Pickle Shots

For all you pickle-loving picklebackers out there, I’m giving you my version of a Pickle Shot, spicy margarita style. But make it a jello shot in a pickle.

Inspired by my Spicy Pickle Margarita, we combine it with gelatin to make the jello shot mixture, and pour it in a hollowed out pickle for the shot glass. The only rule here is to have a good time. Maybe even too good of a time.

Watch Me Make Pickle Shots

How to Make Pickle Shots

Listen, this isn’t your average weeknight cocktail. Spicy Margarita Pickle Shots are for parties and can be prepped ahead of time.

1) Prepare the Pickle Shot Glasses

1. Take a large, firm dill pickle and slice it into thick rounds (about 1 inch thick) so each piece can stand upright. These slices will be your shot glasses.
2. Using a small spoon or melon baller, carefully hollow out a divot in each slice, leaving a sturdy outer ring and keeping the bottom intact so it can hold the liquid like a cup.
3. Pat the inside dry with a paper towel so the gelatin mixture sets properly.
4. Arrange the hollowed pickle shot glasses upright on a tray.

2) Make the Spicy Pickle Margarita Mix

Ingredients

• 1 cup tequila blanco
• 1/2 cup pickle brine
• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 – 1/3 cup agave syrup (adjust to taste)
• 2-3 jalapeno slices (adjust to taste)

Instructions

1.  In a pitcher or bowl, combine tequila, pickle brine, lime juice, and agave syrup.
2. Stir until fully combined, then add the jalapeño slices and let infuse for 5–10 minutes, depending on your desired spice level.
3. Strain through a fine mesh sieve.

3) Make the Jello Base

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup cold water
• 4 packets of gelatin
• 1 cup warm water
• 1-1/2 cups Spicy Pickle Margarita mix

Instructions

1. Pour ½ cup of cold water into a heat-safe bowl.
2. Sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the water and let it bloom (about 3–5 minutes).
3. Warm 1 cup of water in a saucepan (don’t boil).
4. Add bloomed gelatin to warm water and stir until completely dissolved.
5. Let the mixture cool slightly, then whisk in your Spicy Pickle Margarita mix.
6. Pour into a measuring cup or pitcher with a spout for easy filling.

4) Fill Your Pickle Shot Glasses

Using a small pipette, dropper, or teaspoon, drizzle the jello mixture into the center of each pickle shot glass. Fill to just under the top. If you have leftover pickle jello shot mixture, pour it into small glasses. You can eat it with a spoon later.

5) Chill and Set

Place the tray of filled pickles (and any extra filled glasses) in the fridge for 2–4 hours (or until firm).

6) Garnish and Shots! Shots! Shots!

Sprinkle a little Tajín or chili lime salt on top of the Pickle Shots. You can garnish with a tiny lime zest twist or small cilantro leaf if you’re feeling chef-y. Serve your pickle shots chilled.

Why Make Pickle Shots?

Combining pickle brine and alcohol works for the same reason a dirty martini or a bloody mary or any briny cocktail works: brine cuts a liquor’s kick. Adding pickle brine to a margarita mix adds a depth of flavor and a tanginess that balances out the tartness from the limes and the bite from the tequila. It might sound a little weird, but just give it a try. You might just become obsessed.

As for the pickle shot part of the equation, it’s sort of a why-not situation. A lot of pickle shots are just simple combinations of vodka or whiskey and pickle brine served in a large shots glass, but if you’re making pickle shots for a party, you might as well go all out and make them jello shots served right in the pickle. We all need a little more fun and weirdness in our lives anyways. One thing’s for sure: they won’t be easily forgotten.