Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of Bloody Marys or enjoy the punchy flavor of pickle juice, this shot will be a hit. It’s quick to make, fun to serve, and packs a ton of flavor in a small glass. Whether you're hosting a brunch or bringing something new to the party, this is a creative and delicious alternative to regular cocktails. It’s savory, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy—perfect for starting off any celebration or gathering. Plus, it's easy to customize based on your pickle preference, spice level, and garnish creativity.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 oz soda
- 1 oz dill pickle juice (preferably from a quality pickle brand for the best briny kick)
- A dash of tomato juice
- A dash of Worcestershire sauce
- A pinch of black pepper
- Celery salt, for rimming the glass
- Lime wedge, for rimming
- Garnish: 1 cherry tomato and 1 mini pickle, skewered on a cocktail pick
Directions
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Prepare the Glass: Start by rubbing a lime wedge around the rim of a shot glass. Then, dip the rim into celery salt to coat it evenly.
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Mix the Shot: In a shaker, combine the soda, dill pickle juice, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Shake well to combine.
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Serve: Pour the mixture into the prepared shot glass, ensuring not to disturb the celery salt rim.
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Garnish: Skewer a cherry tomato and a mini pickle on a cocktail pick and place it into the shot glass for that perfect garnish.
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Enjoy: Sip and enjoy the tangy, savory goodness of your Pickle Bloody Mary Shot!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 1 shot
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
This recipe is simple and quick, making it easy to prepare multiple shots for a larger crowd if needed. The proportions can be adjusted based on the number of servings you require.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a slice of jalapeño to the mix for an extra spicy variation.
- Pickle Lovers’ Twist: If you prefer a more pronounced pickle flavor, use extra pickle juice or a splash of pickle brine to amp up the tang.
- Herbal Infusion: Experiment by adding a pinch of fresh herbs like dill or parsley to bring out the savory notes of the pickle juice.
- Tomato Juice Heavy: If you love a more tomato-forward drink, you can adjust the balance of soda and tomato juice to make it richer in flavor.
Storage/Reheating
This shot is best enjoyed fresh, as it combines several fresh ingredients that don't hold up well when stored for long periods. If you want to prepare ahead of time, you can mix the liquid ingredients (pickle juice, tomato juice, soda, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper) in a bottle and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. However, avoid adding the celery salt rim and garnish until you're ready to serve.
FAQs
Can I make a large batch of Pickle Bloody Mary Shots?
Yes! You can scale up the recipe easily. Mix the liquid ingredients in a pitcher or bottle and refrigerate. When ready to serve, pour into shot glasses, rim with celery salt, and add garnishes.
Can I use any kind of pickle juice?
For the best flavor, it's recommended to use a quality dill pickle juice. The briny, tangy kick is key to the success of this shot, so choose a pickle juice that complements the other ingredients.
Can I make this shot spicier?
Absolutely! To turn up the heat, add hot sauce or sliced jalapeños to the mix. You can also experiment with spicy pickle juice or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
What kind of soda should I use?
Any plain soda works fine, but club soda or seltzer is ideal because it adds just enough fizz without overwhelming the other flavors.
Can I serve this as a cocktail in a glass instead of a shot?
Yes, you can certainly serve this in a cocktail glass if you prefer a longer drink. Just increase the ingredients proportionally, and you may want to add a bit more ice.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this shot?
Yes! The Pickle Bloody Mary Shot is non-alcoholic by default, as it uses soda and other savory ingredients to create its flavor profile. There’s no need for liquor unless you’d like to add vodka to make it a true Bloody Mary.
Can I use other types of juice instead of tomato juice?
If you’re not a fan of tomato juice, you can experiment with other juices, though it won’t have the same Bloody Mary flavor. Vegetable juices like carrot or beet juice could work, though they will change the overall profile.
How do I make the celery salt rim more flavorful?
You can experiment by adding herbs or spices to the celery salt, such as a bit of garlic powder, paprika, or dried dill to enhance the rim’s taste.
What’s the best garnish for a Pickle Bloody Mary Shot?
The classic garnish is a cherry tomato and a mini pickle, but you can get creative. Try using an olive, a slice of cucumber, or even a small piece of smoked sausage for a unique touch.
How can I adjust the balance of flavors?
You can fine-tune the balance by adjusting the amount of pickle juice, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper to suit your personal preferences. More pickle juice will make it tangier, while more Worcestershire will give it a richer umami flavor.
Conclusion
The Pickle Bloody Mary Shot is a fun and flavorful twist on a classic cocktail, offering bold, tangy, and savory flavors in every sip. It’s quick to make, easy to serve, and customizable based on your taste preferences. Whether you're hosting a brunch, gathering with friends, or just looking to try something new, this shot is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its unique flavor profile and playful garnishes make it both a visual and culinary delight—perfect for starting any celebration on a high note.
Pickle Bloody Mary Shot
The Pickle Bloody Mary Shot is a bold, tangy, and savory mini-cocktail that delivers all the delicious flavors of a classic Bloody Mary in a fun-sized shot. With its briny pickle juice, deep tomato undertones, and dash of Worcestershire sauce, this shot is perfect for brunches, parties, or any gathering. It’s easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 shot
- Category: Cocktails/Shots
- Method: Shaken (with ingredients mixed in a shaker)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 oz soda (club soda or seltzer preferred)
- 1 oz dill pickle juice (choose a high-quality pickle brand)
- A dash of tomato juice
- A dash of Worcestershire sauce
- A pinch of black pepper
- Celery salt (for rimming the glass)
- Lime wedge (for rimming)
- Garnish: 1 cherry tomato and 1 mini pickle on a cocktail pick
Instructions
- Prepare the Glass: Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a shot glass, then dip the rim into celery salt to coat it evenly.
- Mix the Shot: In a shaker, combine the soda, dill pickle juice, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Shake well to combine.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into the prepared shot glass, ensuring not to disturb the celery salt rim.
- Garnish: Skewer a cherry tomato and a mini pickle onto a cocktail pick, and place it in the shot glass.
- Enjoy: Sip and enjoy the tangy, savory flavors of your Pickle Bloody Mary Shot!
Notes
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Variations:
- For extra heat, add hot sauce or jalapeños.
- Adjust the pickle juice for a stronger pickle flavor.
- Fresh herbs like dill can enhance the flavor profile.
- If you prefer a heavier tomato taste, increase the amount of tomato juice.
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Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but the liquid mixture (without garnish and rim) can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.