Salt and Sugar Rims
We know that certain cocktails spring to life when we garnish the rim of the glass with a bit of salt. But to take the concept even further, we’ve created these flavorful rim salts to not only season a cocktail, but to add a hit of aroma. Best of all, they are easy to make and last for weeks. Each of these recipes yields ½ cup of rim salt.
Herb Rim Salt
Using your hands, rub ½ cup kosher salt and ½ cup minced fresh basil, dill, or tarragon in large bowl until well combined. Spread mixture into even layer on parchment paper–lined rimmed baking sheet. Let sit at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, until completely dry, 36 to 48 hours, stirring every 12 hours to break up any clumps.
Smoky Chile Rim Sugar
Whisk ½ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika together in bowl until combined.
Berry Rim Salt
Working in batches, process 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries (you can find freeze-dried berries in the baking or natural foods aisle of most well-stocked supermarkets) in spice grinder until finely ground, about 30 seconds. Transfer to bowl and whisk in ½ cup kosher salt until combined.
Vanilla Rim Sugar
Cut 1 vanilla bean in half lengthwise. Using tip of paring knife or spoon, scrape out seeds. Using fingers, rub vanilla seeds and 2 tablespoons sugar together in medium bowl until combined. Whisk in 6 tablespoons sugar. Transfer sugar mixture and spent vanilla bean halves to airtight container and let sit until flavors meld, about 2 days.
Sriracha Rim Salt
Combine ½ cup kosher salt and ⅓ cup sriracha in bowl, then spread onto large plate. Microwave, stirring occasionally, until only slightly damp, 6 to 8 minutes. Let cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes. Transfer mixture to food processor and pulse until finely ground, 5 to 10 pulses.
Pumpkin Pie Spice Rim Sugar
Whisk ½ cup sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg together in bowl until combined.
