My friends, Carolyn and Michele, recently adopted two puppies and threw a party to introduce the newest (furry) additions to their family.  The biggest hit of their dog-themed party was their signature cocktail - a Salty Dog.  These would also be great for a brunch or barbeque.  They are sweet, tart and deliciously refreshing.

Salty Dog

2oz vodka

4oz grapefruit juice

coarse salt for rim of glass

lemon (or lime) juice and wedges for garnish

ice
 

To salt the rim of the glass, either dip the rim into a small bowl filled with fresh lemon juice, or rub the rim of the glass with the cut side of a wedge of lemon.  Spin the wet rim in a bowl of salt.  Fill the glass with the vodka and grapefruit juice and a few cubes of ice.  Stir to mix and garnish with a wedge of lemon.  

Makes 1 Salty Dog 

• Make a large batch by multiplying the recipe and mixing the vodka and grapefruit juice in a pitcher
• Have glasses pre-salted, add ice and pour mixture over ice to serve
• Serve this drink in a high-ball, old fashion, martini or 8oz wine glass
• As an alternative, you can use gin instead of vodka
• Try substituting fresh squeezed pink or ruby red grapefruit juice to make this drink sweeter
• If you eliminate the salty rim, this drink would be called a Greyhound