Nothing against salt, but...

[wench]

Can anyone out there in tequila.net-land tell me just where the salted glass rim entered the picture when drinking tequila cocktails?

So far, I have heard that the salted rim of a glass of tequila cocktail stemmed from the habit of licking salt just before drinking straight tequila. My question is: what prompted the salt lick in the first place?

The stories vary amongst everyone in the know in this town of ours. We've heard everything from to "kills bacteria" to "keeps the bugs away". Personally, I can't stand a salted rim on a tequila cocktail. IMHO, there is such a delicate balance of flavors *inside* the glass that the salt really just mucks it up and gets in the way.

Anyone know the answer?

[bn087]

I have no clue on the answer you asked except I suppose a long time ago they used salt because the quality of most tequilas werent what they are today....that is not a factual answer though; just my thoughts...

IMHO salt ruins a shot or a cocktail. I think that salt is used as an additive to a rim or licked after a shot because it changes a drink up that would initially be "not so good"...I have had tequila that was disgusting enough I was at least looking for a chaser, but quality tequila and cocktails should never be ruined with salt.

Sometimes I forget to ask for no salt on the rim and I dislike my drink as soon as its brought out, but it isnt TOO bad until the salt starts falling in because it was poorly salted...I just try and use a straw.

But I dont get when people add limes or lemons to beer either...some people even sprinkle salt? Quality beer shouldnt need additives either but I guess its just the taste some go for...

The other day I had a great margarita at a place I was surprised to find something decent....Outback Steakhouse has a rita made with Sauza TG Blanco...it was pretty good and according to the menu, made fresh from squeezed juices...I thought it was the best Margarita I've ever tasted at a "large chain restaurant". The worst stems from On The Border or Chilis...I'm not fond of their drinks or prices.

[Kamikazee]

I actually go to On The Border a lot because I get 50% off of my bill there because of where I work, and I will agree that their house margaritas are disgusting, however the "Border Selects" that they have now aren't too bad, you get to choose which tequila you want and choose which orange liquor you want (cointreau, grand marnier, citronge) and they mix it up for you, its not too bad actually.

I do like a squeeze of lime in my beer sometimes, for lighter beers like corona, but I love the flavor of fresh lime anyway. Sometimes I even like a salted rim on my margarita, but only when I'm in the mood for it, and only if they use kosher salt and go easy on it. I can't stand when a restaurant rims my glass with a thick crust of fine table salt. Its disgusting and overpoweringly salty.

As to where the salted rim comes from originally, I don't know, but I guess some people enjoy it and others just don't.

[deedub]

A customer once complained that her margarita tasted salty - I took the comment to heart and ever since have taken the trouble to ensure that the salt rim is only on the outside of the glass. I make dozens daily and it is such a simple solution.. why didn't I think of it sooner?

[MrAgave]

Originally Posted by deedub

A customer once complained that her margarita tasted salty - I took the comment to heart and ever since have taken the trouble to ensure that the salt rim is only on the outside of the glass. I make dozens daily and it is such a simple solution.. why didn't I think of it sooner?

I typically drink un-salted margs, but have had plenty where that last drink is way too salty. Excellent idea to only salt the outside rim...

Tapatia likes a little Margarita with her salt.

[Kamikazee]

Its super-easy to salt just the outside of the rim anyway. Just pour your salt in a straight line across a plate (or other surface), and turn your glass (with moistened rim) sideways and "roll" the rim over the line of salt. Its the only way I salt my margs.

[bn087]

I got a margarita at Trujillios in Waco last night that had pink salt on the rim...I was assuming because of Breast Cancer Awareness month...they were taking 1.00 donations and using pink straws for drinks and stuff...

Do they dye salt?

[gsars1]

I think they do 'dye salt' with food coloring. I got a gift set a few years ago with about 4 different 'colored' salts. I prefer to not use salt myself although my wife likes it.