The first time I sipped a Lavender Salty Dog was in the Arizona sunshine, tucked under a shady tree in the courtyard at House of Tricks in Tempe. I was hunting for something a little out of the box—past the Moscow Mules and house margaritas—and this cocktail delivered big time.
Lavender, grapefruit, lemon, fennel bitters… It sounded like a wild combo. But the moment I took a sip, it all clicked.
Tart and zesty with a hint of spice and a floral finish—it was fresh, bold, and so drinkable. Of course, I went straight home and made my own version. This one’s inspired by that Tempe original, with a few twists to make it easy to shake up wherever you are.
If you love a Salty Dog but want something a little more elevated and herbaceous, this cocktail is going to be your new favorite.
Cocktail Making Tools
- Cocktail Shaker
- Coupe Glass
- Channel Knife (for garnishes)
- Dried Lavender
- Lemon Juice
- Fennel Bitters
- Grapefruit Juice
Tips & Variations
- Gin Lover? Sub out the vodka for a bright, citrus-forward gin for a deeper botanical flavor.
- Want it fizzy? Add a splash of sparkling water or tonic after shaking.
- No fennel bitters? Try orange or lavender bitters as a creative swap.
Serving Idea
Pair this cocktail with a cheese board, grilled shrimp, or a citrusy salad for a complete happy hour spread. It’s especially great for brunches, book clubs, or any time you want a cocktail that feels just a little bit fancy.
Lavender Salty Dog Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz Tito’s Vodka (or sub gin if you prefer a botanical base)
- ½ oz fresh grapefruit juice (or use grapefruit liqueur for more punch)
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 2 dashes fennel bitters
- Lavender sea salt, for rim (can add a dehydrated grapefruit slice,too)
Instructions
- Rim the glass: Wet the edge of a martini or coupe glass with lemon juice and dip into lavender sea salt (recipe below) to coat.
- Shake it up: Add vodka, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and fennel bitters to a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until chilled.
- Strain into your prepared glass.
Lavender Sea Salt Recipe
- 2 parts coarse sea salt
- 1 part dried culinary lavender
- Mortar and pestle (or spice grinder)
Grind the sea salt and lavender together until the lavender is broken down and well mixed into the salt. You want it fine enough to stick to the rim of your glass without overpowering each sip. Store in a small jar—it’ll last for months.
Lavender Salty Dog
Ingredients
- 2 oz Tito’s Vodka or sub gin if you prefer a botanical base
- ½ oz fresh grapefruit juice or use grapefruit liqueur for more punch
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup adjust to taste
- 2 dashes fennel bitters you can order it here
- Lavender sea salt 2 parts coarse sea salt + 1 part dried culinary lavender
- Dehydrated grapefruit slice
Instructions
- Rim the glass: Wet the edge of a martini or coupe glass with lemon juice and dip into lavender sea salt (recipe below) to coat.
- Shake it up: Add vodka, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and fennel bitters to a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until chilled.
- Strain into your prepared glass.
Video
Notes
Lavender Sea Salt Recipe
- 2 parts coarse sea salt
- 1 part dried culinary lavender
- Mortar and pestle (or spice grinder)
