The right method to elevate a comfortable night at house is with a easy however particular cocktail to set the temper. Whether or not you’re gathering with shut associates, doing a date evening at house, or having fun with a solo evening of self-care, this refreshing grapefruit vodka cocktail is all the time a welcome addition at our home. Recognized classically as a Greyhound—or a Salty Canine in case you’re feeling adventurous with a salted rim—this vibrant drink brings collectively simply the appropriate stability of sweetness, tang, and sparkle.
One factor that units this grapefruit vodka cocktail aside is its versatility. I’ve tweaked the traditional recipe by including a touch of agave syrup for sweetness and ending it off with grapefruit glowing water for additional fizz and taste. It’s good for elevating a weeknight or making a feast really feel particular—with out the stress. Scroll on for this fast recipe and my favourite tricks to make it your new go-to.
Greyhound vs. Salty Canine: What’s the Distinction?
Let’s break it down:
- Greyhound: Merely vodka and grapefruit juice—a traditional that’s crisp, contemporary, and simple to sip.
- Salty Canine: A Greyhound with a salted rim. Belief me, this small addition makes all of the distinction, enhancing the drink’s sweetness and tartness.
- Italian Greyhound: Love one thing barely extra subtle? Add a splash of Campari for additional depth.


My model is closest to the Salty Canine due to its yummy salted rim, however mixes up the traditional ratios only a bit, including a squeeze of agave syrup and a few grapefruit-flavored glowing water to prime it off. I really like the fizziness this offers, and it permits me to change the drink and make a low-alcohol cocktail if I wish to maintain issues gentle, with out sacrificing the scrumptious grapefruit taste.

The right way to Make a Salty Canine Cocktail in 3 Straightforward Steps
I’m not a fan of sophisticated at-home cocktails—I really like a brief elements checklist and easy shake-it-up method, and this cocktail recipe has each.
- First, you’re going to salt the edges of your glasses. I just like the look of a rim that’s salted on simply half the glass, plus it permits the drinker to determine in the event that they take a sip with or with out salt. To get this impact, all it’s important to do is take a lime or grapefruit wheel and run it across the fringe of half the glass, then dip that half right into a small bowl stuffed with kosher salt.
- In a cocktail shaker stuffed with ice, you’re going to shake up 2 components grapefruit juice to 1 half vodka, with a squeeze of agave if desired.
- Pressure and pour over your ice-filled glasses, then prime off with grapefruit glowing water to style. My hands-down favourite is Rambler—everybody in our home is obsessed. If you would like, garnish with a grapefruit slice.

Tricks to Elevate Your Cocktail
- Freshly squeezed juice is a game-changer—pink or ruby pink grapefruit works fantastically.
- Alter sweetness with agave or omit altogether in case you choose a much less candy sip.
- High quality glowing water like Rambler provides crispness and retains the drink gentle and refreshing.


The right way to Make It a Mocktail
Since grapefruit has such a scrumptious, juicy taste by itself, it makes an incredible base for a non-boring cocktail. Should you’d prefer to make this drink with out alcohol, simply swap in somewhat lime juice rather than the vodka or gin, and add some additional grapefruit glowing water. Make it really feel somewhat extra particular by throwing in a rosemary sprig or mint for garnish. Delish—and delightful!
This publish was final up to date on March 20, 2025 to incorporate new insights.
Description
This easy, 3-step cocktail is good, tart, and ideal for date evening.
- 6 ounces contemporary grapefruit juice
- 3 ounces vodka
- Squeeze of agave
- Grapefruit glowing water for topping off (I like Rambler)
- Kosher salt for rim of glasses
- Grapefruit slices for garnish
- Salt the rim of two glasses and fill with ice (see publish above for directions).
- In a cocktail shaker stuffed with ice, shake up grapefruit juice, vodka, and a squeeze of agave.
- Pour cocktails into ready glasses, prime with glowing water, and drink!