Salty Balls Cocktail Recipe
Salty Balls Nutrition Facts
Calories:150
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:15g
Alcohol %:14
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Salty Balls cocktail is a modern creation, inspired by the salty and sweet flavor combination that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It's a favorite among those who enjoy a balance of flavors in their cocktails, with the saltiness enhancing the sweetness and vice versa.
-
Origin: Modern, unknown creator
-
Ideal for: Those who enjoy sweet and salty flavors
-
Served: On the rocks
-
Strength: Medium
How Salty Balls Tastes?
The Salty Balls cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet, salty, and slightly bitter flavors. The sweetness of the liqueur is perfectly balanced by the saltiness of the rim, while the bitterness of the grapefruit juice adds a refreshing twist.
Interesting facts about Salty Balls
- The Salty Balls cocktail is often served in a salt-rimmed glass to enhance its unique flavor profile.
- Despite its unusual name, the Salty Balls cocktail is a sophisticated and balanced drink.
- The cocktail's name is a playful nod to its salty rim and the 'ball' of ice it's typically served over.
Ingredients
- Grapefruit juice: 2 oz(60ml)
- Tequila: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Agave nectar: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Salt: To rim the glass
- Ice ball: 1
Grapefruit Juice
Grapefruit juice is the citrus backbone of the Salty Balls cocktail, providing a sweet yet tart kick. If you use more than 2oz, the drink could become overly acidic, overshadowing the other flavors. Less, and you might not balance the tequila's robustness. Without it, you'd miss the 'zing'! An alternative could be orange juice for a sweeter, less tart flavor.
Emma Rose
Tequila
The heart and soul of our Salty Balls, 1.5oz of tequila gives just enough agave punch without knocking your taste buds out. Too much and you're diving into a boozy overload, too little and the drink becomes a timid shadow of its potential. Skip it, and you've got non-alcoholic grapefruit juice - not so 'ballsy'. You could swap for mezcal if you want a smokier twist.
Mary Mitkina
Agave Nectar
At 0.5oz, agave nectar gently sweetens the deal, rounding out the sharpness of grapefruit and salt. More and it'd be too syrupy, less and you might pucker up with every sip. Ditching it completely is an open invitation for a tart-tongue face. Honey could be a substitute for a different kind of sweetness.
Alex Green
Salt
The namesake's 'Salty', the salt rim is not just for kicks—it contrasts and accentuates the sweet and sour elements of the drink. Without it, the cocktail would be like a beach without the sea—missing its defining edge. No salt, no Salty Balls. Opt for Himalayan pink salt for an Instagram-worthy change that packs a mineral punch.
Emma Rose
Ice Ball
Why a ball? It's not just to look cool—it melts slower than cubes, keeping your drink chilled, not watered down. No ice ball means a fast-diluting drink, compromising the robust flavors. Switching to regular ice cubes is perfectly acceptable, just expect a quicker watering down of your Salty Balls.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Salty Balls Drink
- Rim the glass with salt.
- Place the ice ball in the glass.
- Pour the tequila and grapefruit juice over the ice.
- Add the agave nectar.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Serve and enjoy.
Pro Tips
- Use a high-quality tequila for the best flavor.
- Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice will give a more vibrant taste.
- Be careful not to over-salt the rim - it should enhance, not overpower the drink.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Ceviche: The citrus notes of grapefruit pair beautifully with fresh, zesty ceviche.
- Guacamole and Chips: The salted rim complements the creaminess of the guacamole.
Main Courses
- Grilled Seafood: The acidity of the grapefruit juice cuts through the richness of grilled fish.
- Tacos Al Pastor: The sweet and sour profile of the cocktail balances the spiciness of the tacos.
Snacks
- Salted Nuts: The salt on the nuts echoes the salted rim of the cocktail.
- Charcuterie Board: The cocktail's bright flavors contrast nicely with the savory cured meats.
Desserts
- Citrus Sorbet: A light, fruity dessert to complement the freshness of the cocktail.
- Dark Chocolate: The bitterness of dark chocolate offers a counterpoint to the cocktail's sweetness.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
What you could change in Salty Balls
- Tequila can be substituted with vodka for a less distinct flavor.
- Agave nectar can be replaced with simple syrup if it's not available.
Explore all drinks starting with S here
And of course - twists🍹
Smoky Salty Balls
- Substitute tequila with mezcal.
