Pickleback Shot

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Chase your favorite whiskey with a little chilled dill and fall in love with the Pickleback Shot.

The old Bentley was roaring like a lion with laryngitis. The wind plastered my hair back from my forehead, the jowls on my face flapping unflatteringly from the speed that the turbocharged engine put forth. I was not in pursuit of any quarry or off to rescue someone in distress. No, it was I who was being hunted.

The headlights appeared in my rearview mirror, shining brightly against the dying light of the early evening. It gained steadily, inching closer and closer. Soon enough, I heard the rattling sound of a dinosaur of a V8 engine, in what looked to be a dusty, ancient hearse. Not disconcerting at all, I sarcastically thought to myself. I looked in my rearview again as I white-knuckled the steering wheel, pressing harder on the already-floored accelerator, hoping I could somehow make the old car move faster.

My blood ran cold as I saw them in the automobile that was right on my bumper… The faceless and tall mutated pickles. I could almost hear their wheezing, sputtering breath and smell the briny sweat pouring off of them.

Outrunning these dilly monstrosities has once again become my lot in life. I can only hope to lose them in the oncoming night…

What Is The Best Whiskey To Use In A Pickleback Shot?

Back in 2006, bartender Reggie Cunningham was working at Brooklyn’s Bushwick Country Club when a patron suggested he try chasing some whiskey with chilled dill pickle juice. Impressed, he started serving the Pickleback, tonight’s shot recipe. You can honestly use any whiskey that you prefer, but I’ll go ahead and suggest a peppery and warming rye whiskey, like a Bulleit or High West, which helps make the flavors of the dill juice pop even more once you chase the spirit with it.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?

Chill your shot glasses in the freezer for up to 30 minutes to make your Pickleback extra cold and smooth. Serve with some pickle chips or gherkins if you wish.

CAN YOU COMBINE THE WHISKEY AND PICKLE JUICE TOGETHER?

You could, but this shot is much more enjoyable and flavorful when you shoot the whiskey first, then chase it with the pickle juice.

Other Pickle-Based Drinks Worth Trying

It might sound weird, but pickle juice and spirits are actually a pretty tasty combination. I myself never really knew it was a thing until my friend introduced me to the concept. They used to be a bartender, and one day we were doing shots and they said chasing them with dill pickle brine was brilliant. So if you’ve not had the pleasure, check out these interesting concoctions.

• Pickle Shot – Vodka, pickle juice and the start of a weird adventure.
• Pickle Martini – Dry, crisp and with the sharp, satisfying tang of dill.
• Pickle Margarita – Tequila, triple sec, lime and of course, pickle juice.
• Pickle 75 – Gin, lemon and dill juice topped with champagne. That’s a fancy pickle.