Grapefruit Vodka Sangria (Salty Dog Sangria)

By Becky Hardin

Updated Apr 16, 2026

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Grapefruit Vodka Sangria (aka Salty Dog Sangria) is the ultimate refreshing summer cocktail. Grapefruit vodka, juice, rose wine, club soda, and simple syrup come together in one refreshing and beautiful sip. I’ve kept the essence of a classic salty dog with a salted rim, but made a sangria version for the perfect grapefruit cocktail.

Easy Grapefruit Vodka Sangria Recipe

Grapefruit Vodka Sangria is a salty dog cocktail in sangria form. Mixed with rose wine, fresh juice, club soda, and more, this sangria is perfect for summer. With the season in full motion, it’s time to get creative with mixing up a refreshing drink at the end of the day, and this vodka sangria is my new favorite way to kick back.

I’ve always loved classic salty dogs with grapefruit juice, vodka, and a salted rim. I thought it would be fun to mix a salty dog cocktail with rosé wine to make the best sangria recipe. I was right, if I do say so myself! It’s hard to stop at just one glass. It’s the perfect pitcher to make for those outdoor BBQs that happen throughout the summer.

Tips for Beginners

• Coarse salt is the best. The texture of coarse salt makes it the best option for lining the rim of the glasses.
• Don’t skip the salted rim. That light salt rim is what gives it the “salty dog” twist and helps balance the sweetness and citrus—just a little goes a long way.
• Fresh juice would be great. If you are up for the task, freshly squeezed juice would give you the most tart flavor.
• Adjust the sweetener to your preference. The recipe yields about ½ cup of simple syrup, but taste the sangria and adjust before adding it all.

Recipe Card

Salty Dog Sangria

4.88 from 16 votes

Prep: 15 minutes mins

Total: 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Author: Becky Hardin

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This Grapefruit Vodka Sangria is the perfect salty dog cocktail in the form of a refreshing sangria with a salted rim to enjoy all summer long.

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Ingredients 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 cup sugar
• ▢ 1 cup water
• ▢ 2 bottles Rose Wine
• ▢ 12 oz. can ginger ale
• ▢ 2 cups ruby red grapefruit juice
• ▢ 1 cup Stoli Crushed Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka
• ▢ grapefruit slices
• ▢ coarse sea salt and grapefruit zest for rim

Instructions 

• Heat sugar and water in a small saucepan over high heat. Stir to combine. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the syrup has reduced by half and thickened slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
  1 cup sugar, 1 cup water
• In a large pitcher, stir together all ingredients except the simple syrup (sugar and water mixture) until combined. You should have approximately ½ cup of simple syrup. I recommend adding half first, stirring and tasting, then adding more to your taste. I liked it with the entire ½ cup added, but it's all up to your taste! Add the grapefruit slices to the pitcher and stir. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  2 bottles Rose Wine, 12 oz. can ginger ale, 2 cups ruby red grapefruit juice, 1 cup Stoli Crushed Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka, grapefruit slices
• Dip each glass in water and then coat in sea salt (I added a little grapefruit zest to the salt for fun) and fill with ice. Pour the sangria in and enjoy!
  coarse sea salt and grapefruit zest for rim

Calories: 207kcalCarbohydrates: 35gSodium: 6mgPotassium: 95mgSugar: 35gVitamin C: 15.8mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment!

How to Make Grapefruit Vodka Sangria Step by Step

Make the simple syrup: Over high heat, bring 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir to combine. Once the mixture boils, reduce it to a simmer and cook for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the syrup has reduced by half and thickened slightly. You should have around ½ cup. Remove it from the heat and set aside.

Combine the sangria ingredients: In a large pitcher, stir 2 bottles of rosé wine, a 12 oz. can of ginger ale, 2 cups ruby red grapefruit juice, and 1 cup Stoli Crushed Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka. Add half the simple syrup, give it a stir and taste, adding more until you reach your preferred level of sweetness. I liked it with the entire ½ cup added, but it’s all up to your taste. Add the grapefruit slices to the pitcher and stir. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Coat the glasses: Dip the rims of each glass in water and then coat them in sea salt (I added a little grapefruit zest to the salt for fun) and fill with ice.

Pour and serve: Pour the sangria and enjoy!

How to Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Note that the ginger ale will lose some of its fizz. If you want to make the sangria ahead of time, add the ginger ale just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this refreshing grapefruit sangria on a hot summer’s day with a load of cool appetizers and snacks. These tortilla pinwheels come together in just 10 minutes, and I don’t need to turn the oven on to prepare them, so they are perfect for the summer. This crack dip with veggies is also great on a warm day, as is this delicious fresh and juicy grilled peach salad.

More Sangria Recipes To Enjoy

• This fresh and fruity Moscato Sangria is made with a blend of sweetened iced tea, crisp white wine, and a medley of fruit.
• This festive Holiday Sangria features red wine, vodka, sparkling apple cider, spiced apple cider, and tart cranberry juice.
• I make this Berry Sangria with fresh berries, crisp and cool white wine, and vodka.

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