Salty Dog Grapefruit Cocktail

This grapefruit cocktail is the perfect refreshing summer drink that will instantly transport you to the beach. Mixed with ruby red grapefruit juice, lime seltzer and a good quality vodka, you’re going to love how refreshing it is on a hot summer’s day.

grapefruit salty dog cocktail with salt on the rim and grapefruit garnish

Are you planning a staycation this summer? For us, it will be a summer of staying home.

But it’s not all bad news. We have a fantastic back yard, air conditioning in our house and lots of fun things for the boys to play with. Throw in some BBQs, a firepit and a few water balloon fights, and I’m hoping we can make it a memorable summer for them.

While we might not get to enjoy too much sand in between our toes, this Salty Dog cocktail certainly gives me all the beachy feels.

Three graprefruit cocktails with limes in the background

I’m pretty easy going. Give me a good book, a cold drink and spot in the sun and I’m happy for days. And this grapefruit cocktail is certainly one step to checking all those boxes for me.

I have no idea why it’s called a Salty Dog. But it is salty, sweet and fizzy with just enough vodka to give it a little kick. It’s really the perfect type of cocktail for any time of the day (within reason!).

Shot of vodka for the cocktail

Did you know that I don’t drink much, if at all? In fact, this is the first alcoholic drink I think I’ve had in around 18 months! I don’t abstain for any reason in particular. I’ve just been pregnant and nursing for a lot of the past 5 years! But this cocktail is too good to pass up!

shot of the grapefruit cocktail with an ice tongs

I hadn’t made this one in several years and when I made it again I remembered why I used to love it so much. If you like Margaritas but want something a little different, then I think you’ll enjoy this. Heck, I think you’ll enjoy it no matter what your usual favorite summer beverage is!

closeup shot of the cocktail

It’s really quick to make and you can adjust the measurements easily to make a full pitcher if you’d prefer. I only make it a glass or two at a time, because I’m a huge lightweight and this is a little too easy to drink if you know what I mean.

trio of summer cocktails
Putting ice into a salt rimmed glass

All you need is a glass full of ice and a shot of vodka. Over that you’re going to pour 3 ounces of ruby red grapefruit juice, then top with about a 1/2 ounce of lime selzter (I like La Croix or Polar Seltzer).

Pouring the cocktail into a glass

Don’t forget to rim your glass with some fresh lime juice and salt beforehand…it makes the drink extra special! Finally, garnish with either a lime or grapefruit wedge and enjoy!

Garnishing the glass with a wedge of grapefruit

Have you tried a Salty Dog before? If you haven’t, try it this weekend and let me know what you think!

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Grapefruit Salty Dog

grapefruit salty dog cocktail
A simple but delicious beach inspired cocktail featuring the flavors of ruby red grapefruit juice, lime seltzer, vodka and salt.
Jenna Shaughnessy
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Ingredients

  • 1 lime
  • ½ ounce lime seltzer
  • 3 ounce ruby red grapefruit juice
  • 1 ounce vodka I prefer Titos
  • salt

Instructions

  • Rub the rim of a glass with lime, then dip in salt
  • Fill the glass with ice, then add 1 shot of vodka
  • Pour in ¼ to ½ oz of lime seltzer then top with the grapefruit juice.
  • Stir and enjoy!

Notes

Make an entire pitcher of this to serve to guests. Scale the ingredient amounts at the top of this recipe card!

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