The Best Lime Salt

Lime salt is a blend of citrus zest and salt that coats the rim of cocktails like margaritas, palomas, and ranch water. It adds a bright, tangy punch that complements tequila-based drinks better than plain salt ever could.

Most people know to rim their glass. Fewer know that the salt you choose changes everything.

What Is Lime Salt?

Lime salt combines dried lime zest with sea salt, creating a seasoning that's both salty and citrus-forward. When you sip through a properly rimmed glass, you get that hit of brightness before the tequila, which makes the whole drink taste more intentional.

You'll also hear it called citrus salt or margarita salt, depending on who's selling it. The concept is the same: salt plus citrus oils equals a better cocktail experience. The execution, though, varies wildly.

Some brands use commodity table salt with artificial lime flavoring. Others use real zest but pair it with cheap, mineral-stripped salt that tastes like the ocean floor. The difference shows up in your glass.

Why the Salt Base Matters

Here's something bartenders know that home mixologists often miss: salt isn't just salt.

Table salt is pure sodium chloride. It's harsh, one-dimensional, and leaves a chemical aftertaste. Sea salt harvested from mineral-rich waters brings complexity. You get magnesium, potassium, and trace minerals that round out the flavor instead of dominating it.

This is why we use Baja Gold sea salt in our lime salt. It's harvested from the Sea of Cortez, where the water is exceptionally mineral-rich. The result is a salt that enhances citrus notes rather than competing with them.

When you rim a margarita glass with commodity salt, you taste salt first, then lime, then tequila. With Baja Gold, everything integrates. The lime and salt arrive together, then step aside for the drink itself.

How to Rim a Glass Properly

The technique matters as much as the ingredient.

First, rim only the outside edge of your glass. Coating the inside means every sip is salty, which throws off your drink's balance. The salt should be a choice, not an obligation.

Run a lime wedge around the outer rim to create moisture. Dip the glass at an angle into a plate of lime salt, rotating gently. Tap off excess. You want an even coating, not a crust.

For the full technique, see our guide on how to salt a rim.

Best Drinks for Lime Salt

Margaritas are the obvious choice. The lime salt amplifies what's already there, making the citrus notes pop without adding sweetness. Works for classic, spicy, or fruit variations. Try it with a Non Alcoholic Margarita to see how much the rim contributes.

Palomas benefit from lime salt's ability to bridge the grapefruit and tequila flavors. The citrus in the rim echoes the citrus in the glass. Try it with our paloma mocktail recipe to see how the rim elevates a simple drink.

Ranch water is basically a paloma's minimalist cousin. Tequila, lime, sparkling water. The lime salt rim adds the complexity that the drink itself intentionally lacks. See our ranch water recipe for the full approach.

Micheladas and other savory drinks work well too. The citrus cuts through the tomato and spice, cleaning your palate between sips.

Our Lime Salt

We make our lime salt with two ingredients: Baja Gold sea salt and real lime zest.

No fillers. No anti-caking agents. No "natural flavors" that mean nothing.

The Baja Gold brings mineral depth. The lime zest brings genuine citrus oil, not a lab approximation of what lime should taste like. Together, they create a rim salt that makes your cocktails taste like someone who knows what they're doing made them.

Lime Salt vs. Key Lime Rimmer

Our lime salt is clean and focused. Two ingredients, one purpose.

But sometimes you want a rim that does more. Our Key Lime Rimmer blends key lime zest with celery salt and Aleppo pepper for a more complex profile. It's particularly good on spicier drinks or when you want the rim to be a statement rather than a supporting player.

Think of it this way: lime salt is the reliable choice that makes every drink better. The Key Lime Rimmer is for when you want to show off a little.

FAQ

Is lime salt the same as margarita salt?

Margarita salt is often just plain salt, sometimes with a coarser grind. Lime salt adds actual citrus. You're getting flavor, not just texture.

Can I make lime salt at home?

You can. Zest a lime, mix it with sea salt, let it dry. The challenge is getting the ratio right and using a salt worth mixing. Most homemade versions end up too salty or too subtle because the balance is tricky.

How long does lime salt last?

Stored in a cool, dry place with the lid sealed, lime salt keeps for 6 to 12 months. The citrus oils will fade gradually, so use it while it's bright.

Does lime salt have sugar in it?

Ours doesn't. Some brands add sugar to extend shelf life or soften the salt's edge. We think if you want a sweet rim, you should add sugar yourself so you control the amount.

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Explore more: Key Lime Rimmer | Celery Salt | How to Salt a Rim | Michelada Recipe