These pickle shots make a plain vodka shot taste unexpectedly delicious. Salty and tangy, they go down smooth and leave a bright, pleasant aftertaste—even if you’re not a big pickle fan.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pickle Shots Recipe
- Simple ingredients. Made with only two ingredients—vodka and pickle juice—this recipe is easy to pull together with things you likely already have.
- Easy to scale. The recipe uses equal parts pickle juice and vodka, so doubling or tripling is straightforward when you’re serving a group.
- A conversation starter. These shots are unique and surprising—perfect for starting conversations at parties or casual gatherings.
- Crowd-pleasing. Fans of picklebacks and dirty martinis tend to enjoy these shots, so they’re a reliable hit.
Ingredients Needed
For the pickle shots:
- Dill pickle juice — Classic dill provides bright, savory flavor. You can substitute sweet or spicy pickle brine if you prefer a different profile.
- Vodka — Use an unflavored vodka you like; it lets the pickle brine shine.
Optional garnishes:
- Tajin seasoning — Great for rimming the glass and adding a touch of chili-lime heat. Alternatively, use a mix of celery salt and chili powder.
- Gherkin pickles — A small pickle on the rim makes a fun garnish and a tasty nibble after the shot.
How To Make Pickle Shots
Step 1: Combine equal parts pickle juice and vodka in a cocktail shaker. Shake well until chilled and fully mixed.
Step 2: If using a seasoned rim, pour a little extra pickle juice into a shallow dish and dip the shot glass rim in it. Press the wet rim into Tajin or your chosen seasoning to coat.
Step 3: Pour the mixed pickle shot into the prepared shot glasses and garnish with a gherkin if you like. Serve immediately. Cheers!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of pickle juice is best to use?
Dill pickle juice offers the best balance of tang and savory notes for these shots. Use a kosher dill brine for a clean, classic flavor.
Can I use a different kind of liquor in this pickle shot?
Yes. Tequila or whiskey also mix well with pickle juice and can mellow harsher alcohol flavors. The brine pairs surprisingly well with many spirits—just enjoy responsibly.
More Drink Recipes
- Sweet Tart Shot
- Green Tea Shot
- Lemon Drop Shot
- Mexican Candy Shot
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shot
- Jungle Juice
Dill Pickle Shots
These pickle shots make a plain vodka shot taste unexpectedly delicious. Salty and tangy, they go down smooth and leave a bright, pleasant aftertaste—even if you’re not a big pickle fan.
2 minutes
2 minutes
Ingredients
- 5 oz. Dill pickle juice
- 5 oz. Vodka
Optional Garnishes:
- Tajin or a quarter teaspoon total of chili powder and celery salt
- Gherkin pickles
Instructions
- Add the pickle juice and vodka to a shaker.
- Shake until fully combined and chilled.
- For a seasoned rim, dip the glass rims in a bit of pickle juice, then press into the seasoning to coat.
- Pour the mixture into shot glasses and garnish with a pickle.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1 shot
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 109Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 171mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g