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    Home » Food and Drink » Drinks

    Pickleback Cocktail

    Published: Apr 29, 2021 · Modified: Jul 10, 2022 by Jenna Urben · This post may contain affiliate links

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    Combine the popular shot and chaser combo for a fun pickle juice cocktail! Garnish your pickleback cocktail with fresh dill and pickle spear.

    Where are my pickle lovers at?! Y'all are going to love this fun and easy homemade cocktail.

    This pickle juice whiskey sour takes happy hour to the next level. It's unexpected but somehow works brilliantly. Don't knock it till you try it!

    What is a pickleback?

    Pickleback shots originated from The Bushwick Country Club bar in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Reggie Cunningham is thought to be the originator of the popular shot back in 2006.

    A pickle back is a shot of bourbon or whiskey, followed by a shot of pickle brine.

    I haven't take a shot of liquor since my college days, but wanted to create a cocktail based off one of my favorite shots of all time! The end result tastes similar to a whiskey sour, but less sweet, more savory, and tangy.

    Ingredients

    Here's what you'll need to make this simple cocktail at home:

    • Whiskey or bourbon
    • Pickle juice
    • Fresh lime juice
    • Simple syrup

    The citrus from the lime juice cuts the burn of the alcohol and the sweetness of the pickle juice.

    The simple syrup makes this cocktail with pickle juice perfectly sippable.

    How to Make Simple Syrup for Cocktails

    Homemade simple syrup is surprisingly simple to make, budget friendly, and easily adaptable. It's an easy-to-remember 1:1 ratio using sugar and water.

    In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water and stir to dissolve. Bring to a simmer, remove from heat, then let cool. In total, this will take about 20 minutes.

    Store simple syrup in a sealed squeeze bottle or jar in the fridge for 3-4 weeks.

    1 cup sugar + 1 cup water yields approximately 1 ½ cups simple syrup.

    Equipment

    • Cocktail mixing glass
    • Mixing spoon
    • Double jigger
    • Cocktail glasses
    • Ice (I love my new nugget ice maker!)

    How to Make a Pickleback Cocktail

    Stir the whiskey, pickle juice, lime juice, and simple syrup together in your mixing glass. Pour into 2 cocktail glasses filled with ice. Garnish and serve.

    Pickle Juice Drink FAQ

    What is the best whiskey for a pickleback cocktail?

    You can use any type of whiskey, although it’s commonly served using Jameson Irish Whiskey.

    Can I use a different type of alcohol?

    If you're not a fan of whiskey, use vodka or tequila instead.

    What is the best kind of pickle juice for a pickleback?

    Use your favorite kind of pickle juice. Both bread & butter pickles or dill pickle juice will work just fine.

    What type of food pairs best with a whiskey cocktail?

    I enjoy this cocktail during happy hour or as a nightcap served with dried fruits, nuts, and dark chocolate.

    Related Recipes

    Want more easy cocktail recipes? Check out these next:

    • Classic Bloody Mary
    • Boozy Bittersweet Iced Coffee
    • Easy Paloma Cocktail
    • Apple Cider Margarita
    • Aviation Cocktail
    • Aperol Spritz
    • Texas Ranch Water

    I hope you enjoy this easy pickleback recipe! If you give it a try, please share a photo with me over on Instagram.

    Pickleback Cocktail Recipe

    Author: Jenna Urben
    Combine the popular shot and chaser combo for a fun pickle juice cocktail! Garnish your pickleback cocktail with fresh dill and pickle spear.
    5 from 43 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Drinks
    Servings 2 servings

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 ounces whiskey or bourbon
    • 3 ounces pickle juice
    • 1 ½ ounces fresh lime juice
    • 1 ounce simple syrup
    • Pickle spear and fresh dill to garnish
    Prevent your screen from going dark while you're cooking!

    Instructions
     

    • In a cocktail mixing glass, stir together whiskey, pickle juice brine, lime juice, and simple syrup.
    • Pour into 2 cocktail glasses filled with ice. Garnish with a pickle spear and fresh dill. Serve and enjoy!
    Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating or review in the form below, then snap a picture and tag me @theurbenlife on Instagram!

    Suggested Products

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    About Jenna Urben

    Jenna Urben is the recipe developer, content creator, and storyteller behind The Urben Life. She has over 10 years experience adapting family favorite meals to fit allergy-friendly diets. Join Jenna as she shares delicious dairy-free recipes that are easy to follow with plenty of tips and alternatives.

    Reader Interactions

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    1. jemma

      March 31, 2023 at 5:14 pm

      5 stars
      Had this tonight and will be making plenty more. What a satisfying drink! And we'll be trying the other recommendation of maple syrup too. Thanks & cheers!

      Reply
      • Jenna Urben

        March 31, 2023 at 5:15 pm

        Thanks so much for the kind comment! I'm so glad you enjoyed it 🙂 Cheers!!

        Reply
    2. MARILYN

      May 26, 2022 at 7:27 pm

      5 stars
      I substituted maple syrup for simple syrup, it's a Vermont thing. Yummy on a hot day. Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Jenna Urben

        May 31, 2022 at 1:23 pm

        That sounds incredible, Marilyn! Cheers 🙂

        Reply

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