Wtf Are Whiskey Pickles?

WTF Are Whiskey Pickles?! is a medium American recipe that serves 8. 10 calories per serving. Recipe by Delish on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 26 min | Total: 1 hr 11 min

Cost: $29.16 total, $3.64 per serving

Ingredients

2 lb Kirby Cucumbers (small, firm cucumbers; cut lengthwise into halves)
2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar (unfiltered, raw for best flavor)
2 cup Water (filtered or filtered tap water)
2 tablespoon Kosher Salt (non-iodized for clear brine)
1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar (balances acidity; optional)
3 clove Garlic Cloves (peeled and lightly smashed)
4 sprig Fresh Dill Sprigs (one per jar for aroma)
0.25 pepper Habanero Pepper (quartered; adjust for heat)
0.5 cup Bourbon or Whiskey (smooth, unflavored; adds subtle oak flavor)
1 teaspoon Black Peppercorns (optional, for a faint spice)

Instructions

Prepare Cucumbers
Rinse the cucumbers under cold water, trim the ends, then slice each cucumber lengthwise into halves.
Time: PT10M
Sterilize Jars
Place the empty jars and lids in a large pot of boiling water for 5 minutes, then remove with tongs and set on a clean towel to air‑dry.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 100°C
Make the Brine
In the large pot combine water, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, sugar, garlic, dill sprigs, quartered habanero, black peppercorns, and whiskey. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring until salt and sugar dissolve.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 200°F
Pack Cucumbers into Jars
Using the funnel, tightly pack 7‑8 cucumber halves into each sterilized jar, leaving about ½ inch of headspace at the top.
Time: PT5M
Add Brine to Jars
Carefully ladle the hot brine over the cucumbers, ensuring they are fully covered. Tap jars lightly to release air bubbles.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 200°F
Seal and Process Jars
Wipe rims clean, place lids on jars, and process in a boiling water bath for 11 minutes.
Time: PT11M
Temperature: 100°C
Cool and Store
Remove jars with tongs and set on a towel to cool completely (about 30 minutes). Once cooled, check seals and label each jar.
Time: PT30M

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 10
Protein: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fat: 0g
Fiber: 0.5g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Low‑Calorie

Allergens: None (whiskey may contain barley; choose gluten‑free whiskey if needed)

Ingredient Substitutions

Instead of Kirby Cucumbers: English cucumbers, pickling cucumbers
Instead of Apple Cider Vinegar: white distilled vinegar, rice vinegar
Instead of Kosher Salt: sea salt, pickling salt
Instead of Granulated Sugar: honey, agave syrup
Instead of Garlic Cloves: garlic powder (1 tsp)
Instead of Fresh Dill Sprigs: dill seed (1 tsp)
Instead of Habanero Pepper: jalapeño (milder), serrano (similar)
Instead of Bourbon or Whiskey: rum (for a different note), non‑alcoholic whiskey flavoring
Instead of Black Peppercorns: white peppercorns

Equipment Needed

Large Pot
Cutting Board
Chef’s Knife
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Glass Quart Jars with Lids
Funnel
Ladle
Tongs
Spice Bag or Cheesecloth
Candy/Canning Thermometer
Large Bowl for Ice Water Bath (optional)

Critical Steps — Do Not Skip

Sterilizing jars to prevent contamination
Bringing the brine to a boil to dissolve salt and sugar
Ensuring cucumbers are fully submerged in hot brine
Processing jars in a boiling water bath for 11 minutes

Chef Tips from the Video

Add a few peppercorns and a pinch of mustard seed for extra depth.
For a milder heat, remove the habanero seeds before adding to the brine.
If you prefer a sweeter pickle, increase sugar to 2 tbsp.

Troubleshooting

Pickles are soft or soggy.

Make sure the cucumbers are fresh and firm; increase the salt to 2½ tbsp and ensure the brine reaches a full boil before pouring.

Brine is cloudy or has sediment.

Strain the brine through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth before adding to jars; this also removes garlic bits that can cloud the liquid.