- Add a pinch of smoked sea salt to the agave nectar. This twist brings an alluring smokiness to the cocktail, pairing beautifully with the grapefruit's bitterness.
Sweet Heat Salty Balls
- Rim the glass with a mix of salt and chili powder.
- Add a splash of pineapple juice. A daring contrast of sweet, spicy, and salty, this variation offers a tropical kick that's perfect for those who like a little fire with their citrus.
Herbal Salty Balls
- Muddle fresh basil leaves before adding the juices.
- Use honey instead of agave nectar. An herbaceous twist, with a more complex, earthy sweetness provided by the honey and the fresh brightness of basil.
In case you forgot basics how to make Salty Balls
Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions on Salty Balls
What type of grapefruit is best to use for the Salty Balls cocktail?
Any variety of grapefruit works well, but ruby or pink grapefruit can add a bit of color and sweetness to the cocktail.
Can I make the Salty Balls cocktail without the salt rim?
Yes, but the salt rim is an essential part of the cocktail's flavor profile. Without it, the drink may lose its signature balance of sweet and salty.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Salty Balls cocktail?
To make a non-alcoholic Salty Balls, simply substitute the tequila with a non-alcoholic spirit or skip it altogether. The grapefruit juice and agave nectar will still make for a refreshing drink.
What type of glass is ideal for serving the Salty Balls cocktail?
A wide-mouthed glass like a rocks glass or an old-fashioned glass is best to accommodate the ice ball and provide a generous surface area for the salt rim.
How can I properly rim a glass with salt?
Rub the edge of the glass with a grapefruit wedge to make it sticky, then dip it into a shallow dish of salt. You can also rotate the glass in salt for a heavier coating.
More similar recipes to Salty Balls!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
Texas Twister
The Texas Twister is a sweet, fruity cocktail with a refreshing tang. The blend of orange, pineapple, and grapefruit juices gives it a tropical, citrusy flavor, while the vodka and rum add a subtle, warming kick. The cocktail is balanced, not too sweet nor too tart, making it a delightful sipper on a hot summer day.
Siesta
The Siesta cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. The tequila provides a smooth, earthy base, while the Campari adds a hint of bitterness. The fresh lime and grapefruit juices add a refreshing, citrusy tang, and the simple syrup balances out the flavors with a touch of sweetness.
Dirty Blonde
The Dirty Blonde is a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and strong. The peach schnapps adds a sweet, fruity flavor, while the grapefruit juice provides a tart, citrusy note. The vodka gives the cocktail its strong, boozy kick.
Jalisco High Tea
The Jalisco High Tea cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet, sour, and herbal flavors. The sweetness of the agave nectar and the tartness of the lime juice create a perfect harmony, while the tequila adds a bold, earthy undertone. The addition of green tea and mint leaves lends a refreshing, aromatic finish to the drink.
Machu Picchu
The Machu Picchu cocktail is a delightful balance of sweet and sour, with a hint of minty freshness. The Pisco provides a strong, fruity base, while the grenadine adds a sweet touch. The orange juice brings a tangy twist, and the mint leaves a refreshing aftertaste.
Oaxaca
The Oaxaca cocktail is a complex and well-balanced drink with a smoky, sweet, and slightly bitter taste. It has a rich and velvety texture, with a hint of spice and a lingering warmth.
Cucumber Martini
The Cucumber Martini is crisp, clean, and refreshing with a subtle hint of botanicals. It has a light, slightly sweet taste with a smooth, velvety texture. The cucumber adds a cool, fresh flavor that balances the sharpness of the gin and the tanginess of the lemon.
Eclipse
The Eclipse cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and smoky flavors. The añejo tequila provides a rich, oaky base, while the Aperol adds a touch of bitterness. The Heering cherry liqueur imparts a sweet, fruity note, and the lemon juice brings a refreshing tang. The mezcal, although used sparingly, adds a distinctive smoky flavor that lingers on the palate.
Ruby
The Ruby cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The combination of raspberry, lime, and orange liqueur creates a refreshing and tangy taste, while the vodka adds a smooth and strong kick. The overall flavor profile is well-balanced, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy both sweet and sour cocktails.
Margarita
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea is a complex blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of cola and sour mix with the boldness of multiple spirits. It is a strong, yet surprisingly smooth cocktail with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of sourness from the orange juice and grenadine. The tequila adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor, making it a well-balanced and satisfying drink.