Bold, briny, and packed with flavor, this Pickle Bloody Mary Shot Recipe is the perfect savory shooter for brunch parties, game day, or when you want something spicy and sippable with a kick. Combining vodka, tomato juice, and pickle brine with classic Bloody Mary seasonings, this quick shot delivers the punch of a full cocktail in a fun, two-bite form. Rimmed with celery salt and garnished with pickle slices and cherry tomatoes, it’s a mini version of a brunch favorite that hits all the right notes—salty, tangy, and spicy.
Ingredients
Makes 2 shots
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2 oz vodka
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1 oz pickle juice
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1 oz tomato juice
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¼ tsp Worcestershire sauce
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2 dashes hot sauce (like Tabasco)
-
Pinch of celery salt
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Pinch of black pepper
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Ice
For garnish
-
Pickle slices
-
Cherry tomatoes
-
Celery salt (for rimming, optional)
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare your shot glasses
If desired, rim the shot glasses by rubbing a lemon or pickle slice around the edge and dipping in celery salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the shot ingredients
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, pickle juice, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, celery salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Shake to chill
Shake well for 10–15 seconds until the mixture is thoroughly chilled and slightly frothy.
Step 4: Strain into glasses
Strain the mixture evenly between the two prepared shot glasses.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Skewer a pickle slice and a cherry tomato onto a cocktail pick and place across the top of each shot. Serve immediately while cold.
Variation
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Extra Spicy: Add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper
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Smoky Version: Use smoked paprika or a splash of mezcal for smoky depth
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Dill Lover’s: Stir in a dash of dill pickle brine and garnish with a fresh dill sprig
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Vegan-Friendly: Use vegan Worcestershire or leave it out entirely
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Mocktail Shot: Replace vodka with more pickle and tomato juice for a non-alcoholic version
Cooking Note
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Use high-quality pickle juice—cold and from the jar for the freshest briny flavor
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Chilling the vodka ahead of time enhances the texture and balance of the shot
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Adjust the spice level to taste by increasing or decreasing the hot sauce
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Strain through a fine mesh sieve if you want a smoother finish without pulp
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Shake well to fully incorporate the ingredients and create a uniform flavor
Tips
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Great for brunch trays, party platters, or breakfast-themed events
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Use mini mason jars or vintage-style shot glasses for a fun presentation
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Make a batch ahead and store in a pitcher in the fridge for easy pouring
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Add a splash of olive brine for a dirty martini twist
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Pair with savory snacks like deviled eggs, sliders, or cheese cubes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (per shot)
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Calories: 65
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Protein: 0g
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Fat: 0g
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Carbohydrates: 1g
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Sugar: 0.5g
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Sodium: 180mg
Note: May vary depending on brand of pickle juice and tomato juice
FAQs
Can I use store-bought Bloody Mary mix instead of tomato juice?
Yes, just skip the Worcestershire and hot sauce, and reduce added seasoning.
What kind of vodka works best?
Plain vodka is ideal, but dill pickle- or pepper-infused vodka adds an extra punch.
Can I make this in a large batch?
Absolutely. Multiply ingredients and mix in a shaker or pitcher, then pour into shot glasses when ready.
Can I rim the glasses with something other than celery salt?
Yes—try Tajín, Old Bay, or smoked salt for a different flavor profile.
Can this be served warm?
It’s best served cold, but if you prefer a warm version, serve it in a small heat-safe glass without ice.
Conclusion
This Pickle Bloody Mary Shot Recipe is a bold twist on the brunch classic, delivering all the zesty, savory, spicy flavor of a full-sized Bloody Mary in just a couple of sips. Perfect for parties, bold palates, or those who love a drink with personality, these shots pack a punch in both flavor and flair. With customizable spice levels, tangy pickle juice, and fun garnishes, they’re a guaranteed hit—whether you’re serving brunch or just want to raise a glass to something a little different.
Print
Pickle Bloody Mary Shot Recipe
- Total Time: 5 min
Ingredients
Ingredients
Makes 2 shots
-
2 oz vodka
-
1 oz pickle juice
-
1 oz tomato juice
-
¼ tsp Worcestershire sauce
-
2 dashes hot sauce (like Tabasco)
-
Pinch of celery salt
-
Pinch of black pepper
-
Ice
For garnish
-
Pickle slices
-
Cherry tomatoes
-
Celery salt (for rimming, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare your shot glasses
If desired, rim the shot glasses by rubbing a lemon or pickle slice around the edge and dipping in celery salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the shot ingredients
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, pickle juice, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, celery salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Shake to chill
Shake well for 10–15 seconds until the mixture is thoroughly chilled and slightly frothy.
Step 4: Strain into glasses
Strain the mixture evenly between the two prepared shot glasses.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Skewer a pickle slice and a cherry tomato onto a cocktail pick and place across the top of each shot. Serve immediately while cold.
Notes
-
Use high-quality pickle juice—cold and from the jar for the freshest briny flavor
-
Chilling the vodka ahead of time enhances the texture and balance of the shot
-
Adjust the spice level to taste by increasing or decreasing the hot sauce
-
Strain through a fine mesh sieve if you want a smoother finish without pulp
-
Shake well to fully incorporate the ingredients and create a uniform flavor
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
Nutrition
- Calories: 65
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0g