We’ve all seen the classic margarita with the salted rim…or perhaps a bloody mary that has one. But, when it comes to mixing things with salt the sky is the limit with fancy salt rims for your cocktails or mocktails.
In this article, I wanted to put together a list of some common and not-so-common ways to deliciously decorate the rim of your beverages. Be the standout at your next get-together – have people asking, “What is that unusual salty crunch on my beverage?”
Whether you’re a seasoned part host or just looking for a way to “fancy it up” at your next get-together, there is something on this list for you. Check out this list of 15 ways to use salt to rim your glass!
Do Only Margaritas Use Salt To Rim Glasses?
Adding salt to the rim of your glass doesn’t have to be reserved for just margaritas. Many other delicious drinks can benefit from a unique, salty rim.
Nearly any mixed drink can use a salty rim to enhance flavor. From Mojitos to Daiquiris, most sugar-rimmed drinks can be enhanced with salt instead of sugar – or even a mixture of the two! For a sweeter and more creative twist, you can also try flavored salts like hibiscus or rosemary sea salts for your favorite drinks.
You don’t have to use salt just for cocktails. Salty rims can be used on iced tea and other mocktails as well. If you’re looking for a taste beyond the basic, try spicing it up with some chili-lime salt, smoky salt or another exotic flavor combination.
Here is a list of some fancy salt mixes that you can use to add a bit of flair to your favorite beverages. First the list with detailed explanations with how-to guides below, cheers!
- Margarita Salt Mix
- Bloody Mary Salt Mix
- Old Bay Seasoning
- Tajin
- Smoked Salt Mix
- Hawaiian Black Salt
- ‘Upscale’ Classic Salt Rim
- Blackberry Sage Salt Rim
- Matcha Salt Rim
- Cajun Salt Mix
- Lemon Pepper Salt Mix
- Garlic Salt Mix
- Curry Salt Mix
- Mango Habanero Salt Mix
- Rosemary Salt Rim
Salt Rim Application Methods
While the traditional method of putting a salt rim on a glass evenly coats the entire rim, the newer method of thinking is to do a ‘half rim’. That way, beverage drinkers can adjust how much of the salt mixture that they get with each sip. There isn’t that initial mouthful where all you taste is salt.
Even more on trend is the ‘corner dip’ method, where you may only rim about 1/3 to 1/4 of the rim, but the salt coating goes down the side of the glass by an inch or so – providing a stylish look and plenty of salt for those who really savor it.
In my instructions below, I will just say ‘apply the salt mixture’ and you can choose your preferred salt placement. If you are using the deep corner dip application, you may want to use a small shallow bowl instead of a flat plate for your dipping container.
1. Margarita Salt Mix
This is one of the classics. A margarita is almost not a margarita without a salted rim. The simple method is to just moisten the glass rim and to dip it in a plate of coarse salt – then add ice and the margarita cocktail.
If you’d like a slightly more elevated version of this rim, try our concoction:
Gather Your Ingredients
- 1 cup of coarse salt (such as kosher salt)
- 2 tablespoons of lime juice
- (Optional) Replace one of the tablespoons of lime juice with dried Lime Juice powder. This can be a difficult ingredient to find, but it adds a delicious punch to the rim! I’m working on finding a reliable source I can link for you.
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder (such as cayenne pepper or ancho chili powder)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the salt, chili powder and Lime Juice powder (if used) until well combined. Carefully drizzle the liquid lime juice over the mixture. Using a spray bottle can improve the dispersal of the liquid.
- Spread the mixture on a plate or shallow dish.
- Rub the rim of a glass with a lime wedge and then apply the salt mixture.
Recommended Drinks:
Margaritas are the go-to for this salt mix, yet it can also be used to line glasses for other tequila beverages such as a Paloma or even refreshing limeade. Moreover, due to its tangy flavor profile, this mixture pairs particularly well with margaritas made with jalapeno-infused tequila, adding an extra pop of zing!
2. Bloody Mary Salt Mix
Ahh, the Bloody Mary … a staple of brunches all over the United States. This mix takes the classic taste of the Bloody Mary and adds a bit of a kick to the salted rim.
Gather Your Ingredients
- 1 cup of coarse salt (such as kosher salt)
- 2 tablespoons of celery salt
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- (Optional) 1 teaspoon Aleppo Pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients until well combined.
- Spread the mixture on a plate or shallow dish if doing a flat rim.
- Rub the rim of a glass with a lime wedge and then apply the salt mixture.
