous with a salted rim—this vibrant drink brings collectively simply the precise stability of sweetness, tang, and sparkle.

One factor that units this grapefruit vodka cocktail aside is its versatility. I’ve tweaked the basic recipe by including a touch of agave syrup for sweetness and ending it off with grapefruit glowing water for additional fizz and taste. It’s excellent for elevating a weeknight or making a feast really feel particular—with out the stress. Scroll on for this fast recipe and my favourite tricks to make it your new go-to.

Greyhound vs. Salty Canine: What’s the Distinction?

Let’s break it down:

• Greyhound: Merely vodka and grapefruit juice—a basic that’s crisp, recent, and straightforward to sip.
• Salty Canine: A Greyhound with a salted rim. Belief me, this small addition makes all of the distinction, enhancing the drink’s sweetness and tartness.
• Italian Greyhound: Love one thing barely extra subtle? Add a splash of Campari for additional depth.

My model is closest to the Salty Canine due to its yummy salted rim, however mixes up the basic ratios only a bit, including a squeeze of agave syrup and a few grapefruit-flavored glowing water to high it off. I really like the fizziness this gives, and it permits me to change the drink and make a low-alcohol cocktail if I wish to maintain issues gentle, with out sacrificing the scrumptious grapefruit taste.

Learn how to Make a Salty Canine Cocktail in 3 Simple Steps

I’m not a fan of difficult at-home cocktails—I really like a brief components record and easy shake-it-up approach, and this cocktail recipe has each.

1. First, you’re going to salt the edges of your glasses. I just like the look of a rim that’s salted on simply half the glass, plus it permits the drinker to determine in the event that they take a sip with or with out salt. To get this impact, all you must do is take a lime or grapefruit wheel and run it across the fringe of half the glass, then dip that half right into a small bowl full of kosher salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker full of ice, you’re going to shake up 2 elements grapefruit juice to 1 half vodka, with a squeeze of agave if desired.
3. Pressure and pour over your ice-filled glasses, then high off with grapefruit glowing water to style. My hands-down favourite is Rambler—everybody in our home is obsessed. If you would like, garnish with a grapefruit slice.

Tricks to Elevate Your Cocktail

• Freshly squeezed juice is a game-changer—pink or ruby crimson grapefruit works superbly.
• Regulate sweetness with agave or omit altogether when you desire a much less candy sip.
• High quality glowing water like Rambler provides crispness and retains the drink gentle and refreshing.

Learn how to Make It a Mocktail

Since grapefruit has such a scrumptious, juicy taste by itself, it makes an incredible base for a non-boring cocktail. In the event you’d prefer to make this drink with out alcohol, simply swap in somewhat lime juice rather than the vodka or gin, and add some additional grapefruit glowing water. Make it really feel somewhat extra particular by throwing in a rosemary sprig or mint for garnish. Delish—and delightful!

This submit was final up to date on March 20, 2025 to incorporate new insights.

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