Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic10% ABV3 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatestirred drink
Why: 3 ingredients, stirred drink, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: Citrus Based Food, Herbal Food, Seafood Dinner
Ingredients & Tools
BaseCitrusGarnish
- 5 ozGrapefruit JuiceCitrus
- 1 1/2 ozGinBase
- 1/4 tspSaltGarnish
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
How to Make It
StirBuild
- Pour all ingredients over ice cubes in a highball glass.BuildBuild steps combine ingredients directly without heavy aeration.
- Stir well and serve. (Vodka may be substituted for gin, if preferred.)StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritGin swaps are risky — botanicals vary wildly. London Dry is drier and more juniper-forward; Old Tom is sweeter; sloe gin adds fruit. If you swap, stay within the same style and taste as you go.CitrusLemon is bright and sharp; lime is more floral and slightly sweeter; orange is softer and rounder; grapefruit adds bitter edge. They are not interchangeable — each changes the acidity and aroma of the drink. If you swap, adjust the sweetener to rebalance.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Salty Dog?
- The Salty Dog is a cocktail made with 3 ingredients, traditionally served in a Highball Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 10.0%. A standard serving contains approximately 160 calories.
- What does a Salty Dog taste like?
- Salty Dog has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Grapefruit, Botanical, Herbal. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Salty Dog?
- Salty Dog pairs well with Citrus Based Food, Herbal Food, Seafood. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Salty Dog?
- The Salty Dog has an ABV of approximately 10.0%. That's approximately 1.09 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 160 calories, 10.4g sugar, 13.6g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Salty Dog typically served?
- Salty Dog is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner, Aperitif, Summer. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Salty Dog?
- If you enjoy Salty Dog, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Salty Dog at home?
- Yes. The Salty Dog uses 3 ingredients, making it easy to prepare at home. You will need a Highball Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Salty Dog with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.