Shipyard Pumpkin Rimmer

Pumpkin Rimmer from Shipyard is a glass rimmer, not a liquid mixer, so it goes on the edge of the glass and not into the drink. Products in this style are usually a dry, coarse blend of sugar and warm baking spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and clove, and the name points to a pumpkin-pie profile. Expect a sweet, toasty first impression on the lips, followed by whatever sits in the glass. The product details don't list an exact ingredient makeup, so check the label for specifics, especially if you're serving anyone with allergen concerns. To rim a glass, run a wedge of lemon or orange around the outer edge, or dip the rim in a shallow saucer of maple syrup, honey or apple cider. Press the rim into the rimmer on a plate, turn it once, and tap off the excess. Rim only the outside half of the lip so the spice doesn't fall into the drink and make it gritty. Do this just before pouring, because sugar-based rims soften and weep if they sit too long, particularly with chilled glasses that sweat. The blend suits autumn drinks built on dark spirits and apple or cider flavors. Bourbon or rye sours, an apple cider old fashioned, a spiced rum and cider highball, and a maple whiskey sour all take a spiced rim well, since the sugar and spice offset the bite of the spirit. It also works on an espresso martini, a white Russian or a hot buttered rum served in a mug. Cocktails that are already very sweet gain less from it. Anything with some acid or bitterness gives the rim something to contrast with. For glassware, use a rocks glass for old fashioneds and sours served over ice, and a coupe or martini glass for shaken drinks served up. In both, the wide rim gives you a clean band to coat. A mug suits hot drinks, though the rim will dissolve faster against steam. Because the rimmer is dry and sugar-based, keep it in a sealed container away from humidity so it stays loose and free-flowing.