The other day, I took pity on a grapefruit so old and weary that it barely had the energy to roll to another spot in the fruit drawer for a change of scenery.

Even with bedsores on its rind, the elder fruit yielded plenty of juice, so I took pity on my weary self with a cocktail.

A salty dog seemed the fitting fate for such a washed up grapefruit.

I scrapped the salted rim in favor of a less fussy, more equitable distribution.

And, because I can't escape the siren call of St-Germain anymore, I splashed in a half jigger of that too.

She wasn't a looker, but she tasted heavenly.

If only we all got such validation when feeling a little long in the tooth.

Sweet and Salty Dog

Serves 1

Sizable pinch of kosher salt
Juice of one (senior) grapefruit
1-1/2 oz. vodka
1/2 oz. St-Germain

Add salt to an ice-filled glass.

Check to see if the citrus has a living will before squeezing it over the ice, using a reamer to get every last drop.

Add vodka and St-Germain, then stir with gusto until a sip from the spoon reveals that the salt has dissolved and that the result is glorious.