Pickle Martini

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

A tangy take on the classic tipple, the Pickle Martini is sure to satisfy the most curious of drinkers.

My latest adventure had taken me to the almost literal end of the Earth. Here I was, in a bar on the edge of the wildest jungle wilderness, on the most remote island in the world. Any further south, and I’d be sailing into the waters of the Southern Ocean. This tiny nation that had no name, no government, no royalty, did have a fully stocked tavern. This seaside establishment looked out onto ocean waters that would sweep away even the strongest of swimmers, laughing deviously at anyone who dared dip their feet in their waves, meeting them with deadly undertows.

And I sat alone, staring at a drink that I did not order, but couldn’t wait to imbibe. Before me was a tall, cold Pickle Martini, made with gin and dry vermouth. The pickle brine darkened the mixture slightly, giving it the look of an Extra Dirty Martini. I’ve enjoyed a Pickle Shot or two in my day, but this cocktail had the hairs on the back of my neck standing at attention. Then I realized the barkeep had disappeared without me noticing… yet I wasn’t alone.

I turned slowly to see a shadowy mass at one of the corner tables, and soon realized the strong dill smell wasn’t just coming from my drink. There they were, all huddled together, breathing heavily and sweating thick, salty brine from their green, porous skin. The mutated pickles that had been born of a strange, atomic glow and my family’s ancient recipe found me, at the most remote place imaginable.

And they bought me a drink…

What Is The Best Alcohol To Use In A Pickle Martini?

Right away, make sure you’re using a good vermouth in this cocktail. If you end up choosing the cheapest brand on the shelf, you’re doing yourself a disservice. I used to think that I didn’t like vermouth, but it turns out that I didn’t like bad vermouth. I love Dolin for my dry and white varieties, and highly recommend them. When choosing either gin or vodka, whatever your preference is, a crisp London Dry gin will never let you down, neither will a clean and peppery Polish rye vodka. For a little more heat on the finish, use a potato-distilled version of the latter.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?

Chill a martini glass in your freezer for up to thirty minutes before prepping and pouring your drink. Garnish with a dill pickle spear or pickle slice.

WHAT IS THE BEST KIND OF PICKLE AND BRINE TO USE?

Our recipe calls for kosher dill pickles, and there are some good varieties at your grocery store. My mother makes her own pickles, so I prefer those. They have the tart bite of a kosher dill, with a little extra spice and kick from my mom’s secret recipe.

Other Martinis Worth Trying

Not only are martinis some of my very favorite cocktails to make, share and drink, they’re also the favorite for many of you. And while the simple, two-ingredient tipple doesn’t seem like it would be ripe for experimentation, there are some versions out there, like tonight’s drink, that retain the classic base while veering off the traditional path. If you love a good, ice-cold and stiff martini—and who doesn’t—then make sure you’ve tried these at least once.

• Vesper Martini – Created by Ian Fleming in the first James Bond novel, Casino Royale.
• Perfect Martini – Can’t decide between sweet or dry vermouth? With this cocktail, you won’t have to.
• Gin Martini – Nothing beats the classic combo of dry vermouth and gin.
• Vodka Martini – The popular alternative to the Gin Martini, preferred by the cinematic 007. Shaken, not stirred.