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This recipe gives the classic Salty Dog cocktail a Florida twist by using local Florida gin (or vodka), local Florida grapefruit juice and Florida sea salt for the rim. We’ve renamed this cocktail the Salty “Dolphin”, in honor of our playful aquatic friends, that can be seen throughout Floridian waters.
A variation of the Greyhound cocktail, the Salty Dog (or Dolphin) adds a salted rim to the tradition mix of gin and grapefruit juice. More recently, people have started to switch in vodka to replace the gin, but you can use either.
We prefer using gin for this recipe, and there are plenty of great local options. Our favorites Florida Gins are New World Gin from St. Augustine Distillery, Magic City Gin from Big Cypress Distillery and Old St. Pete Tropical Gin from St. Petersburg Distillery. There is also a great local Florida sea salt producer, Florida Pure, that you can use for the salted rim. Help support local and enjoy your Salty Dolphin Cocktail!
What Ingredients Do I Need To Make A Salty Dolphin (Salty Dog)?
The Alcohol
The Salty Dolphin can be made with either Vodka or Gin. We think Gin makes for a more interesting flavor but use whichever you prefer.
The Gin: Florida makes some delicious gins, so use your favorite local gin for this recipe.
One of our favorites is the silky smooth New World Gin from St. Augustine Distillery. This gin is super mellow and doesn’t have a particularly big hit of juniper that you get with some gins.
Another great option is Magic City Gin from Big Cypress Distillery. This gem of a gin has plenty of the usual juniper and citrus notes, but also brings in a note of vanilla-marzipan that plays nicely with the grapefruit.
Finally, another good option is Old St. Pete Tropical Gin from St. Petersburg Distillery which goes heavy on the citrus which doubles down on the grapefruit flavor in this cocktail.
Recommended Florida Gin:
- New World Gin- St. Augustine Distillery
- Magic City Gin- Big Cypress Distillery
- Old St. Pete Tropical Gin- St. Petersburg Distillery
Get Magic City Gin delivered by DRIZLY. Click and use code DRIZLYDEAL for $5 off of your first order.
The Vodka: If Vodka is your spirit of choice then go with one of the below fantastic local vodkas.
Recommended Florida Vodka:
- Coast Handcrafted Vodka- Kozuba and Sons Distillery
- Old St. Pete Artisanal Vodka- St. Petersburg Distillery
- Florida Cane Vodka- St. Augustine Distillery
The Mixers
The Citrus:
Fresh Grapefruit Juice: Florida grows half of the country’s grapefruits, so fresh Florida grapefruit should be easy to find at the store. For this recipe you need to use freshly squeezed juice, store bought will be sweetened which will make the drink too sweet. You can squeeze it with your hands, but this won’t yield as much juice. It’s also very messy! We’d recommend buying a juicer. We use a simple hand juicer that is inexpensive and gets the job done. It also works well for oranges.
Recommended Citrus Juicer: DRIZOM Juicer
The Sweetener: Use our homemade grapefruit simple syrup to add some more complex grapefruit notes to this Salty Dog variation. Grapefruit simple syrup goes particularly well in vodka, gin and tequila drinks. You can also use plain simple syrup if that’s what you have to hand. Either way you won’t need much, it’s just to add a touch of sweetness to balance out the tartness of the grapefruit and savory-ness of the salted rim.
The Salt: The salted rim is what sets this drink apart from the Greyhound cocktail and makes it a Salty Dog (or dolphin in this case). The Salt compliments the tartness of the grapefruit and gives the drink that moreish wow factor. Any time you use salt in cocktails like this one (or a margarita) be sure to use good quality salt. Our favorite is a great local company called Florida Pure that sell 100% natural hand-harvested Florida sea salt. They also produce a ton of interesting flavored salts, so you can play around with some interesting flavor combinations.
Recommended Salt:
- For the traditionalist: Pure Sea Salt- Florida Pure
- For those that like it spicy: Habanero Sea Salt- Florida Pure
- For an interesting Instagram photo: Black Sea Salt- Florida Pure
Note: They also have some great options for Margaritas such as Lime, Black Pepper and Chipotle. (If you are looking for something for the rim of your Bloody Mary then look no further than their delicious Maple Bacon Infused Salt.)
What Equipment Do I Need To Make A Salty Dolphin (Salty Dog)?
The Glass: Use a highball glass for this cocktail recipe. The highball glass is tall and narrow, typically holding between 8-12 ounces. This style of glass was designed for cocktails served on the rocks, with the tall shape helping keep your drink cold.
Recommended highball glass: GODINGER Highball Glasses, Set of 4
The Shaker: It’s a fact that pretty shakers produce quality cocktails. Okay maybe that’s not 100% accurate, but they definitely look better on your bar cart! Our favorite shaker is the patterned brass shaker from Absolut Elyx Boutique. You can get $15 off your first order by using this link.
Recommended cocktail shaker: ABSOLUT ELYX BOUTIQUE Brass Patterned Cocktail Shaker. (Use this link to get $15 off your first order)
How Should I Serve A Salty Dolphin (Salty Dog)?
Shaken or Stirred: As this recipe involves mixing fruit juice with a spirit it is best to shake. This will ensure it is properly mixed, ice cold and refreshing. If you are looking for a cocktail shaker that looks great on your bar cart, then we recommend the beautifully designed brass shaker from Absolut Elyx Boutique. You can get $15 off your first order by using this link.
Straight up or on the rocks: On the rocks. Serve this drink over plenty of ice.
The Garnish: The salted rim is what makes this cocktail special. If you’re looking for a local Florida salt producer then Florida Pure is a great option. Finish your Salty Dolphin with a wedge of grapefruit and you are good to go.
Enjoy your Salty Dolphin (Salty Dog) recipe below, and as always drink local and drink responsibly. Cheers!
This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when purchases of recommended products are made. This is at no additional cost to you, and every penny we make goes back into buying and trying more tasty Floridian tipples.
Salty Dolphin (Salty Dog) Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz Florida Gin (or Vodka)
- 4 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice
- 0.5 oz Grapefruit Simple Syrup
- Florida Salt (For rim)
Instructions
- Step 1: Salt the rim of a highball glass by rubbing the edge with a grapefruit wedge and then dipping in a plate of salt.
- Step 2: Add Gin, Grapefruit Juice, and Grapefruit Simple Syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Step 3: Shake for 15-20 seconds.
- Step 4: Fill your salted highball glass with ice and then strain mixture over the top.
- Garnish with a wedge of grapefruit.
Notes
Notes:
1) If you prefer your drinks on the tart side then half the amount of simple syrup to 0.25 oz.
2) If you prefer vodka to gin then you can switch it in for an equally delicious drink.
3) Mix black pepper or any other spices to the salt to create inventive flavor combinations for the rim.
Other Florida Cocktail Recipes To Try:
Old Fashioned Floridian (Orange Old Fashioned)
Tom(ahawk) Collins (FSU game day cocktail)
The Gator (UF game day cocktail)
