Pickleback
11 Comments
Posted: 02/14/20
Updated: 03/13/21
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Looking for a fun new shot? This Pickleback is great and is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day! Wondering it is exactly? First of all, it’s super simple and apparently, it’s one of the most popular shots ordered in bars around the world! It’s a shot of whiskey chased by a shot of pickle brine. Where are my pickle lovers? Now you can make your favorite shot at home!
Have you ever heard of a Pickleback? Silly? Maybe! Fun, absolutely! And you’re going to love how easy this cocktail is to make!
Who loves a great cocktail? Me, me, me!!! BBQ Bloody Mary Recipe, Pineapple Fruit Cocktail Drink Recipe or maybe a nice Winter Sangria is just perfect this time of year!
Who invented the Pickleback?
This shot is fairly new. It made it’s debut in New York about 13 years ago. Picture if you will, a bar a couple doors down from a guy canning pickles in his house. Then he took those pickles to the bar where they were promptly gobbled up.
What are you left with? Pickle juice of course!
Only 2 Ingredients!
This quick and easy Pickle Back Shot only requires two ingredients, so it’s easy to make sure you always have the ingredients on hand.
- Whiskey – We recommend Jameson in this shot. The original Pickleback used Old Crow for the whiskey, but now Jameson is much more popular.
- Pickle Brine – Make sure it’s chilled. You can use any flavor of pickle brine you’d like. McClure’s pickles are the pickle of choice, which is great if you’re in Brooklyn but for the rest of us, not so much! Use a good spicy, garlicky dill pickle. Garnishing the top? That’s up to you, but we love a pickle on top of our shot!
What is a Pickleback Shot?
First you take a shot of whiskey and chase it down with a shot of pickle brine. It doesn’t get easier than that.
How strong is this shot?
It depends what whiskey you use in it, but if you use Jameson like we recommend it’s an 80-proof shot (40 percent ABV). It’s mixed with pickle juice so this can help slow down digestion and prevent hangovers.
Is pickle juice a good chaser?
Absolutely! From homemade pickles preferably. Spicy, briny and salty pickle juice is a great chaser!
Where are Picklebacks from?
The term Pickleback is thought to originate from The Bushwick Country Club bar in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Reggie Cunningham is thought to be the originator back in 2007. It is now sometimes referred to by bartenders as “The Pisky Whickle”.
Do I need a chase with this shot?
You don’t need one, but if you are looking for one a beer is a great choice. That salty pickle flavor and beer are so delicious when combined!
Finish up your Jameson Pickleback with a Snit, which is Minnesota talk for a beer chaser? – come on you know you want to!! Better yet, make it a Green Beer or an Irish Trash Can!
Minnesota is where the cool people come from, obviously, so you need to get up on our lingo!
Line ’em up and give it a try! Let me know what you think of this great cocktail! I’m looking for that five-star rating below, cheers!!!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Pickleback Shot Recipe
It's perfect for St. Patrick’s Day! It’s a shot of whiskey chased by a shot of pickle brine. Make this easy shot recipe at home!
Ingredients
- 1 oz whiskey such as Jameson
- 1 oz pickle brine chilled
Instructions
- Take the shot of whiskey. Then take the shot of pickle juice.
Tips
- Whiskey – We recommend Jameson in this shot. The original Pickleback used Old Crow for the whiskey, but now Jameson is much more popular.
- Pickle Brine – Make sure it’s chilled. You can use any flavor of pickle brine you’d like. McClure’s pickles are the pickle of choice, which is great if you’re in Brooklyn but for the rest of us, not so much! Use a good spicy, garlicky dill pickle. Garnishing the top? That’s up to you, but we love a pickle on top of our shot!
Nutrition Information
Calories: 78kcal (4%), Carbohydrates: 2g (1%), Sodium: 425mg (18%)
Allison says
I luv,luv this shot!! I’m in NC and actually surprised that i don’t know a lot of people trying this….Just tried it with new bread’n butter spiced sweet heat pickles…totally awesome!
Julie says
Awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Bobbie says
Pickleback.
I drink a shot of tequila and a shot of pickle juice.
Were. I go they call it this
Henry Eggert says
Hi all, been drinking pricklebacks for years here in my area. They are all made from Jack Daniels and deli pickle juice here. Asked about Jameson one day and was told that was frowned upon. There is also no beer involved after one is done. But hey, this is just our area, too each either own, enjoy what ya love.
Henry says
Their*
Julie Evink says
I love this comment! You are so awesome to share your version and yet not tell me I’m wrong 🙂 Most people just yell at me for making it wrong!! God Bless You!
Melissa Howell says
I have never heard of this, either! Sounds intriguing!
Julie Evink says
Gotta love pickles!
Malinda Linnebur says
I must be living under a rock because I have never heard of this!! My husband usually drinks his whiskey straight or sometimes mixes it with ginger ale depending on the brand of whiskey. Next time I am going to tell him to try this!!
Julie Evink says
If he loves pickles he’s gotta try this!
Danielle Green says
Ah pickles and beer! Awesome “back”!