I never thought I’d find myself obsessing over pickle juice in a cocktail, but here we are. The first time I made a Pickle Bloody Mary Shot, it was on a whim during a weekend brunch experiment.
I had all the classic Bloody Mary ingredients, but something was missing. Then, my eyes landed on the jar of dill pickles in my fridge. That’s when inspiration struck. I swapped out the usual lemon juice for pickle brine, and suddenly, the drink had this tangy, briny kick that took it to a whole new level.
This shot is bold, zesty, and just the right amount of spicy. It’s like a mini wake-up call in a glass, with the comforting flavors of a Bloody Mary but a sharper, punchier twist. Whether you’re a die-hard pickle lover or just looking for a fun new way to shake up your cocktail game, this Pickle Bloody Mary Shot is guaranteed to surprise you. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make—no fancy mixology skills required!
Short Description
A tangy, spicy Pickle Bloody Mary Shot that packs all the bold flavors of a classic Bloody Mary in a fun, bite-sized form. Perfect for brunch, parties, or anytime you’re craving a savory kick!
Key Ingredients
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz dill pickle juice
- Dash of tomato juice
- Dash of Worcestershire sauce
- Dash of black pepper
- Cherry tomato & mini pickle skewer (for garnish)
Tools Needed
- Shot glass
- Cocktail shaker
- Small skewer or toothpick
- Measuring jigger
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Base
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, dill pickle juice, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of black pepper. Shake well for about 15 seconds until chilled.
Step 2: Prepare the Garnish
Thread a cherry tomato and a mini pickle onto a small skewer or toothpick. Set aside.
Step 3: Serve
Strain the chilled mixture into a shot glass. Place the garnish across the top of the glass or rest it on the rim.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold & Zesty: The pickle juice gives this shot a tangy, savory depth.
Quick & Easy: No complicated techniques—just shake, pour, and enjoy!
Perfect for Brunch: A fun, mini version of a Bloody Mary to spice up your morning.
Great for Pickle Lovers: If you love pickles, this shot is a dream come true.
Customizable: Adjust spice levels to fit your taste!
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
1. Using too much tomato juice
Solution: A dash is enough. Too much will overpower the pickle flavor.
2. Skipping the garnish
Solution: The mini pickle and tomato add a fun finishing touch and extra flavor.
3. Not chilling the shot properly
Solution: Shake with ice for at least 15 seconds to ensure it’s cold and refreshing.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
– Serve alongside a full-sized Bloody Mary for a fun brunch experience.
– Pair with salty snacks like pretzels, olives, or cheese for a perfect balance.
– Ideal for a party appetizer to impress your guests with a unique cocktail.
Storage and Reheating Tips
– This shot is best served fresh, but you can pre-mix the ingredients and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
– Shake with ice before serving to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pickle juice?
Yes! Try bread-and-butter pickle juice for a sweeter twist or spicy pickle juice for extra heat.
2. What vodka works best for this recipe?
A smooth, neutral vodka works best—no need for anything fancy!
3. Can I make this into a full-sized cocktail?
Absolutely! Just scale up the ingredients and serve in a highball glass over ice.
4. Is there a non-alcoholic version?
Yes! Substitute vodka with club soda or extra pickle juice for a mocktail version.
5. Can I make a batch ahead of time?
You can pre-mix the ingredients and store them in a sealed jar in the fridge. Shake before serving.
Tips & Tricks
– For extra spice, add a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
– Rim the shot glass with celery salt for an added savory touch.
– Use flavored vodka (like pepper or dill pickle) for an extra kick!
Recipe Variations
Spicy Pickle Bloody Mary Shot: Add 1-2 dashes of hot sauce and a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Smoky Pickle Bloody Mary Shot: Use smoked vodka and add a drop of liquid smoke for a deep, smoky flavor.
Garlic Dill Pickle Bloody Mary Shot: Use garlic-infused pickle juice and add a pinch of garlic powder for a bold, garlicky twist.
Final Thoughts
A Pickle Bloody Mary Shot isn’t just a drink—it’s a tiny burst of bold, briny, and spicy goodness. It wakes up your taste buds with every sip, balancing the crispness of pickle juice with the rich depth of tomato and Worcestershire sauce. It’s the kind of shot that keeps things interesting, perfect for brunches, backyard parties, or whenever you want a little kick without a full cocktail.
Incredibly, it’s easy to make, so you can whip up a batch in minutes. If you’re a fan of pickles, spice, and a little adventure in your drinks, this one’s a must-try. Cheers to big flavor in small sips!

Pickle Bloody Mary Shot
Ingredients
- 1 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Dill Pickle Juice
- Dash of Tomato Juice
- Dash of Worcestershire Sauce & Black Pepper
- Cherry tomato & mini pickle skewerÂ
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, dill pickle juice, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of black pepper. Shake well for about 15 seconds until chilled.
- Thread a cherry tomato and a mini pickle onto a small skewer or toothpick. Set aside.
- Strain the chilled mixture into a shot glass. Place the garnish across the top of the glass or rest it on the rim.