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
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
Add Ice to Shaker
Fill the cocktail shaker about halfway with ice cubes.
Time: PT30S
Measure and Add Whiskey
Measure 2 ounces of whiskey and pour it into the shaker.
Time: PT30S
Add Dill Pickle Juice
Measure 1.5 ounces of dill pickle juice and add it to the shaker.
Time: PT30S
Squeeze Lemon
Squeeze the juice from the lemon wedge directly into the shaker.
Time: PT15S
Shake the Cocktail
Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds, until the shaker feels cold to the touch.
Time: PT15S
Fill Glass with Ice
Add fresh ice cubes to the Old Bay‑rimmed glass.
Time: PT15S
Strain into Glass
Place the strainer over the glass and pour the shaken mixture through, allowing it to flow over the ice.
Time: PT15S
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
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Whiskey: Bourbon, Rye whiskey, Rum (flavor will change)
- Instead of Dill Pickle Juice: Bread & butter pickle juice, Brine from other pickles
- Instead of Lemon: Lime wedge
- Instead of Old Bay Seasoning: Celery salt, Seasoned salt
- Instead of Ice: Crushed ice
Equipment Needed
- Cocktail Shaker
- Strainer
- Rocks Glass
- Small Bowl (optional)
- Ice Tongs (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Rim the glass with Old Bay seasoning
- Shake the cocktail until the shaker is cold
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass
Chef Tips from the Video
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne to the Old Bay rim.
- If you prefer a smoother finish, double‑strain the cocktail through a fine mesh sieve.
- Experiment with flavored whiskeys (e.g., honey or apple) for a unique twist.
Troubleshooting
The drink is too salty.
Reduce the amount of pickle juice to 1 ounce or add a splash more lemon juice to balance the flavor.
The cocktail is not cold enough.
Use more ice in the shaker and shake a few seconds longer until the shaker feels frosty.
Old Bay seasoning doesn’t stick to the rim.
Make sure the lemon wedge is freshly squeezed and the rim is fully wet before dipping; you can also lightly dampen the rim with a tiny amount of water.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store any leftover pickle juice in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Not applicable.
Room temperature: Whiskey can be kept at room temperature in its original bottle.
Make-Ahead Tips
- You can pre‑rim the glass and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes.
- Measure the whiskey and pickle juice into a small measuring cup for faster assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the Pickleback Cocktail in New York City cuisine?
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.
How did the Pickleback Cocktail become popular in Brooklyn and what are its origins?
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.
What traditional variations of the Pickleback Cocktail exist in American bar culture?
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.
In what occasions or celebrations is the Pickleback Cocktail traditionally enjoyed in the United States?
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.
What authentic ingredients are traditionally used in a Pickleback Cocktail versus acceptable substitutes?
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.
What other New York‑style drinks pair well with the Pickleback Cocktail?
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.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Pickleback Cocktail at home?
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.
Why does this Pickleback Cocktail recipe use a squeeze of lemon and Old Bay seasoning on the rim?
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.
How do I know when the Pickleback Cocktail is properly chilled and ready to serve?
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.
What does the YouTube channel Lagom Eats specialize in?
The YouTube channel Lagom Eats specializes in simple, balanced home‑cooking recipes and approachable cocktail creations that emphasize flavor harmony and minimal equipment.
How does the YouTube channel Lagom Eats' approach to cocktail recipes differ from other cocktail channels?
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.
Last updated: September 4, 2026