Recommended Drinks
If you’re looking to spruce up your drinks, this salt mix is the ideal accompaniment! While Bloody Mary cocktails are its traditional companion, they can also be used to rim glasses for other vodka-based cocktails like a Red Snapper or a Bloody Bull. Nonalcoholic drinkers need not fear … even tomato juice and V8 juice can benefit from a bit of extra flavor with this delectable blend!
3. Old Bay Seasoning
Old Bay is a well-known blend of spices that includes celery salt, pepper and other spices. This seasoning is widely used in the Chesapeake Bay region, particularly on seafood dishes.
Gather Your Ingredients
- 1 cup of coarse salt (such as kosher salt)
- 2 tablespoons of Old Bay seasoning
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients on a plate or shallow dish.
- Rub the rim of a glass with a lemon wedge and then apply the salt mixture.
Recommended Drinks
Old Bay seasoning is usually thought of as a garnish for Bloody Marys, Red Snappers or Oyster Shooters and other similar cocktails, but it can also be used to add flavor and texture to the rim of beer glasses or even non-alcoholic drinks like lemonade or iced tea.
4. Tajín
Tajín is a Mexican condiment made with chili peppers, lime, and salt. It is widely used in Mexican cuisine as a seasoning for fruits and vegetables, but it can also be used to rim glasses for cocktails or other drinks.
The word is pronounced ‘tuh heen’. I would characterize it as ‘zippy’ rather than actually spicy hot.
Gather Your Ingredients
- 1 cup of coarse salt (such as kosher salt or Sea Salt). You may want to grind your salt in a hand grinder or mortar & pestle to match the coarseness of the Tajín to improve the smooth application of your rim.
- 2 tablespoons of Tajín seasoning. Taste note: some folks just LOVE Tajín, so they might mix it ‘half-n-half’ with an equal portion of sea salt.
Instructions
- Combine the Salt and Tajín seasoning on a plate or shallow dish.
- Rub the rim of a glass with a lime wedge and then apply the salt and Tajín seasoning mixture.
Recommended Drinks
Tajín is the perfect garnish to give your cocktails a unique, tantalizing flavor. From Margaritas and tequila-based drinks to beer and even non-alcoholic beverages like limeade or lemonade. Tajín will add an extra zing!
If you’re looking for an interesting way to spice up fruit dishes, look no further than this special seasoning blend; it’s especially delicious on watermelon slices or mango chunks.
Sourcing Note
While you can get most anything online, I have long able to get Tajín at my local Kroger grocery store. Oddly enough, instead of putting it in the Spice section of the store, mine has it in the aisle produce aisle near the salad toppings selection. Go figure. Mostly I am adding this note so that if you can’t find it in your store, the marketing people may have come up with an interesting location for Tajín. You may need to ask where they’ve stashed it.
5. Smoked Salt Mix
Smoked salt brings a subtle smokiness and a hint of sweetness to any dish. Its flavor pairs particularly well with tequila-based cocktails such as margaritas, but it can also be used on other drinks. You can purchase smoked salt at most specialty grocery stores….or you can try making it yourself, check out this article!
Gather Your Ingredients
- 1 cup of coarse salt (such as kosher salt)
- 2 tablespoons smoked sea salt. Pro tip: Try this mixture using Maldon Smoked Salt.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the ingredients until well combined. Spread the mixture on a plate or shallow dish if needed.
- Rub the rim of a glass with a lime wedge and and then apply the salt mixture.
Recommended Drinks
Creating a smoky flavor in cocktails has never been easier with the perfect mix of smoked salt. Whether you’re making a Mezcal Margarita or an Old Fashioned, this blend is sure to bring that delicious smokey taste and aroma. Don’t limit yourself to just alcoholic drinks…enhance your non-alcoholic beverages such as lemonade by adding some smoked salt for rimming your glasses!
6. Hawaiian Black Salt
For a unique culinary experience, try Hawaiian black salt! Made by combining salt with activated charcoal, this distinctively dark-hued seasoning will add an interesting depth of flavor to any dish.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Hawaiian Black Sea Salt -OR- equal portions Hawaiian Black Sea Salt and regular white Sea Salt. Note that if the two salts are different coarseness, you may want to grind the larger one to match the smaller one in a mortar & pestle.
Instructions:
- Spread the Hawaiian black salt on a plate or shallow dish. Combine in the white Sea Salt if using it.
- Rub the rim of a glass with a lime wedge and then apply the salt mixture.
Recommended Drinks
Hawaiian black salt is the perfect way to enhance your favorite tequila-based cocktails, like Margaritas and Tequila Sunrises.
It’s not just for alcoholic drinks … go ahead and rim glasses of beer or non-alcoholic beverages like a limeade with this unique seasoning! For a truly creative spin on tropical flavors, pair Hawaiian black salt with pineapple and coconut in your cocktails.
