Salt! Salt! Cocktail Salt!
Are you kidding? Salt on my cocktail? Yes, and here’s why!
Salt isn't just for food; it's a secret ingredient that raises your cocktails to new heights!
We're all accustomed to seeing margaritas adorned with rim salt. Whether you rim your glass fully or just a section, the choice is yours. Personally, I'm a fan of rimming a section of the glass with salt. That way, you choose which sip gets the burst of salty goodness. Palomas are another fantastic drink to add cocktail salt to. I love using Rosemary and Grapefruit rimming salt. The citrusy aroma combined with the earthy notes of rosemary is a match made in cocktail heaven! Trust me; it's amazing.
Grapefruit and Rosemary Cocktail Salt
But what does the salt actually do? It helps your citrus flavors pop and balances out the sweetness in your cocktail. Nowadays, many bartenders are adding saline drops, similar to bitters, to their concoctions.
Here’s an easy Saline Recipe for a 20% saline solution:
- Heat 80 grams of water to simmer.- Add 20 grams of kosher salt.
- Stir until fully dissolved.
- Cool and transfer to a dropper bottle.
Make sure to measure by weight, not liquid volume, for accuracy.
Now, what drinks should you steer clear of salt? Good question! Salt doesn't necessarily improve every cocktail. For instance, in a super boozy drink like a Manhattan, where the flavors of oak and vanilla dominate, salt might not be the best addition.
If you're unsure where to start, begin with Margaritas and salt. You can rim your glass or add 5 drops of your saline solution for a perfect balance.
Butterfly Pea Flower Cocktail Salt
Here are some quick cocktail salt tips:
- In a pinch, coarse kosher salt from your kitchen cabinet works just fine!
- Flavored rimming salts not only add an extra layer of flavor but also enhance the visual appeal of your cocktails. Check out my selection; the Butterfly Pea Flower changes color with citrus, while the Spring Flower resembles flower confetti on your cocktail!
- Salt your glass before mixing your drink.
- Use a shallow bowl or small plate for the salt. Rub the rim with lime, lemon, or orange, then roll it in salt.
- For a fancy touch, dip a makeup sponge (yes, seriously!) in simple syrup or agave, create a pattern on your glass, and roll it in salt.
And now, my favorite Mary-rita (Margarita) recipe!
Cheers! As Jimmy Buffet said, "Here’s to that lost shaker of salt!" or dish of rimming salt!
