How to Make a Pickleback Cocktail

How to Make a Pickleback Cocktail is a easy American recipe that serves 1. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Lagom Eats on YouTube.

Prep: 4 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 9 min

Cost: $3.55 total, $3.55 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Whiskey (Your favorite bourbon, rye, or blended whiskey)
  • 1.5 oz Dill Pickle Juice (Fresh juice from dill pickles; store‑bought works fine)
  • 1 wedge Lemon (Fresh lemon, juiced)
  • 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning (For coating the glass rim)
  • 1 cup Ice (For shaking and serving)

Instructions

  1. Rim the Glass with Old Bay

    Pour Old Bay seasoning into a small bowl. Rub a lemon wedge around the outer edge of the glass, then dip the rim into the seasoning until fully coated.

    Time: PT1M

  2. Add Ice to Shaker

    Fill the cocktail shaker about halfway with ice cubes.

    Time: PT30S

  3. Measure and Add Whiskey

    Measure 2 ounces of whiskey and pour it into the shaker.

    Time: PT30S

  4. Add Dill Pickle Juice

    Measure 1.5 ounces of dill pickle juice and add it to the shaker.

    Time: PT30S

  5. Squeeze Lemon

    Squeeze the juice from the lemon wedge directly into the shaker.

    Time: PT15S

  6. Shake the Cocktail

    Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds, until the shaker feels cold to the touch.

    Time: PT15S

  7. Fill Glass with Ice

    Add fresh ice cubes to the Old Bay‑rimmed glass.

    Time: PT15S

  8. Strain into Glass

    Place the strainer over the glass and pour the shaken mixture through, allowing it to flow over the ice.

    Time: PT15S

  9. Optional Garnish

    Garnish with a small pickle spear or a twist of lemon, if desired.

    Time: PT15S

Nutrition Facts

Calories
150
Protein
0g
Carbohydrates
0g
Fat
0g
Fiber
0g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan

Allergens: None

Last updated: April 21, 2026

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How to Make a Pickleback Cocktail

Recipe by Lagom Eats

A salty‑sweet New York‑style cocktail that combines two ounces of whiskey with dill pickle juice, a splash of fresh lemon, and an Old Bay‑rimmed glass. Perfect for fans of the classic Pickleback shot who prefer sipping a balanced drink.

EasyAmericanServes 1

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Source Video
1m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
11m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.55
Total cost
$3.55
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Rim the glass with Old Bay seasoning
  • Shake the cocktail until the shaker is cold
  • Strain the mixture into the prepared glass

Safety Warnings

  • Handle ice to avoid slipping on wet surfaces.
  • Shake with a secure lid to prevent the shaker from popping open.
  • Consume alcohol responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of the Pickleback Cocktail in New York City cuisine?

A

The Pickleback Cocktail originated as a bar novelty in Brooklyn, where the classic Pickleback shot—whiskey followed by a shot of dill pickle juice—became a staple among young drinkers seeking a salty, refreshing finish.

cultural
Q

How did the Pickleback Cocktail become popular in Brooklyn and what are its origins?

A

Bar owners in Brooklyn started serving the Pickleback as a quick two‑shot ritual, then bartenders adapted it into a sip‑able cocktail by adding lemon and an Old Bay‑rimmed glass, turning the novelty into a full‑drink experience.

cultural
Q

What traditional variations of the Pickleback Cocktail exist in American bar culture?

A

Some variations swap dill pickle juice for bread‑and‑butter pickle brine, add a dash of hot sauce for heat, or replace Old Bay with celery salt. Each tweak changes the balance of salty, sour, and spicy notes.

cultural
Q

In what occasions or celebrations is the Pickleback Cocktail traditionally enjoyed in the United States?

A

The Pickleback Cocktail is often served at casual gatherings, after‑work happy hours, and as a novelty toast at birthday parties or sports‑watch events where a quick, salty sip is appreciated.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are traditionally used in a Pickleback Cocktail versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include a quality rye or bourbon, dill pickle juice, fresh lemon, and Old Bay seasoning. Acceptable substitutes are other pickle brines, lime instead of lemon, and celery salt in place of Old Bay.

cultural
Q

What other New York‑style drinks pair well with the Pickleback Cocktail?

A

The Pickleback pairs nicely with a classic Manhattan, an Old Fashioned, or a spicy Bloody Mary, offering a complementary salty‑savory profile that balances richer cocktails.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Pickleback Cocktail at home?

A

Common mistakes include over‑shaking, which dilutes the drink, using too much pickle juice which makes it overly salty, and neglecting to properly coat the rim, resulting in a weak flavor contrast.

technical
Q

Why does this Pickleback Cocktail recipe use a squeeze of lemon and Old Bay seasoning on the rim?

A

The lemon adds a bright acidity that cuts the brine’s salt, while Old Bay provides a subtle spice that enhances the pickle flavor and gives the glass a distinctive aromatic edge.

technical
Q

How do I know when the Pickleback Cocktail is properly chilled and ready to serve?

A

When the shaker feels frosty to the touch after shaking (about 10 seconds), the cocktail has reached the ideal chilled temperature and is ready to strain into the ice‑filled glass.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Lagom Eats specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Lagom Eats specializes in simple, balanced home‑cooking recipes and approachable cocktail creations that emphasize flavor harmony and minimal equipment.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Lagom Eats' approach to cocktail recipes differ from other cocktail channels?

A

Lagom Eats focuses on everyday ingredients and clear, step‑by‑step visuals, avoiding overly complex techniques, whereas many cocktail channels emphasize high‑end bar tools and exotic spirits.

channel

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