How to make a salted dog? - briefly
To create a salted dog cocktail, mix vodka and grapefruit juice in a highball glass filled with ice. Then, rim the glass with salt by wetting the edge and dipping it into a plate of coarse salt.
How to make a salted dog? - in detail
Creating a salted dog, also known as a salty dog, is a classic cocktail that combines the tartness of grapefruit juice with the sharpness of salt and the kick of vodka or gin. This refreshing beverage is perfect for hot summer days or as an accompaniment to seafood dishes. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make this delightful drink:
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Choose Your Base Spirit: The traditional spirit used in a salty dog is vodka, but you can also use gin for a slightly different flavor profile. Both spirits work well with grapefruit juice and salt.
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Select the Right Grapefruit Juice: Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice is ideal for this cocktail. If using store-bought juice, ensure it’s 100% pure grapefruit juice without any added sugars or preservatives. The tartness of the juice is what balances the salt and spirit in the drink.
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Prepare the Glass: Wet the rim of a highball glass with a slice of lime or lemon. This will help the salt stick to the glass. You can also use a little bit of grapefruit juice if you prefer a more subtle flavor on the rim.
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Salt the Rim: Dip the moistened rim into a plate of coarse sea salt. Make sure the entire rim is covered with salt for an even distribution when sipping the drink.
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Combine Ingredients: In the salted glass, pour 2 ounces (60 ml) of your chosen spirit over ice. Add 4-6 ounces (120-180 ml) of grapefruit juice, depending on how strong or diluted you prefer your cocktail.
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Stir Gently: Using a bar spoon or long spoon, gently stir the mixture to combine the spirit and grapefruit juice. Be careful not to dislodge the salt from the rim.
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Garnish: Add a slice of lime or lemon as a garnish for added flavor and visual appeal. Some people also like to add a maraschino cherry, but this is optional.
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Serve Immediately: A salty dog is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. The salt on the rim will gradually dissolve, so it’s essential to serve the drink promptly for the full effect.
By following these steps, you can create a perfectly balanced and refreshing salty dog cocktail that’s sure to impress your guests or simply satisfy your own craving for something tart and invigorating.