How to Make Pickle-Infused Vodka

Published April 18, 2022
Pickled organic cucumbers in jars

Ingredients

  • 4-5 pickle spears
  • ½ cup pickle brine
  • 750mL vodka
  • Two large clean bottles or jars
  • Cheesecloth or other fine strainer
  • Funnel

Instructions

  1. In a large clean bottle or jars, add your pickles, pickle brine, and vodka.
  2. Securely close the container and swirl to mix everything together.
  3. Store the infusion a cool, dark place for approximately 3 to 4 days. Give the infusion a gentle swirl each day, as well.
  4. Starting at about three days, sample the infused vodka by pouring it into a glass. If you decide you want more flavor, allow the flavors to hang out together longer.
  5. If the flavor is good for you, carefully remove the pickles and discard them. Or take a nibble and slice a few for a garnish!
  6. Carefully funnel the infused vodka into the second clean bottle, using a cheesecloth or other strainer.
  7. Carefully seal and store in a cool, dark place similar to where you infused.

You can use the infused vodka immediately, and the vodka will keep well in a cool, dark place for one to two years without flavor being affected. However, discard when the flavor starts to fade or tastes "off."

Variations of Pickle-Infused Vodka

Give your pickle vodka the much-needed savory, earthy flavor it craves. Or go for a few sweeter flavors to make your infusion pop.

  • Go the obvious route and add four to six sprigs of dill to your pickles for a dill pickle vodka. Similarly, adding two whole, peeled cloves of garlic recreates that desired deli pickle flavor.
  • Add a little heat with a whole, sliced jalapeño, being sure to skip the seeds. You can use a second jalapeño but beware of the heat.
  • Use two to three whole, sliced lemons to add a burst of citrus to the infusion.

Pickle-Infused Vodka Cocktails

Whip up a tasty cocktail where the pickle vodka either shines as the star or provides a secret finishing touch.

Pickled Bloody Mary

Pickled Bloody Mary

Capitalize on the briny flavors of the pickle vodka to make the most savory and delicious bloody Mary.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces pickle-infused vodka
  • 4 ounces tomato juice
  • ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
  • ¼ ounce horseradish
  • 2 dashes Worcestershire
  • 2 dashes paprika
  • Ice
  • Celery stalk and lime wheel for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a cocktail shaker, add ice, pickle vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, lime juice, horseradish, Worcestershire, and paprika.
  2. Shake to chill.
  3. Strain into highball glass over fresh ice.
  4. Garnish with celery stalk and lime wheel.

Pickle Vodka Martini

Pickle Vodka Martini

If you love pickles, as you rightfully should, then this pickle martini is both a delicious drink and if you opt for a pickle as a garnish instead, also becomes a tasty little snack.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces pickle-infused vodka
  • ½ ounce dry vermouth
  • ¼ ounce pickle brine
  • Ice
  • Pickle slices or olives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Chill a martini glass or coupe.
  2. In a mixing glass, add ice, pickle vodka, and dry vermouth.
  3. Stir rapidly to chill.
  4. Strain into chilled glass.
  5. Garnish with pickles slices or olives.

Pickle Vodka Tonic

Pickle Vodka Tonic

Go the simple route with a touch of bubbles in this pickley delight.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces pickle-infused vodka
  • 3 ounces tonic water
  • Ice
  • Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a rocks glass, add ice, pickle vodka, and tonic water.
  2. Stir to mix.
  3. Garnish with lime wedge.

Mixers for Pickle Vodka Drinks

Make it easy for yourself to craft unique pickle cocktails by adding another mixer or two to the equation.

  • Tomato juice
  • Bloody Mary mix
  • Club soda
  • Tonic water
  • Dry vermouth
  • Olive brine
  • Pickle brine
  • Gin

Craving Worthy Pickle-Infused Vodka

Take a bite out of a crunchy pickle cocktail with homemade pickle-infused vodka. You can be the star of any holiday or gift-giving occasion by jarring your pickle vodka and placing in build your own Bloody Mary mixes baskets or just hand them out to brighten anyone's day.

How to Make Pickle-Infused Vodka