This post includes a recipe for alcohol. Drink responsibly. Sparkles to Sprinkles and it’s authors are not responsible for the actions of our readers should they choose to make this recipe and consume it. Please drink responsibly.

Pickle shots are a fun and tangy twist on traditional vodka shots, perfect for parties or just for pickle enthusiasts. Combining the salty, sour flavor of dill pickle juice with the smoothness of vodka, these shots are both refreshing and unique. Whether you’re a pickle aficionado or just looking for an exciting drink to try, pickle shots are sure to be a hit.

Pickle Shots

One of the best things about pickle shots is their simplicity. With just two main ingredients, you can whip up these shots in no time. Plus, you can easily customize them with optional garnishes like Tajín seasoning or pickle chips to add a bit of flair. The combination of the pickle brine’s acidity and the vodka’s kick creates a drink that’s both invigorating and unexpected, making it a great conversation starter at any gathering.

What sets pickle shots apart is their versatility. You can serve them as a quick and easy appetizer at your next BBQ, or as a fun addition to your cocktail menu. The bold flavors make them a standout choice for anyone looking to try something new and exciting. Plus, the optional garnishes allow you to get creative and tailor each shot to your guests’ preferences. Whether you’re hosting a large party or a small get-together, pickle shots are a delightful way to add some zing to your beverage offerings.

If you love shots be sure to check out some of our other favorites like our pumpkin pie pudding shots and our floating eyeball jello shots.

What You Will Love About This Recipe

What someone will love about this pickle shot recipe is its simplicity and bold flavor profile. With just two main ingredients, pickle juice and vodka, it’s incredibly easy to make yet packs a punch with its tangy, salty taste balanced by the smoothness of the vodka. The optional garnishes, like Tajín seasoning and pickle chips, add an extra layer of customization and fun, making each shot a unique experience. Whether you’re a pickle enthusiast or just looking to try something new, these shots offer a refreshing and zesty twist that’s perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Plus, the minimal preparation time means you can enjoy them almost instantly, adding a lively and unexpected element to any event.

Ingredients:

5 Ounces Dill Pickle Juice (brine)
5 Ounces Vodka

Optional Garnishes:

Extra Pickle Juice
Tajin Seasoning
Pickle Chips
Gherkin Pickles

How to Make Pickle Shots

Add the pickle juice and vodka to a shaker, small cup, measuring glass, or whatever you have on hand.

Stir or gently shake.

If you would like to use the tajin garnish, dip the rims of the shot glasses in a bit of extra pickle juice and then dip it in the tajin seasoning to coat the rims.
Pour the juice and vodka mixture into the shot glasses and garnish with a pickle chip or gherkin, if desired.

Tips & Tricks

Choose Quality Pickle Juice: The flavor of your pickle shots depends heavily on the pickle juice you use. Opt for high-quality dill pickle brine for the best taste. If you have a favorite brand of pickles, use their juice to ensure the flavor meets your expectations.
Chill Your Ingredients: For a more refreshing shot, make sure both the pickle juice and vodka are well-chilled before mixing. You can even chill your shot glasses in the freezer for an extra cold kick.
Adjust the Ratio: While the basic recipe calls for equal parts pickle juice and vodka, feel free to adjust the ratio according to your taste preference. If you prefer a stronger pickle flavor, add more pickle juice. For a stronger kick, increase the vodka.
Experiment with Garnishes: Garnishes add a fun and personalized touch to your shots. Try rimming the glasses with Tajín seasoning for a spicy twist, or adding a pickle chip or a gherkin pickle as a garnish.
Try Flavored Vodka: For an extra layer of flavor, consider using flavored vodka. Dill or cucumber-flavored vodkas work particularly well and enhance the pickle taste.
Batch Preparation: If you’re hosting a party, prepare a larger batch of the mixture in advance. Keep it in a pitcher in the refrigerator and pour into shot glasses as needed.
Serve Immediately: For the best flavor, serve your pickle shots immediately after mixing. This ensures the ingredients are well-blended and at the optimal temperature.
Enjoy Responsibly: Pickle shots are fun and unique, but remember to enjoy them responsibly. These potent shots can sneak up on you, so pace yourself and drink plenty of water in between.

FAQs

While dill pickle juice is the most popular choice for pickle shots, you can experiment with other types of pickle juice, such as bread and butter or spicy pickles. The key is to use a brine you enjoy, as it will directly impact the flavor of your shots.

If you have any leftover mixture, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for a few days. Just remember to give it a quick stir before serving again.

You can create variations by adding a few drops of hot sauce for a spicy kick, or mixing in a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a savory twist. Another fun variation is to use a different type of spirit, like tequila, for a unique flavor profile.

Pickle Shots

Name: Pickle Shots
Prep time: 2 min
Total time: 2 min
Ingredients: 5 Ounces Dill Pickle Juice (brine); 5 Ounces Vodka; Optional Garnishes:; Extra Pickle Juice; Tajin Seasoning; Pickle Chips; Gherkin Pickles

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 2 minutes

Pickle shots are a unique and fun adult beverage that you are going to love. They are tart, salty, and pack a powerful kick of Vodka. They are super easy to make and a huge hit among adults.

Ingredients

5 Ounces Dill Pickle Juice (brine)
5 Ounces Vodka
Optional Garnishes:
Extra Pickle Juice
Tajin Seasoning
Pickle Chips
Gherkin Pickles

Instructions

Add the pickle juice and vodka to a shaker, small cup, measuring glass, or whatever you have on hand.
Stir or gently shake.
If you would like to use the tajin garnish, dip the rims of the shot glasses in a bit of extra pickle juice and then dip it in the tajin seasoning to coat the rims.
Pour the juice and vodka mixture into the shot glasses and garnish with a pickle chip or gherkin, if desired.

Notes

Yields: 5-6 Shots (10 ounces)

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 84Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1077mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 0gSugar: 7gProtein: 0g

Melissa

I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!

Pickle Shots