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    Home » Recipes » Appetizer Recipes

    How to Make Cocktail Onions

    Published: Jan 30, 2024 · Modified: Apr 15, 2025 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

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    This recipe for making Cocktail Onions is super easy! Made with pearl onions and a simple blend of spices, they are perfect for cocktails and to enhance the flavors of other dishes. 

    A jar of homemade cocktail onions on the table with crackers in the background.

    The sweet and tangy pickled flavor of cocktail onions adds depth of flavor to any main course, side dish, or drink! Mastering pickling them at home allows you to customize the flavors and make them your own.

    The natural sweetness of the onions and the salty vinegar brine work wonderfully together. You can even enjoy them as a snack, too!

    Onions are a fantastic ingredient that lifts so many dishes! Try Grandma’s Honey Glazed Onions or Smoked Onions next time.

    What You’ll Love About This Cocktail Onions Recipe

    • Simple Ingredients: All you need for this recipe are easy-to-find ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
    • Customizable Flavors: Change the vinegar or spices to switch up the flavor of the cocktail onions.
    • Easy to Make: There are minimal steps to make this tasty recipe.

    Ingredients

    This is a simple and budget-friendly recipe for cocktail onions that you can use for beverages or your favorite dish.

    Ingredients to make cocktail onions at home.
    • Pearl Onions: These are my favorite variety for this recipe. They are mild and a little sweet compared to a white onion. Make sure they are fresh before pickling.
    • Coriander Seeds: These seeds are also known as cilantro! They come from the same plant (you are probably familiar with the cilantro leaves). I love these when pickling because they add a lot of flavor to the brine.
    • Vinegar: I use white vinegar and apple cider vinegar for this cocktail onions recipe. They add tanginess and sweetness to balance the salt.
    • Sugar: Adding sugar balances out the salt and tang from the vinegar.
    • Coarse Salt: Any pickling brine needs salt and I love coarse salt for this brine. You can also use Kosher salt if you prefer.
    • Red Pepper Flakes: This is an optional ingredient that you can use if you enjoy a little spice.

    See the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and exact quantities of each one.

    Variations

    • Balsamic Vinegar: For extra sweetness, use balsamic vinegar in place of apple cider vinegar.
    • Warm Spices: Fennel seeds, star anise, and allspice berries are some wonderful examples of tasty warm spices to change the flavor of the cocktail onions.
    • Add Some Heat: Add diced or sliced fresh jalapenos for a kick or you can try a couple dashes our our homemade hot pepper sauce.
    • Shallots: Use shallots instead of pearl onions. They have a milder flavor.
    • Capers: If you enjoy sour and tangy flavors, try this recipe with capers!

    How to Make Cocktail Onions

    In just 5 steps, you will have prepared this pickled pearl onions recipe. The hardest part is waiting for them to be ready!

    1. Add pearl onions and coriander to a large jar.
    2. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    Pearl onions in the jar.
    Adding the vinegar to a saucepan to heat.
    1. Pour the mixture over the onions.
    2. Seal and pickle for 3 days. Shake the jar a couple of times every day.
    Pouring the heated liquid over the onions.
    Jar of onions after the liquid is added.

    ⭐️ Hint: Shaking the jar often while the onions are pickling ensures all of the ingredients remain mixed. The spices will settle after sitting!

    If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy this pickled bologna recipe.

    Pickled cocktail onions in a jar with two on a toothpick propped on top.

    Serving Suggestions

    Here are some ways to enjoy pickled cocktail onions!

    • You can make so many delicious drinks with cocktail onions. Add them to a traditional Bloody Mary, Gibson Martini, or as an extra garnish for a Pickle Shot.
    • These made a great addition to any salad! Try adding these to this Tortellini Pesto Salad or my Lentil Feta Salad to make the flavors really pop.
    • Did you know these onions are also extra tasty on sandwiches? Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches, Crab Cake Sandwich, and Provolone Grilled Cheese Sandwich all pair with them so well.
    A hand holding up a toothpick with two cocktail onions on it.

    Tips

    • Proper Storage: Keeping the jar of pickled pearl onions sealed tightly in the refrigerator is key to preserving their texture and flavor.
    • Give Them Time: Don't try to rush things as letting the onions sit for at least three days before enjoying them enhances their flavor.
    • Freezing Tip: While freezing is a terrific way to extend the life of cocktail onions, keep in mind that it will also slightly alter their texture.
    • Keep the Brine: Use the vinegar for marinades or salad dressings!
    • Storing: Since these onions aren't canned you must store them in the refrigerator before and after opening. They have a shelf life of about a month.

    FAQ

    What cocktail uses pearl onions?

    The Gibson Martini is most known for its use of cocktail onions. It contains gin, dry vermouth, and sometimes a little of the pickling brine. Instead of your typical olive garnish, this martini is garnished with pickled cocktail onions to give it a savory flavor. You can also use them in any savory cocktail like a Bloody Mary can use them! Layer them for a flavor bomb or skewer as a garnish.

    What are cocktail onions used for?

    Traditionally, they are used in cocktails — hence their name. However, cocktail onions can also be used in various recipes from sandwiches to salads, or garnish a vegetable side dish.

    What are cocktail onions?

    Cocktail onions are small, pickled pearl onions that are often used in alcoholic beverages. They are crisp and sweet, pairing with the salty vinegar brine to create a tasty garnish for cocktails.

    A little glass bowl on the table filled with cocktail onions.

    More Pickle Recipes

    Do you like adding different types of pickles to your dishes? Here are some recipes you may also like to try:

    • A wooden bowl of spicy pickles on the table with sliced jalapenos in front of the bowl and a few cucumbers slices around.
      Easy Spicy Pickles
    • Jars of pickled habanero peppers on the table with a bowl of habaneros in the background.
      Pickled Habanero Peppers
    • A jar filled with pickled shrimp and a lemon in the background.
      Pickled Shrimp
    • Cucumber and onion salad in vinegar in a bowl.
      Old-Fashioned Cucumbers and Onions in Vinegar

    Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.

    A jar of homemade cocktail onions on the table with crackers in the background.

    How to Make Cocktail Onions

    Karin and Ken
    This recipe for making Cocktail Onions is super easy! Made with pearl onions and a simple blend of spices, they are perfect for cocktails and to enhance the flavors of other dishes. 
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Pickling Time 3 days d
    Total Time 3 days d 10 minutes mins
    Course Condiment
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8 servings (1 large jar)
    Calories 47 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 18 oz pearl onions
    • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
    • ½ cup water
    • ¼ cup white vinegar
    • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
    • 3 tablespoon sugar
    • 1 tablespoon coarse salt
    • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Place pearl onions and coriander seeds in a large sealable jar.
    • Put remaining ingredients in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir often and bring to a low boil for 5 minutes.
    • Pour hot mixture over onions. Seal the jar and allow onions to pickle for 3 days, shaking a couple times each day.

    Notes

    • Proper Storage: Keeping the jar of pickled pearl onions sealed tightly in the refrigerator is key to preserving their texture and flavor.
    • Give Them Time: Don't try to rush things as letting the onions sit for at least three days before enjoying them enhances their flavor.
    • Freezing Tip: While freezing is a terrific way to extend the life of cocktail onions, keep in mind that it will also slightly alter their texture.
    • Keep the Brine: Use the vinegar for marinades or salad dressings!
    • Storing: Since these onions aren't canned you must store them in the refrigerator before and after opening. They have a shelf life of about a month.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 47kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 1gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.02gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.05gSodium: 877mgPotassium: 103mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 0.2mg
    Keyword cocktail onion recipe, cocktail onions
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life, Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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