How to Make Flavored Margarita Rim Salt

Making a classic margarita is simple—Combine 2 parts tequila, 1 part triple sec, and 1 part fresh lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake, strain, and pour into a chilled glass with a salted rim. That salted rim is an essential part of the recipe, enhancing the margarita’s characteristically sweet and citrusy flavors.

Making flavored margarita salt is just as simple, but adds an extra touch of complexity. All you need is salt, citrus, and fresh spices. We have been playing with flavored margarita salts in our test kitchen lately, and are excited to share our new recipes with you.

You can’t go wrong with the standard margarita formula above, but don’t forget about variations like a Smoky Hibiscus Margarita or Strawberry Hibiscus Margarita as you decide which specialty salt rim to pair it with.

Chipotle Grapefruit Margarita Salt

CHIPOTLE GRAPEFRUIT SALT RECIPE

Sweet Citrus Margarita Salt

SWEET CITRUS SALT RECIPE

Hot Chile Lime Margarita Salt

HOT CHILE LIME SALT RECIPE

More Salts and Spice Blends for Rimming Margaritas

While we like making our own margarita salts, there are a few specialty salts and spice blends that can send your cocktail over the top. Here are a few of our favorites for margaritas.

Mexican Chile Lime Seasoning

Mid-day in Mexico can be hot-hot-hot. And there's no better way to cool off than by sprinkling something bright, sweet, and sharp over a plate of cold, sliced mango, jicama, melon, papaya, or oranges - like our Mexican Chile Lime Seasoning.

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Hawaiian Black Lava Sea Salt

Harvested on the remote and pristine island of Molokai, this Hawaiian Black Lava Sea Salt is blended with activated charcoal before it is dried to form large crystals. Use it to finish eggs, salads, or desserts. Enjoy a dramatic look when you pair it with our white pepper.

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Vulcan's Fire Salt

This fiery salt is named for Vulcan, the Roman god of fire. Vulcan Fire Salt owes its spicy, deep flavor to a secret ingredient discovered by The Spice House's founder many decades ago. Sprinkle it on popcorn, garlic bread, or the rim of a cocktail.

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Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt

Kosher salt is so named as it was used by practicing Jews to dry brine meats. Free of any additives, it lends the purest of salt flavors, while also serving effectively in absorbing moisture, binding to other ingredients and dissolving easily.

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Pilsen Spicy Adobo Seasoning

A mix of onion and garlic powders, black peppercorns, cumin and Mexican oregano, adobo is a flavorful seasoning for meats and vegetables. We add an extra bit of crushed red chile peppers to give this savory spice blend the right amount of heat.

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Hawaiian Smoked Sea Salt

Wood from the kiawe tree, similar to mesquite, infuses this salt with soft, sweet, smoky notes. Kiawe wood is slow-burning, lending its unique flavor to all manner of delicious grilled and spit-roasted foods. If there is no kiawe growing near you, use this Hawaiian Smoked Sea Salt to add a touch of luau to anything.

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Article by Geoff Marshall, Staff Writer