How Beer Salt Can Make Even Subpar Cold Ones Shine

While fruity-flavored alcoholic beverages and craft brews are becoming increasingly popular these days, some folks still like to sit down with a tried and true domestic beer they are familiar with. They may lack the complex profiles of finely tuned suds you get from your local brewery, but there are a few ways to elevate the taste of cheap beer without much effort. One method some people recommend is adding beer salt to the drink, and we reached out to an authority to find out why that is.

As the sales and marketing director for Tall City Brewing Company in Midland, Texas as well as a member of the public relations and marketing committee for Texas Craft Brewers Guild, Stephen Alexander is well-versed in all things related to cold ones — including beer salt. He said, "The reason for beer salt is it can be infused with flavors like lime, chili, or other spices. This is designed to complement the beer's maltiness and hops."

Of course, the salty augmentation isn't just for your bland brews. For instance, radlers and shandies are different ways to dress up suds and give them a bit of personality, but they, too, can be enhanced with the slight citrusy accent. "A shandy, traditionally, is a beer (usually a light lager) mixed with lemonade or lemon-lime soda, typically in a 50/50 ratio," Alexander said. "A radler, which means 'cyclist' in German, is a similar beer and juice combination, but the juice used can be any fruit juice, not just lemonade." While these styles don't necessarily need beer salt, we wonder if adding it to either drink could be an interesting variation.

Some folks may think that beer salt is something one would only see in an establishment serving cheap suds, but it actually has roots south of the border. "The practice of adding salt to beer, especially with a lime twist, has roots in Latino traditions, particularly in Mexico, where it's a common practice to enhance the flavor of beer," Alexander said. "As an Afro Latino I was brought up with beer salt being around everyday celebrations. I mean my mother literally keeps beer salt in her purse at all times."

Although it has been used to upgrade suds in the U.S. since the days of Prohibition, beer salt became more popular in the early 1990s after Roger Treviño Sr. traveled to Mexico and witnessed people selling salt flavored with citrus. That inspired him to create Twang, a flavored salt now commonly used in Texas to make an ArModelo, which utilizes the ingredient along with hot sauce and lime juice. A tasty Michelada also calls for beer salt along with Tabasco, Worcestershire, and Clamato mix.

Still, not everyone finds the beer salt embellishment enticing. "I'm not going to add it to my beers," Alexander said. "I'm a fan of brewers, taking the time to create a delicate and unique recipe that is to be enjoyed as it is." At the end of the day, beverages should be savored however you like them best. While some folks may relish taking their cold ones to the next level with beer salt, sometimes, it is best to trust the brewing professionals who are passionate about their craft and enjoy the beer on its own.