Pickle Shot

Pickle shots have gained popularity in recent years as a unique and tangy twist on traditional shots. If you're a fan of pickles and their briny flavor, you'll find this combination of pickle juice and alcohol quite intriguing.

It's an unexpectedly delicious cocktail that might have you scratching your head at first, but you'll soon be reaching for another shot of this tangy cocktail.

This tasty cocktail was inspired by my pickled bologna recipe and pairs well with any of the options in this amazing collection of the best appetizers for parties.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Just two main ingredients! Makes this recipe incredibly easy to make.
• Versatile recipe. You can switch things up by using tequila, whiskey or gin instead of vodka, making this shot more exciting for your taste buds.
• Unique flavors. The pickle juice adds a burst of tangy flavors that work well with the alcohol. Making this a shot for a fun way to get the party started.

Ingredients

A handful of simple ingredients are all it takes to make these tangy pickle shots, and you can find them all at your local grocery store.

• Dill Pickle Juice: Use high-quality dill pickles for the best flavor. Use different types of pickles and brines like dill, bread and butter, or spicy to find your favorite combination.
• Vodka: Use good-quality vodka, whiskey, gin, or tequila instead.
• Tajin Seasoning: A Mexican spice blend that's used for coating the rim of the glass! It adds a flavorful punch to your cocktail. You can dip the rim of your glass in pickle juice and press it into your choice of garnish, such as coarse salt, sugar, or crushed pretzels.
• Baby Dill Pickles: The perfect garnish for a pickle shot! However you can also garnish with a pickle chip instead either sliced and set on the rim or on a cocktail pick

Check the recipe card at the end of the post for the exact amounts of each of these ingredients.

Substitutions and Variations

Don't have the correct ingredients on hand? Or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change these dill pickle shots.

• Add Flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an added depth of flavor.
• Different Brine: Use other pickled vegetables such as pickled jalapeño juice or even pickled beet juice to provide a unique twist on the traditional pickle shot while still capturing that delicious pickle flavor.
• Sweet Pickle Shot: Use sweet or bread and butter pickle juice instead.
• Spicy Pickle Shot: Use spicy pickle juice or add a few drops of our homemade hot pepper sauce or your favorite hot sauce to the vodka mixture.
• Tequila: Swap out the vodka for tequila, and you've got a unique twist on the classic pickle shot. The distinct taste of tequila pairs well with the pickle's tanginess.
• Whiskey: The original pickleback shot involves chasing a shot of Irish whiskey with a shot of pickle juice.

How to Make Pickle Shots

These pickle shots are very easy to make. Preparing the glass is quick and simple and the cocktail itself comes together incredibly quickly.

The recipe highlights are right here, but you can find the exact instructions in the recipe card at the end of the post.

1. Place the Tajin in a small bowl.
2. Dip the shot glass into the bowl to coat the rim with the spice.

3. Add the ice and pickle juice to a shaker glass.
4. Add the vodka.

5. Pour the shots into the rimmed shot glasses, garnish with pickles, and enjoy!

If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy our spiked dalgona coffee recipe, Key Lime Pie Shot, Breakfast Shot, Bazooka Joe Shot or this Sweet Tart Shot!

Storage

Refrigerator: Store your cocktail in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid for up to 2 weeks. DO NOT use a plastic container.

Freezer: Freeze the shots in freezer-safe shot glasses for about 4 hours until the liquid begins to crystalize. Then, tightly secure the lids to the glasses and freeze until solid. Store for up to a year.

What to Serve with Pickle Shots

If you're planning to serve up some pickle shots at your next gathering, you may be wondering what to pair them with. Although pickle shots can be enjoyed on their own, there are a few food options that can complement their tangy flavor and create an even tastier experience for your guests.

• Charcuterie boards with cheeses, cured meats, and cracked work well with these shots. Cheddar, gouda, or bleu cheese is also the perfect complement to the pickle juice in these shots.
• Fried foods also work well. Try fried potato skins, onion rings, or deep-fried pickles.
• Healthier options include a vegetable tray with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables along with some garlic hummus.
• Spicy appetizers like air fryer Buffalo chicken wings, fajita nachos, and the like work well with these shots, as well.

Tips

With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and memorable pickle shot that's sure to impress your guests.

• Use a good quality vodka to ensure a smooth and well-balanced flavor.
• Pickle juice from a freshly opened jar is ideal for the best taste.
• Make use of a cocktail shaker or a large mason jar to mix the ingredients thoroughly and shake it well to achieve consistent flavor.
• Garnish the glasses with mini pickles or thin slices of pickles to provide a delightful crunchy contrast to the tangy liquid.
• Adjust the vodka-to-pickle juice ratio if you prefer more or less of a kick and to find the perfect balance of alcohol and tanginess for your taste buds.
• Pickle shots are best enjoyed straight after they are mixed so try to serve them immediately to savor the tangy taste.

FAQ

Do you have questions about pickle shots? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about them.

More Fun Cocktail Recipes

If you like pickles here they are all in one place in our Perfect Pickles - All Kinds of Hot and Sweet Pickles Recipes. Looking for some unique and tasty cocktails for your next party? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.

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