A rimmed glass makes a drink look cool, as if it came from a bar. It also changes how the drink tastes, adding saltiness, sweetness, spice, or crunch with every sip.

You don’t need fancy tools and ingredients to do it. A small plate, a citrus wedge, and a few pantry items are enough. Here are 7 interesting ways to rim a cocktail glass, plus the simple steps to get it right every time.

Don’t forget, any of these rims work just as well on mocktails.

How to Rim a Glass

The method is the same for every rim on this list:

1. Spread your rim mix on a small, shallow plate.

2. Dampen the outer edge of the glass with a citrus wedge, honey, or syrup.

3. Tilt the glass and roll the edge through the mix until it’s coated.

4. Tap off any extra, let the rim set for a minute, then pour in your drink.

7 Interesting Ways to Rim a Cocktail Glass

1. Classic Salt

The one everyone knows. Use coarse kosher salt or flaky sea salt, since table salt is too fine and too salty. Wet the rim with a lime wedge and roll it through the salt. You can also salt just half the rim to give your guests an option.

Best for: Margaritas, palomas, and salty dogs.

2. Chili-Lime Salt

Mix 2 tablespoons of coarse salt with 1 teaspoon of chili powder and the zest of 1 lime. A store-bought chili-lime seasoning works too. It adds a little heat and a lot of flavor. Dampen the rim with a lime wedge, and you know the rest.

Best for: Spicy margaritas, micheladas, and mango or pineapple drinks.

3. Cinnamon Sugar

Mix 2 tablespoons of sugar with ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Wet the rim with an orange wedge or a dab of honey, then roll it in the plate containing the mixture. It will smell like fall season the moment you lift the glass.

Best for: Hot toddies, apple cider cocktails, and spiced rum drinks.

4. Citrus Zest Sugar

Rub the zest of 1 lemon or orange into 2 tablespoons of sugar with your fingers until it smells strong and looks slightly damp. A citrus wedge is best for dampening the rim for this kind of coating. It tastes bright and sweet at the same time.

Best for: Lemon drops, sidecars, and champagne cocktails.

5. Toasted Coconut

Toast ¼ cup of unsweetened shredded coconut in a dry pan over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden. Let it cool. Dip the rim in honey or agave syrup, then press it into the coconut.

Best for: Piña coladas, daiquiris, and other tropical rum drinks.

6. Cocoa and Cookie Crumbs

Mix 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder with 2 tablespoons of finely crushed chocolate cookies. Apply a little chocolate syrup to the rim so it sticks, then roll it through the mixture. It turns a creamy cocktail into dessert.

Best for: White Russians, espresso martinis, and other creamy drinks.

7. Freeze-Dried Fruit

Crush freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries into a fine powder in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin. Mix 1 tablespoon of the powder with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Dampen the rim with lemon juice and toss it into the powder. You will get a bright pink rim and a burst of real fruit flavor.

Best for: Strawberry daiquiris, margaritas, champagne, and mocktails.

Tips for a Clean, Pretty Rim

• Use a plate wider than your glass. It makes rolling the rim easy and even.
• Rim the outside only. This keeps salt, sugar, and crumbs out of your drink.
• Rim right before serving, as sugar can turn sticky and salt can melt if the glass sits too long.

The Easiest Upgrade for Any Cocktail

A coated rim takes about a minute and enriches the whole drink. Classic salt is always safe. Later, you can try something new, like cinnamon sugar for a cozy evening or toasted coconut for a tropical night in. Once you know the basics, you can mix and match whatever is in your pantry.