QUICKIES

QUICKIES is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 20 calories per serving. Recipe by Whisky and BBQ on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 30 min

Cost: $6.05 total, $1.51 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Cucumbers (sliced 1/8‑ to 1/4‑inch thick)
  • 0.5 cup Water (cold)
  • 0.5 cup Apple Cider Vinegar (unfiltered, organic preferred)
  • 0.5 cup Whiskey (Laphroaig Scotch, or any smoky whiskey)
  • 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt (fine grain)
  • 2 teaspoons Whole Peppercorns (freshly cracked if possible)
  • 2 teaspoons Coriander Seeds (lightly crushed)
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard Seeds (yellow or brown)
  • 3 sprigs Fresh Dill (roughly chopped)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (roughly chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon Honey (Texas‑sized tablespoon, preferably raw)

Instructions

  1. Slice the Cucumbers

    Using a mandolin set between 1/8 and 1/4 inch or a sharp knife, slice the cucumbers into uniform rounds.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Combine Brine Ingredients

    In a saucepan, add ½ cup water, ½ cup apple cider vinegar, ½ cup whiskey, 1 tbsp kosher salt, 2 tsp whole peppercorns, 2 tsp coriander seeds, 1 tsp mustard seeds, the chopped dill, chopped garlic, and 1 tbsp honey.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Bring Brine to a Boil

    Place the saucepan over medium‑high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Let it boil for 2‑3 minutes until the salt and honey dissolve completely.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑high heat

  4. Pour Brine Over Cucumbers

    Transfer the sliced cucumbers to a heat‑safe container (glass jar). Carefully pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, making sure they are fully submerged. Seal with a lid and give the jar a gentle shake to distribute the spices.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Rest and Refrigerate

    Leave the jar on the counter for about 30 minutes to cool, then place it in the refrigerator. The pickles will be ready to eat the next day and will keep for up to a month.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
20
Protein
0g
Carbohydrates
5g
Fat
0g
Fiber
0.5g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Allergens: Honey

Last updated: June 5, 2026

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QUICKIES

Recipe by Whisky and BBQ

A fast, no‑cooking pickle made with apple cider vinegar, a splash of smoky Laphroaig whiskey, and simple spices. Perfect as a tangy side for BBQ or a snack, these pickles are ready in under an hour and keep for about a month.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
12m
Prep
5m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
27m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.05
Total cost
$1.51
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Bring the brine to a rolling boil and let it simmer for 2‑3 minutes so the salt and honey fully dissolve
  • Pour the hot brine over the cucumbers ensuring they are completely submerged
  • Allow the pickles to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before refrigerating

Safety Warnings

  • Hot brine can cause serious burns – handle with care and use heat‑proof gloves if needed
  • Alcohol evaporates during boiling, but keep the pot away from open flames to avoid flare‑ups

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of whiskey pickles in American BBQ cuisine?

A

Whiskey pickles are a modern twist on traditional Southern cucumber pickles, incorporating the region’s love of whiskey and smoky flavors. They have become popular as a bold, tangy side that complements grilled meats and adds a touch of sophistication to casual BBQ gatherings.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of cucumber pickles in the Southern United States?

A

In the South, classic dill pickles use white vinegar, mustard seed, and dill. Some regions add cornmeal for crunch, while others use sweet pickling brines with sugar. Whiskey pickles are a contemporary variation that swaps part of the vinegar for whiskey to create a smoky depth.

cultural
Q

How are whiskey pickles traditionally served in American BBQ settings?

A

They are typically served chilled on a platter alongside ribs, pulled pork, or brisket, offering a crisp, acidic contrast that cuts through the richness of the meat. They may also be placed on a garnish board with other pickled vegetables.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are whiskey pickles associated with in American culture?

A

Whiskey pickles are popular at backyard barbecues, tailgate parties, and holiday cookouts such as Fourth of July gatherings, where the combination of smoky whiskey and tangy brine matches the festive atmosphere.

cultural
Q

How does the whiskey pickle fit into the broader American BBQ tradition?

A

American BBQ relies on balance of sweet, smoky, and acidic flavors. Whiskey pickles provide the acidic bite and a subtle smoky note from the whiskey, enhancing the overall flavor profile of smoked meats and sauces.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for whiskey pickles versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, whole peppercorns, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, fresh dill, garlic, and a good-quality smoky whiskey like Laphroaig. Substitutes can be white vinegar, sea salt, ground spices, or bourbon if Scotch is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other American BBQ dishes pair well with whiskey pickles?

A

They pair excellently with smoked ribs, brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, grilled chicken, and even a hearty baked bean side. The crisp acidity also works well with rich mac & cheese or cornbread.

cultural
Q

What makes whiskey pickles special or unique in American BBQ cuisine?

A

The addition of whiskey introduces a smoky, slightly sweet, and complex flavor that traditional vinegar‑only pickles lack, creating a distinctive taste that stands out on a BBQ plate.

cultural
Q

How has the whiskey pickle evolved over time in American cooking?

A

Originally a novelty among home cooks experimenting with spirits, whiskey pickles have moved into mainstream BBQ menus and food‑truck offerings, reflecting a growing trend of infusing classic condiments with craft spirits.

cultural
Q

What are common misconceptions about whiskey pickles?

A

Many think the alcohol remains high, but most of the whiskey’s alcohol evaporates during boiling, leaving only flavor. Another myth is that they’re too spicy; the whiskey adds depth without heat unless additional chilies are added.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making whiskey pickles?

A

Common errors include not bringing the brine to a full boil, which prevents the salt and honey from dissolving, and not fully submerging the cucumber slices, leading to uneven pickling. Also, avoid letting the hot brine sit uncovered, as it can attract insects.

technical
Q

How do I know when the whiskey pickles are done and ready to eat?

A

The pickles are ready after at least 24 hours in the refrigerator; they should be crisp, tangy, and have a faint smoky aroma. If they still taste raw or overly salty, let them sit another day and adjust seasoning if needed.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Whisky and BBQ specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Whisky and BBQ focuses on combining classic barbecue techniques with whiskey‑infused recipes, offering tutorials on grilling, smoking, and creating bold, spirit‑enhanced side dishes and sauces for meat lovers.

channel

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QUICKIES