Hot Chile Lime Margarita Salt
Make spicy chile lime salt to rim margaritas. Zesty lime, chili powder, sugar, and kosher salt. Quick to make and stores for months.
The spicy, chile pepper flavor of this salt is an excellent pairing with any sweet margarita recipe. The cool sweetness of the drink is deliciously juxtaposed by salt, spice, and chile pepper heat.
Submitted by: Geoff Marshall M from Chicago, IL
Yield: 1/2 cup
- Fresh lime zest plus kosher salt, chili powder, and a touch of sugar make a bright, spicy rim for margaritas.
- Wear gloves when handling hot chiles, and avoid zesting the bitter white pith.
- Store airtight in a cool, dry place; it keeps for months but tastes best within weeks.
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Preparation Instructions:
thespicehouse.com
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I rim a glass with this chile lime salt?
Rub a lime wedge around the glass rim or dip the rim in simple syrup, then press the wet rim into a shallow dish of the salt until coated. Tap off excess and let the rim dry for a minute before pouring your drink.
Can I use a different type of salt?
Yes. Fine kosher salt sticks well and gives even coverage. Flaky salts like Maldon add crunch and look pretty. If you use coarse sea salt, pulse it briefly in a food processor to help it adhere.
How can I make the mix less or more spicy?
Reduce or omit the optional ground habanero and cut the hot chili powder to lower heat. To increase heat, add more chili powder or the optional habanero a little at a time. Taste as you go because ground chile heat varies.
How long does the chile lime salt keep and how should I store it?
Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, it will keep for a few months. Fresh lime aroma fades after a few weeks, so make small batches if you want the brightest flavor.
Why should I wear gloves and how do I handle habanero safely?
Ground habanero and hot chili powder can burn skin and transfer to eyes. Wear disposable gloves when measuring or mixing them, avoid touching your face, and wash hands and tools thoroughly after use.
Can I substitute Key limes, lemons, or dried zest?
Yes. Key limes give a more floral tang, lemons add bright citrus notes. Dried or dehydrated lime zest works well if you want longer shelf life and less moisture, though fresh zest gives the strongest aroma.
What else can I use this chile lime salt for besides margaritas?
Use it on palomas, micheladas, Bloody Marys, or to rim tequila shots. It also seasons grilled seafood, roasted vegetables, tacos, or avocado toast for a spicy citrus finish.
How do I rim a glass with this chile lime salt?
Rub a lime wedge around the glass rim or dip the rim in simple syrup, then press the wet rim into a shallow dish of the salt until coated. Tap off excess and let the rim dry for a minute before pouring your drink.
Can I use a different type of salt?
Yes. Fine kosher salt sticks well and gives even coverage. Flaky salts like Maldon add crunch and look pretty. If you use coarse sea salt, pulse it briefly in a food processor to help it adhere.
How can I make the mix less or more spicy?
Reduce or omit the optional ground habanero and cut the hot chili powder to lower heat. To increase heat, add more chili powder or the optional habanero a little at a time. Taste as you go because ground chile heat varies.
How long does the chile lime salt keep and how should I store it?
Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, it will keep for a few months. Fresh lime aroma fades after a few weeks, so make small batches if you want the brightest flavor.
Why should I wear gloves and how do I handle habanero safely?
Ground habanero and hot chili powder can burn skin and transfer to eyes. Wear disposable gloves when measuring or mixing them, avoid touching your face, and wash hands and tools thoroughly after use.
Can I substitute Key limes, lemons, or dried zest?
Yes. Key limes give a more floral tang, lemons add bright citrus notes. Dried or dehydrated lime zest works well if you want longer shelf life and less moisture, though fresh zest gives the strongest aroma.
What else can I use this chile lime salt for besides margaritas?
Use it on palomas, micheladas, Bloody Marys, or to rim tequila shots. It also seasons grilled seafood, roasted vegetables, tacos, or avocado toast for a spicy citrus finish.
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