College Throwback

"You don't exactly strike me as the kind of guy to order a salty dog," said the bartender at the Ocean Grill (2227 Seawall Boulevard, Galveston, 409-762-7100). Apparently, the typical drinker of a salty dog is a seagoing fisherman just returning from a few days out on a shrimp boat. It's true I didn't fill that bill, but I had enough salt on my lips from walking down the sea wall that all I needed was the vodka and grapefruit juice to make the drink complete. It was a slow night in the restaurant and an even slower one at the bar. So the bartender started telling stories about his wild college days. He said he used to live down the street from Pat Green, and the frat-boy country singer could never seem to find his own house after a long night out at the bars. Sounds strangely familiar...

The Ocean Grill's Salty Dog:
1 1/2 jiggers McCormick vodka
3 ounces grapefruit juice
Margarita or bar salt

Into a highball glass filled with ice and rimmed with salt, pour the vodka and grapefruit juice.