NEW YORK (AP) — In the bustling cocktail scene of New York City and beyond, an unexpected ingredient is making a splash: pickle juice. Once relegated to the sidelines, this tangy brine is now front and center on drink menus, captivating mixologists and patrons alike with its unique flavor profile.
Pickle juice, known for its salty, tangy, and sometimes spicy flavor, is being embraced by bartenders as a versatile cocktail component. Camille Goldstein, managing partner of Muddling Memories, a Brooklyn-based hospitality company, notes, “Pickles are a great gateway into savory cocktails. 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 in Cocktails
The cocktail world has long experimented with pickles and their brine, but their recent popularity marks a significant shift. The Pickleback, a drink consisting of a shot of whiskey followed by a shot of pickle brine, is credited with starting the trend. Originating at a Brooklyn bar called Bushwick Country Club, the Pickleback quickly gained a cult following.
Today, pickle juice is a staple in a variety of cocktails, from margaritas to martinis. The pickle juice martini, a twist on the traditional dirty martini, has particularly gained traction. This trend is part of a broader renaissance in pickling and fermentation across the food and beverage industry.
Popular Pickle Martini Spots
Several bars across the United States have become known for their pickle martinis. Rizzo’s Bar & Inn in Chicago, Belle’s Bagels in Los Angeles, and Maison Pickle in New York are just a few places where this drink is celebrated. At The Penrose in New York, bartender Heaven Cluesman reports serving about 100 pickle martinis daily, using McClure’s Pickles spicy brine and ALB vodka.
Casa Thirteen on Manhattan’s Lower East Side offers a spicy pickle martini, incorporating pickle juice spiked with hot peppers, vodka, and vermouth. The bar’s bartender, Reinaldo Maria, highlights how their homemade pickles contribute to a sustainable kitchen ecosystem.
Pickle Juice Beyond the Martini
Pickle juice’s appeal extends beyond martinis. Its ability to complement rich, fatty foods makes it a popular choice alongside burgers, steaks, and other hearty meals. However, due to its high sodium content, it is advisable for those on a low-sodium diet to consume it in moderation.
Other notable pickle-juice-infused drinks include the “Mr. Pickles” shooter at The Barbershop Cuts and Cocktails in Las Vegas, and the Pickle Negroni at Little Bear in Atlanta. Even Disneyland’s Hollywood Lounge offers a Pickle Michelada, showcasing the versatility of pickle juice in diverse cocktail creations.
Non-Alcoholic Innovations
Fast-food chains are also tapping into the pickle juice trend. Popeyes Chicken introduced a Pickle Lemonade as part of a limited-time pickle menu, while Sonic partnered with V8 Grillo’s Pickles to create the “Picklerita Slush,” a sweet-tart beverage featuring pickle juice and lime.
DIY Pickle Juice Cocktails
For those interested in trying pickle juice cocktails at home, options abound. Spritz Society’s Pickle Spritzers, made with wine and Claussen’s pickle juice, offer a ready-to-drink option. Alternatively, V8 Grillo’s Pickles provides a non-alcoholic Dill Pickle Bloody Mary mix, perfect for mocktails or as a mixer with your favorite spirit.
For a spicy twist, consider Casa Thirteen’s Spicy Pickle Martini. The bar enhances their pickle juice with hot peppers, but home mixologists can use brine from store-bought spicy pickles. Here’s the recipe:
Casa Thirteen’s Spicy Pickle Martini
Ingredients:
.75 ounce spicy pickle juice
1.5 ounces vodka
.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.
As pickle juice continues to gain popularity, its role in the cocktail world is poised to expand. Whether you’re a pickle enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this briny beverage offers a fresh take on traditional cocktails, inviting experimentation and discovery.
Katie Workman writes regularly about food for The Associated Press. She has authored two cookbooks focused on family-friendly cooking, “Dinner Solved!” and “The Mom 100 Cookbook.” She blogs at themom100.com. For more AP food stories, visit AP News.