7. ‘Upscale’ Classic Salt Rim
Sometimes basic is beautiful! Salt is always a classic rim for your favorite margarita or other cocktails, but send it up a notch by using a Finishing Salt instead of regular coarse salt
Gather Your Ingredients
- 1/4 cup of Finishing Salt – my favorite is Maldon Sea Salt.
Instructions
- Spread the finishing salt in a very thin layer on a plate or shallow dish. Less is better in the case of a finishing salt.
- Rub the rim of a glass with a lime or lemon wedge and then apply the salt lightly.
- If you find that you’d like just a little more salt, you can always just dip a lime wedge in the salt, then add it to your drink.
Recommended Drinks
Whether you’re an avid mixologist or occasional home bartender, a finishing salt rim is essential for creating the perfect concoction. Consider pairing this rim with a Greyhound cocktail – which ends up being called a Salty Dog ;) Perfectly complementing tequila-based cocktails like Margaritas and Tequila Sunrises as well as beers and non-alcoholic drinks such as limeades.
8. Matcha Salt Rim
Those familiar with matcha tea, know it’s delicious and full of health benefits. But did you know that you can use matcha as a rim for your drinks?!
Gather Your Ingredients
- 1 cup of coarse salt (such as kosher salt)
- 2 tablespoons matcha powder
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the salt and matcha powder until well combined.
- Spread the mixture on a plate or shallow dish.
- Rub the rim of a glass with a lime wedge and then apply the salt mixture..
Recommended Drinks
Matcha Salt Rim is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can elevate and deliciously enhance a wide variety of cocktails, beverages, and spirits. Whether you’re serving up green tea liqueur or matcha-infused spirits for your guests, Matcha Salt Rim takes these classic drinks to the next level in flavor. For those looking for an alcohol-free option, rimming glasses with the flavorful blend will add a delightful touch to iced green teas.
9. Cajun Salt Mix
There’s an old expression in Southern kitchens, “it’s not burned…it’s CAJUN!” Spice up your next cocktail with this tantalizing and flavorful mix.
Gather Your Ingredients
- 1 cup of coarse salt (such as kosher salt)
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, ground to your favorite coarseness
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the salt and cajun spice mix until well combined.
- Spread the mixture on a plate or shallow dish.
- Rub the rim of a glass with a lime wedge and then apply the salt mixture.
Recommended Drinks
To add a spicy kick to any beverage, try rimming the glass with Cajun salt mix! Whether it’s in your favorite cocktail that uses jalapeño or hot sauce, beer, or even non-alcoholic drinks like Bloody Marys…this seasoning is sure to make any drink more flavorful and fun. Don’t miss out on adding some extra flavor and spice to all of your beverages!
10. Lemon Pepper Salt Mix
Combining a little saltiness with the sweet, tartness of lemon and the fragrant, earthy flavor of pepper, this rim is perfect for those looking to add a little zing to their drinks.
Gather Your Ingredients
- 1 cup of coarse salt
- 2 tablespoons of lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the salt, lemon zest, and black pepper until well combined.
- Spread the mixture on a plate or shallow dish.
- Rub the rim of a glass with a lime wedge and then apply the salt mixture.
Recommended Drinks
Elevate your favorite drinks with a lemon pepper salt mix! From the classic Lemon Drop martini to a refreshing tall glass of beer, this incredible combination will provide an unforgettable twist. It’s also perfect for adding zing to creative non-alcoholic concoctions such as Raspberry Mint Iced Tea or even Sparkling Ginger Limeade.
11. Garlic Salt Mix
This one may sound a bit odd, but combined with the right drink, garlic salt can add a delicious and unique flavor.
Gather Your Ingredients
- 1 cup of coarse salt
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder. If you can find higher-end Granulated Garlic, you will enjoy this rim even more!
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the salt and garlic powder until well combined.
- Spread the mixture on a plate or shallow dish.
- Rub the rim of a glass with a lime wedge and then apply the salt mixture.
Recommended Drinks
Transform your drinks into something special with a garlic salt mix! Rim glasses for cocktails such as Bloody Marys or Bloody Bulls create a savory, unique flavor. You can also use it on beer, tomato juice, and other non-alcoholic concoctions. Leftover garlic salt can be used to zip up your popcorn or sprinkle on roasted vegetables.
12. Curry Salt Mix
For the more adventurous delicatessens out there, this one’s for you. Curry salt is a unique blend that adds a hint of spice to your drinks.
Gather Your Ingredients
- 1 cup of coarse salt
- 2 tablespoons of curry powder
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the salt and curry powder until well combined.
- Spread the mixture on a plate or shallow dish.
