Cay’s Fresh-Dried Basil Salt Rim

Name: Cay’s Fresh-Dried Basil Salt Rim
Yield: about 2 tablespoons
Ingredients: 1 packed tbsp fresh basil leaves, washed; 2 tbsp flaky or fine sea salt; Optional: ¼ tsp finely grated dried lemon zest

A fresh-herb cocktail rim made by drying basil completely, grinding it and blending it with flaky salt.

Makes about 2 tablespoons of rim blend

Ingredient-focused illustration of Cay’s Fresh-Dried Basil Salt Rim

Illustrative cocktail photo, not a photograph of the actual homemade blend.

WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

1 packed tbsp fresh basil leaves, washed
2 tbsp flaky or fine sea salt
Optional: ¼ tsp finely grated dried lemon zest

LET’S MAKE IT

Instructions

Wash basil leaves, pat dry, and remove thick stems.
Spread leaves in a single layer and dry at your oven’s lowest safe temperature or in a dehydrator until completely brittle and crisp; check often to avoid browning or burning.
Cool thoroughly. Grind the fully dried basil in short pulses, then stir into the salt (and optional fully dried lemon zest).
Use a lime wedge to lightly wet the edge of a glass and dip in basil salt. Store only if the blend is completely dry; discard if clumps or moisture develop.