Lids do not seal properly.

Check that rims are clean and dry before sealing; process for the full 11 minutes and let jars cool undisturbed.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store unopened jars in a cool, dark pantry for up to 3 months; once opened, keep refrigerated and consume within 2 weeks.

Freezer: Not recommended; texture will degrade.

Room temperature: Only if the jar seal is intact and stored in a dark pantry; otherwise refrigerate after opening.

Make-Ahead Tips

Prepare the brine a day ahead and refrigerate; reheat before pouring over cucumbers.
Cucumbers can be sliced and kept in cold water for up to 2 hours to stay crisp before packing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cultural significance and history of Whiskey Sour Pickles in New York City cuisine?

Whiskey Sour Pickles, also known as Moonshine Pickles, were popularized by Brooklyn Brine in 2010 and quickly became a cult favorite across the five boroughs. They reflect Brooklyn’s inventive food scene, blending classic dill pickle techniques with a splash of local whiskey to create a bold, briny snack that’s often enjoyed as a Pickleback chaser.

What are the traditional regional variations of whiskey‑infused pickles in American cuisine?

While Brooklyn’s version uses bourbon or rye whiskey, other U.S. regions experiment with rye, bourbon, or even moonshine made from corn. In the South, some add hot sauce or jalapeños; in the Pacific Northwest, craft distilleries contribute locally‑sourced gin or flavored whiskey for a unique twist.

How is a Whiskey Sour Pickle traditionally served in Brooklyn bars?

In Brooklyn bars, the pickles are often served alongside a shot of whiskey as a Pickleback – the pickle is eaten immediately after the whiskey shot, creating a sharp, cleansing contrast that highlights the brine’s acidity and the spirit’s warmth.

What occasions or celebrations are Whiskey Sour Pickles associated with in New York culture?

They are a popular bar snack during happy hour, featured at holiday markets, and have become a quirky gift for cocktail enthusiasts during the winter holidays and New Year’s celebrations.

What makes Whiskey Sour Pickles special compared to regular dill pickles in American cuisine?

The addition of whiskey adds a subtle oak and caramel note that deepens the flavor profile, while the habanero provides a gentle heat. This combination creates a complex, slightly boozy bite that stands out from standard dill pickles.

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Whiskey Sour Pickles at home?

Common errors include under‑salting the brine, not bringing the brine to a full boil (which can leave the cucumbers soft), and sealing jars before the brine has cooled enough to create a proper vacuum. Also, avoid over‑filling jars, which can cause brine to spill during processing.

Why does this recipe use a hot brine instead of a cold fermentation method?

A hot brine quickly infuses the cucumbers with the whiskey, garlic, and spice flavors while also ensuring food‑safe processing. Cold fermentation would take weeks and would not extract the whiskey’s aromatic compounds as efficiently.

Can I make Whiskey Sour Pickles ahead of time and how should I store them?

Yes, the pickles can be made up to three months in advance. Keep sealed jars in a cool, dark pantry; once opened, refrigerate and consume within two weeks for optimal flavor and crunch.

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Whiskey Sour Pickles are done?

The cucumbers should be crisp, with a bright amber‑gold brine that shows specks of garlic and dill. The lids will be concave, indicating a proper seal, and the pickles will have a faint whiskey aroma.

How do I know when the Whiskey Sour Pickles are done cooking?

The critical indicator is the 11‑minute processing time in a boiling water bath. After cooling, check that the lid does not flex when pressed; this confirms a vacuum seal and that the pickles are ready for storage.

What does the YouTube channel Delish specialize in?

The YouTube channel Delish focuses on approachable, trend‑driven recipes that blend classic comfort foods with modern twists, offering step‑by‑step tutorials for home cooks of all skill levels.

How does the YouTube channel Delish's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

Delish emphasizes quick, visually engaging videos with clear narration, often highlighting regional specialties like Brooklyn Brine’s Moonshine Pickles, while other channels may focus more on technique‑heavy or gourmet presentations.