Pickle Margarita
This Pickle Margarita recipe balances briny dill, bright lime, and earthy tequila for a savory cocktail with a cult following. It is a bold, refreshing drink that comes together in under 5 minutes using simple pantry staples.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Rocks glass
Ingredients
- Ice
- 1½ ounces reposado tequila or tequila blanco
- 1 ounce pickle brine (preferably from classic dill pickles)
- Pickle chips or a pickle spear (for garnish)
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1 lime wedge (for rimming)
- ¾ ounce triple sec (preferably Cointreau)
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 2 to 3 dashes habanero hot sauce (preferably El Yucateco, optional)
- Coarse salt (optional, for rim)
Instructions
Prep the Glass
- If you like a salted rim, run the 1 lime wedge (for rimming) around the edge of a cold rocks glass so it looks glossy. Dip just half the rim into Coarse salt so each sip stays balanced.
- Fill the glass with Ice and set it aside while you build the drink to ensure everything stays frosty.
Build and Shake
- Fill a cocktail shaker with Ice, enough that it sounds packed and cold when you tap the tin.
- Pour in 1½ ounces reposado tequila or tequila blanco, 1 ounce pickle brine, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, and ¾ ounce triple sec. Add 2 to 3 dashes habanero hot sauce if you want a spicy kick.
Sweeten the Right Way
- Add the 2 teaspoons granulated sugar and shake extra hard. You want the drink to look slightly cloudy and smell brightly of lime and dill to ensure the sugar dissolves.
Strain and Garnish
- Strain the margarita into your ice-filled glass; the surface should look lightly foamy. Finish with Pickle chips or a pickle spear and serve immediately.
Notes
Temperature Matters: Park the glassware in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving to keep the cocktail tasting clean and tight.
Dissolution Science: Since granulated sugar dissolves slowly in cold liquids, shake the mixture vigorously to ensure a smooth texture without a gritty finish.
Sodium Balance: Because pickle brine is naturally salty, stick to a half-rim or very light rim of salt to avoid overwhelming the palate.
Spicy Upgrade: For a fresher heat, add a couple of jalapeño slices to the shaker instead of hot sauce.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.