Salty Dog with Thyme

Salty Dogs are great with gin, but we like to use vodka in this rendition - it's more neutral flavour lets the interplay of bitter grapefruit and woodsy thyme take center stage. The cocktail's signature salt-coated rim gives the tart, herbal combo a welcome jolt.

Thyme Simple Syrup:
¼ cup sugar
¼ cup water
8 sprigs thyme

Cocktail:
1 Tbsp. coarse salt, for glass rim
1 lime wedge
3 oz pink grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed (1 grapefruit)
2 oz vodka
½ oz lime, freshly squeezed (1 lime)
½ oz Thyme Simple Syrup

Garnish:
lime wheels or thyme sprigs

For the Thyme Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, add thyme, and allow to steep 15 minutes. Strain into airtight container. Thyme Simple Syrup can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.

For the Cocktail: Pour salt on a small saucer. Run lime wedge around the outer rim of a Collins glass and roll glass in salt to coat outside rim. Set aside.

Combine grapefruit juice, vodka, lime juice, and thyme syrup in cocktail shaker. Fill shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled, about 15 seconds. Fill salt-rimmed Collins glass with fresh ice and strain cocktail into glass. Garnish with thyme or lime if desired.

Makes 1 serving.