- Rub the rim of a glass with a lime wedge and then apply the salt mixture.
Recommended Drinks
Make your cocktails stand out with a rim of Curry Salt Mix! It adds an extra savory flavor when used on drinks like Bloody Mary’s and Bloody Bulls, but can also be added to beer or even non-alcoholic beverages such as tomato juice. Plus, it’s the perfect seasoning for popcorn and roasted veggies…making your snack game more flavorful than ever before!
13. Mango Habanero Salt Mix
If you want your drinks to be Fuego, this is the mix for you. The sweet, tropical flavor of mango and the spicy kick of habanero make this an interesting and unique rimming option.
Gather Your Ingredients
- 1 cup of coarse salt
- 2 tablespoons of dried mango powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of habanero powder
- (Optional) 1 tablespoon coarse sugar, such as Turbinado (raw cane sugar)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the salt, dried mango powder, habanero powder and sugar until well combined.
- Spread the mixture on a plate or shallow dish.
- Rub the rim of a glass with a lime wedge and then apply the salt mixture.
Recommended Drinks
Transform your beverages with a delectable blend of mango habanero salt mix! Whether you fancy sipping on a Mai Tai or an invigorating Pina Colada, this seasoning will add both sweetness and heat to make it all the more enjoyable. Even beer and non-alcoholic drinks like mango juice are ideal for rimming glasses with this delightful mix. Get ready to experience the flavor revolution!
14. Rosemary Salt Rim
For an herbal, aromatic flavor, try the rosemary salt rim. This is a unique combination that will elevate your drinks to the next level.
Gather Your Ingredients
- 1 cup of coarse salt
- 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, very finely chopped
- (Optional) 1 tablespoon coarse sugar, such as Turbinado (raw cane sugar)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined.
- Spread the mixture on a plate or shallow dish.
- Rub the rim of a glass with a lemon wedge and then apply the salt mixture.
Recommended Drinks
Give your drinks an aromatic and woodsy twist by using rosemary salt to rim glasses…perfect for gin-based cocktails such as a Gin and Tonic or Martini, but also works well with beer or non-alcoholic beverages like lemonade. Try it today and you’ll be amazed at the flavor it adds!
15. Blackberry Sage Salt Rim
The sweet-tart taste of blackberries and the earthy flavor of sage make this a delicious, unique blend to rim your glasses.
Gather Your Ingredients
- 1/4 cup of coarse salt
- 2 tablespoons of blackberry preserves
- 1 teaspoon of dried sage leaves
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the salt, blackberry preserves, and dried sage leaves until well combined.
- Spread the mixture on a plate or shallow dish.
- Depending on how moist your blackberry preserves are, you probably will not need to moisten the glass rim. If you do need to, us a lemon wedge or simply wet the edge with a little water and then dab it into the blackberry sage salt mixture to coat.
Recommended Drinks
Add a zesty, herbal taste to your drinks with a blackberry sage salt rim! Whether you’re mixing up a Gin Fizz or an alcohol-free lemonade glass, this delicious combination of flavors will make any drink more enjoyable. It’s the perfect way to give your cocktails and beers an exquisite fruity flavor. This is also a nice rim for glasses of flavored hard seltzer – I find that most of the hard seltzers could use a touch more sweetness (and flavor!) so a tasty salt rim can do the trick!
Reusing Your Mixtures
Salt + ‘other fun stuff’ mixtures tend to keep well as long as they are made from all dried ingredients. I have a set of wide metal tins with close fitting metal lids to store my cocktail rimming ingredients. I always rim DRY glasses, so that no liquid from ice, previous drink contents or over application of lime juice on the glass edge drips into my rimming mixture. Most of these will last for months in a cool & dry storage cabinet and you’ll get many rims from them without having to mix up a new batch.
Colored Salt
If you have a color theme for a party or are matching a color such as one for a wedding, consider using colored salts for rimming!
Learn how to make this blue/green salt rim (or any color you like) by visiting What Is Colored Salt And How To Make It: A Simple Guide.
Final Thoughts
Rimming your glasses with the perfect combination of flavors is an easy way to take your drinks from ordinary to extraordinary. With the wide array of options available, you have plenty of delicious combinations to choose from.
Get creative and play around with different ingredients until you find a mix that works best for you! And don’t forget to enjoy the fruits of your labor by sipping away on your unique creations. Happy Mixing!
Featured Photo by Los Muertos Crew. Hawaiian Black Salt cocktail Photo by ArtHouse Studio. Black cocktail with Tajín rim Photo by Daniel Duarte. ‘Corner Dip’ rimmed cocktail Photo by Key Notez.
