Glass Rimmer
A glass rimmer is a set of stacking shallow trays, two or three in the ones we use and about 12 to 15cm across, holding something to wet a rim and salt or sugar to coat it. You roll the outside edge of the glass through the wet tray, then the dry one, for a Margarita, a Paloma or a sugar-rimmed Brandy Crusta. The lid keeps the salt and sugar dry between uses.
About the Glass Rimmer
Roll the Outside Edge Only
Tilt the glass nearly level and turn it so only the outer edge of the rim runs through the wet tray, then through the salt or sugar. The inside stays clean.
Salt on the inside falls into the drink and dissolves, and the drink gets saltier with every minute. On the outside, it seasons each sip and stays there.
Half a Rim Leaves a Choice
Our Margarita, Paloma and Salty Dog are salted on half the glass only. Turn it one way for a salted sip, the other for the drink alone.
Which rim for which of our drinks
Margarita
- Rim
- Flaky salt, half the rim
- Wet with
- Spent lime half
- Glass
- Coupe
Paloma
- Rim
- Flaky salt, half the rim
- Wet with
- Spent lime half
- Glass
- Highball
Salty Dog
- Rim
- Flaky sea salt, half the rim
- Wet with
- Grapefruit wedge
- Glass
- Highball
Spicy Margarita
- Rim
- Salt, half the outside rim
- Wet with
- Lime
- Glass
- Margarita glass
Brandy Crusta
- Rim
- Caster sugar, full rim
- Wet with
- Spent lemon half
- Glass
- Coupe
| Drink | Rim | Wet with | Glass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Margarita | Flaky salt, half the rim | Spent lime half | Coupe |
| Paloma | Flaky salt, half the rim | Spent lime half | Highball |
| Salty Dog | Flaky sea salt, half the rim | Grapefruit wedge | Highball |
| Spicy Margarita | Salt, half the outside rim | Lime | Margarita glass |
| Brandy Crusta | Caster sugar, full rim | Spent lemon half | Coupe |
Flaky Salt, Caster Sugar and Citrus to Wet
Flaky sea salt has larger, flatter crystals than table salt. They cling well, taste less sharp and dissolve more slowly.
For sugar, caster grips the rim in an even layer; our Brandy Crusta is rimmed that way after a spent lemon half wets the edge. Water would dissolve the sugar into paste, and citrus adds the drink's own flavour.
A Lid Keeps the Salt and Sugar Dry
A saucer of juice and a saucer of salt rim a couple of glasses just as well. What the stacked trays add is storage: salt and sugar kept dry under a lid, apart from the wet tray, are ready for the next evening.
Using the Glass Rimmer
Usage
Rimming the glass before the drink goes in: flaky salt on half the outside edge for our Margarita, Paloma and Salty Dog, and caster sugar for the Brandy Crusta. Wet the rim with a spent lime or lemon half rather than water.
Pro Tip
Hold the glass nearly level and turn it so only the outside of the rim touches the tray. Salt kept off the inside seasons each sip and leaves the drink itself alone.
Professional Tips
- Rim half the glass, leaving the drinker a choice of salted or plain sips.
- Roll only the outer edge through each tray; keep the inside dry.
- Rim before you mix, so the salt or sugar has time to set.
- Tap the glass gently to drop loose crystals before the drink goes in.
Alternatives
Budget Alternative
Two saucers: one of lime juice, one of salt or sugar. For a couple of drinks they do the job just as well.
Premium Option
A wider stainless steel rimmer that takes margarita and coupe rims. It outlasts plastic; the rim comes out the same.
Specifications
Material
Plastic, sometimes stainless steel
Capacity
Shallow trays, about 12 to 15cm across in the ones we use
Details
Two or three stacking trays, one with a sponge for juice, under a lid that keeps the dry tiers dry
More to explore
Common Questions
How do you use a glass rimmer?
Why rim only half the glass?
What salt should I use for a Margarita rim?
What sugar should I use for a sugar rim?
Do you need a glass rimmer?
Why does salt end up in my drink?
What should I wet the rim with?
How much lime juice goes in a glass rimmer?
Made with the Glass Rimmer
Used In These Cocktails
Related Equipment
Related Ingredients
Guide by Jerry Can Spirits · Updated 18 October 2026