Introduction to Pickle Juice Cocktails
Pickle juice has become a staple in many cocktail scenes around the world. If you have a cocktail scene in your neck of the woods, you might have noticed the words “pickle juice” appearing more often on drink menus. Pickles and pickle brine have been an ingredient that mixologists — and chefs — have played with for a long time, but they’re finally getting a star turn in beverage menus around the world.
Characteristics of Pickle Juice
Pickle juice is salty, tangy acidic, and sometimes a little spicy. It adds zing to all kinds of cocktails. “Pickles are a great gateway into savory cocktails,” says Camille Goldstein, managing partner of Muddling Memories, a Brooklyn-based hospitality company that promotes beverages as an experience. “The sweet-salty brine of a pickle really creates an interesting depth of flavor for your margarita, martini or even a highball.”
The Rise of Pickle Juice Cocktails
A drink called the Pickleback has been popular for years. Said to have originated at a Brooklyn bar called Bushwick Country Club, it consists of a shot of whiskey followed by a shot of pickle brine. Word spread. Now, pickle juice has been making its way into all kinds of cocktails, from margaritas to martinis to micheladas. The pickle juice martini, in particular, has taken off; it’s kind of a twist on a dirty martini (usually made with olive juice).
By KATIE WORKMAN
NEW YORK (AP) — It’s all part of a pickle and fermentation renaissance in many food categories.
The Many Variations of the Pickle Martini
Watering holes known for their pickle martinis include Rizzo’s Bar & Inn in Chicago; Belle’s Bagels, Delicatessen and Bar in Los Angeles; Maison Pickle and The Penrose in New York; Reata in Forth Worth, Texas; The Loutrel in Charleston, South Carolina; and Old Pony Martini Pub in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, among other places. At The Penrose, they serve up about 100 pickle martinis a day, made with McClure’s Pickles spicy brine and ALB vodka, says bartender Heaven Cluesman. Once shaken, he says, the brine creates a foamy layer on top of the drink. A garnish of a couple of pickle slices on a skewer makes it clear what’s in the glass.
And Beyond Martinis
Pickle juice is a great foil to fatty foods, so a pickle juice cocktail is a nice accompaniment to burgers, steaks, chops, duck and other rich meals. But note: It contains a lot of sodium, so if you are reducing salt in your diet, keep that in mind. Other pickle-juice drinks of note: The “Mr. Pickles” shooter at The Barbershop Cuts and Cocktails in Las Vegas is a shot of whisky served with a hollowed-out pickle filled with pickle brine. You’ll find a Pickle Negroni with gin, aquavit, vermouth, bitter bianco, cucumber and dill brine at Little Bear in Atlanta. And at the Hollywood Lounge at Disneyland in California, there’s a Pickle Michelada, made with beer, pickle juice, tomato mix and chile lime seasoning, garnished with a pickle spear.
Fast-Food Restaurants Put Pickles in Drinks
Pickle juice is appearing in more non-alcoholic drinks as well. Popeyes Chicken introduced Pickle Lemonade this spring as part of a limited-time-only pickle menu. And V8 Grillo’s Pickles has partnered with Sonic on a limited-time, pickle-centric menu including the “Picklerita Slush,” a sweet-tart beverage made with pickle juice, lime and fizzy pickle “flavor bubbles” (topped with a Grillo’s Pickle Chip).
Making One at Home
If pickles aren’t your thing, then it’s unlikely a pickle juice cocktail will be either. But if you like pickles, don’t knock it ’til you’ve sipped it. To try a pickle cocktail at home, pick up a pack of Spritz Society’s Pickle Spritzers, made with wine, carbonated water and Claussen’s pickle juice. Or look for canned Dill Pickle Bloody Mary mix (non-alcoholic) from V8 Grillo’s Pickles. Enjoy it as a mocktail, or use it as a mixer and add a shot of your favorite spirit.
Recipe: Casa Thirteen’s Spicy Pickle Martini
A spicy pickle martini, made with jalapeno pickle juice, vodka and vermouth, appears Casa Thirteen on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. (Jack Barbour via AP) Here’s one recipe:
Ingredients:
.75 ounce spicy pickle juice
1½ ounces vodka (the bar uses Grey Goose, but any vodka will do)
.5 ounces dry vermouth
Pickled basque pepper or pickled jalapeno to garnish (optional)
Directions:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the pickle juice, vodka and vermouth and shake until the outside of the shaker is ice cold. Strain and pour into a martini glass. Garnish with the pickled pepper, if desired. Serve cold.
Conclusion
Pickle juice has become a staple in many cocktail scenes around the world, and its unique flavor profile has made it a favorite among mixologists and chefs. Whether you’re a fan of martinis, margaritas, or micheladas, pickle juice can add a new level of depth and complexity to your favorite cocktails. So next time you’re at a bar or restaurant, be sure to ask about their pickle juice cocktails and experience the unique flavor for yourself.
FAQs
Q: What is pickle juice?
A: Pickle juice is the liquid left over from the pickling process, and it has a salty, tangy, acidic, and sometimes spicy flavor.
Q: What are some popular pickle juice cocktails?
A: Some popular pickle juice cocktails include the Pickleback, Pickle Martini, and Pickle Negroni.
Q: Can I make pickle juice cocktails at home?
A: Yes, you can make pickle juice cocktails at home using store-bought or homemade pickle juice and your favorite spirits.
Q: Is pickle juice good for you?
A: Pickle juice contains a lot of sodium, so it’s not recommended for people on a low-sodium diet. However, it also contains antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.
Q: Where can I find pickle juice cocktails?
A: Pickle juice cocktails can be found at many bars and restaurants, especially those that specialize in craft cocktails. You can also make them at home using store-bought or homemade pickle juice and your favorite spirits.
