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This grapefruit vodka cocktail is bright, tart, and finished with a salty rim that makes every sip pop. Better known as a classic Salty Dog, it’s an easy drink that works just as well for brunch as it does for happy hour or casual sipping.

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Two glasses of Grapefruit Vodka Cocktail with ice, salt-rimmed edges, and grapefruit wedges as garnish sit on a wooden board, with grapefruit slices in the background.

about this Grapefruit Vodka Cocktail

This grapefruit vodka cocktail is one of those drinks I reach for when I want something refreshing without thinking too hard about it. The mix of tart grapefruit juice and vodka keeps it simple, crisp, and easy to drink. If you love citrusy cocktails that don’t take a ton of effort, this one’s for you.

You might recognize this drink better as the classic Salty Dog cocktail, which is a fun twist on the classic Greyhound cocktail that’s been around since the mid-1900s. The only real difference is the salted rim. It sounds like a simple change, but it’s a game-changer, balancing the flavors in the cocktail.

What I love most is how little effort it takes. You only need two ingredients – vodka and grapefruit juice. And yet, it still tastes like something you’d order at a bar. I you want to mix things up, there are so many easy ways to customize it depending on what you’ve got in the fridge.

One quick tip from making this more times than I can count: the vodka actually matters here. Go for something smooth and clean. Be sure to use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. Bottled stuff works fine in a pinch, but fresh juice makes it pop!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
Takes under 5 minutes to make
Easy to batch for parties or brunch
Uses just a handful of ingredients
Refreshing and not overly sweet

A hand dips the rim of a textured glass into coarse white salt. The background is a dark, marbled surface.

ingredients

Vodka. Use a good-quality alcohol for the cleanest flavor. Since this drink is so simple, the vodka’s flavor matters a lot. I recommend Tito’s or Absolut (splurge for Absolut Elyx if you want to!).

Fresh grapefruit juice. Freshly squeezed juice will give you the best flavor. If you need to use store bought, I recommend Simply Grapefruit.

Coarse kosher salt. The salt enhances balance the grapefruit’s acidity and creates that signature Salty Dog taste.

Grapefruit slices. Use these for garnish and to moisten the rim before salting.

this recipe’s must-haves

You’ll want to use short, wide glasses like old fashioned glasses for this cocktail.

A citrus juicer is key if you’re squeezing fresh grapefruit juice. It’ll save time!

Use a shallow bowl or small plate for your salt so you can easily coat the rim of each glass.

If you prefer a slightly foamy, well-mixed drink, use a cocktail shaker to combine the vodka and juice before pouring.

Two glasses of Grapefruit Vodka Cocktail with ice and salted rims sit on a wooden board, garnished with grapefruit wedges. Fresh grapefruit halves are nearby, all set against a marble background.

how to make this classic salty dog cocktail

Rim

Use the grapefruit wedges to moisten the rims of four rocks glasses. Rim the glasses with coarse salt.

Fill

Fill four cocktail glasses with ice.

Add

Pour in vodka, dividing evenly between the salt-rimmed glasses (2 ounces per glass).

Top

Top with grapefruit juice. Stir to combine.

Garnish & Serve

Garnish with a grapefruit slice or a lime wedge if you’d prefer.

Tips for Success

Use fresh grapefruit juice for the cleanest, brightest flavor.
Chill your glasses or ice in advance to keep drinks extra cold.
Add a little grapefruit zest over the top for a citrusy aroma.
Rim only half the glass if you want to control the saltiness.
Don’t go heavy on the salt—it should enhance, not overpower.

Two glasses of Grapefruit Vodka Cocktail with ice and salted rims, garnished with grapefruit slices. Fresh grapefruit wedges are placed nearby on a dark marble surface and a wooden board.

variations

Swap the vodka with gin or tequila to give the drink a new base flavor. Gin adds herbal complexity, while tequila lends a peppery bite for a paloma-vibe.

Add a splash of club soda for a lighter version with a bubbly twist. You could even use grapefruit soda for extra grapefruit flavor.

Try blood orange juice instead of grapefruit for a slightly sweeter, more colorful option.

If the grapefruit you’re using is very tart, stir in a little simple syrup to balance it out without masking the citrus.

More Simple Cocktail to Sip: Gin Sour I Easy Lillet Spritz I Gin Basil Smash I London Mule

faqs

Can I use bottled grapefruit juice?

You can, but fresh juice is strongly recommended for the best flavor.

Do I have to use salt?

Technically, no, but the salty rim is part of what defines a Salty Dog. Try salting only part of the rim if you’re unsure.

Can I make this in a big batch?

Yes, mix the vodka and juice in a pitcher and rim the glasses just before serving.

Can I use pink vs ruby red grapefruit?

Yes, you can use either! Ruby red will be sweeter and less sharp, while pink or white grapefruit gives you a more classic tart Salty Dog flavor.

Need more fun drink inspiration? Check out my booze page!

Two glasses with salt-rimmed edges are filled with a refreshing drink and elegant touch.

what to serve with this Grapefruit Vodka Cocktail

Pair this cocktail with brunch staples like smoked salmon and avocado bagels or scrambled egg toast with ratatouille hummus. The salty-citrus combo complements creamy, savory dishes really well.

For appetizers, serve it alongside a cheese board, shrimp skewers, or roasted nuts. It’s also great with summer finger foods.

During citrus season, it’s nice with light bites like citrus salads, grilled vegetables, or finger sandwiches that won’t overpower the drink’s flavor.

how to store

Store: Keep the grapefruit juice and vodka mixture chilled in the fridge if making ahead. Don’t rim or garnish until just before serving.

Reheat: No reheating needed. Serve this drink cold only.

Freeze: Avoid freezing the drink, but you can freeze fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice in advance for future use.

More Grapefruit Recipes for Citrus Season

This grapefruit cocktail recipe is just the start. You can shake things up with a grapefruit daiquiri, which brings a tropical twist and is such a refreshing choice.

If you love herbal cocktails, the rosemary grapefruit gin fizz adds an earthy note to that tangy citrus punch.

Or try something with a salty-sweet mix, like the salted watermelon grapefruit paloma—perfect for warm weather and backyard hangs.

Finally, if you make this grapefruit vodka cocktail recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

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