Onis Can Cocktail Glass 47 Cl - 6 Pieces
RCR Alkemist Gin and Tonic Glass 67 Cl - 6 Pieces
Tiki Glass 45 Cl
Bormioli Rocco America'20S Gin and Tonic Glass 74 Cl - 6 Pieces
The basics in three steps
Pour a layer of coarse salt or fine sugar onto a flat saucer. Run a wedge of lime or lemon around the outside of the rim, just the outside, about half a centimeter wide. Tilt the glass and turn it through the salt so it sticks only to the outside. Tap off the excess and let it dry for a minute before pouring.
Keeping the rim on the outside is the most important step. Salt on the inside falls into the drink and makes a margarita too salty after two sips. A half rim, on just one side of the glass, lets your guest choose whether to drink with or without salt.
Which salt and sugar?
For a margarita, use coarse sea salt or kosher salt: the large grains stick well and don't dissolve right away. Table salt is too fine and too sharp. A rim of salt with chili powder, Tajin, or lime zest goes well with a spicy margarita or a paloma. For a bloody mary, use a mix of salt, celery salt, and black pepper.
For a sugar rim, use fine granulated sugar, not powdered sugar, which turns into a paste. A sidecar, lemon drop, and brandy crusta all take a sugar rim; add a little cinnamon or vanilla sugar for a Christmas version. Colored sugar and edible glitter are great for parties.
Which glass?
A glass with a thin, straight rim: a coupe, a margarita glass, a tumbler. A glass with a flared rim makes it hard to pick up the salt. Prepare the rims before a party: place the glasses upside down on a tray, so the rims stay dry and set.
A rimmer, a dish with three compartments for lime, salt, and sugar, is handy when making lots of drinks. At home, three saucers will do. Browse the cocktail glasses and read our article about citrus twists and garnishes.
The right glass
The Bormioli Rocco America'20s coupe has a straight, thin rim that holds salt or sugar well. The Arcoroc Islande tumbler holds 30 cl, making it suitable for a margarita on the rocks. Find all the shapes in our cocktail glasses collection.
Bormioli Rocco America'20s Coupe 22 cl (6 pieces)
Arcoroc Islande Tumbler 30 cl (6 pieces)
Good to know
How long does a salted rim last?
A few hours if it’s made dry and the glass doesn’t get wet. Don’t make them the day before; the salt attracts moisture.
Can you use water instead of lime for a salted rim?
You can, but lime sticks better and adds flavor. Honey or agave syrup sticks even better, for a rim that really needs to stay in place.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make a salted rim on a glass?
Run lime along the outside of the rim, tilt the glass and rotate it through coarse salt, tap off the excess and let it dry. Only coat the outside, or the salt will fall into the drink. Check out our cocktail glasses.
What salt do you use for a margarita?
Coarse sea salt or kosher salt. Table salt is too fine and too sharp.
How do you make a sugar rim?
The same as a salted rim, using fine granulated sugar. No powdered sugar; it turns to mush.
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