BEAUTY & THE BEARD: TWIST ON THE CLASSICS: THE BASIL SALTY DOG (GIN + GRAPEFRUIT!)

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

TWIST ON THE CLASSICS: THE BASIL SALTY DOG (GIN + GRAPEFRUIT!)

Here's today's recipe, and it comes with a story...

Back in my college bartender days there was a time I was working that a middle-aged guy came in and asked for a Salty Dog.

Me, being 19 (yes, you can bartend before 21 in Wisconsin) giggled and asked what he REALLY wanted, since I thought he was joking.

He looked at me, puzzled...and repeated that he wanted a Salty Dog. My giggles quickly turned to embarrassment- and I ducked behind the cabinet to find my cheater-cocktail guide.

It was just Gin & Grapefruit juice with a salted rim.

At the time I thought "Ew. That sounds like the WORST thing ever!"

(Keep in mind this was my raspberry vodka & sprite phase days...yick)

So I made him the drink, and promptly went home that night to make one for myself to try it out- and it was deee-lish. Super tart, with a bite of gin and a lick of salt.

I'd completely forgotten about the refreshing drink until the other day, when I heard someone order it in a bar. I decided it was time to go home and put a little twist on this classic by adding some of the fresh basil we had growing on our balcony. Thus, I give you the Basil Salty Dog.

What you need to make it happen:

- 1.5 ounces Gin

- Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice

- Grapefruit wedge

- salt

- 3-4 basil leaves

- grapefruit wedge & small basil leaf for garnish

- ice

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Dip the rim of a glass in grapefruit juice, and roll in salt for a salted rim.

Step 2: Muddle 1 grapefruit wedge with a splash of gin & 3-4 basil leaves. Be careful not to muddle the pith/rind of the grapefruit or you'll get extra bitterness!

Step 3: Add ice, gin, and grapefruit juice to the glass.

Step 4: give it a stir, add your garnish, and enjoy!

There you have it, friends.

I know grapefruit juice is a polarizing drink...but I mean, it's summertime. Even you naysayers might be moved to try this because it's so dang refreshing!