The Pickle Bloody Mary Shot is a bold, tangy, and savory mini-cocktail that brings all the rich flavors of a classic Bloody Mary into a small but powerful shot glass. Combining the briny kick of pickle juice, the warmth of vodka, and the umami of Worcestershire sauce, this shot is perfect for brunch, parties, or as a fun way to start a gathering. If you love Bloody Marys and pickle juice, this is the ideal drink for you!

What makes this shot unique is its balanced flavor profile—the acidity from pickle juice, the deep tomato essence, and the hint of spice from black pepper blend seamlessly. The rim of celery salt enhances every sip, and the garnish of a cherry tomato and mini pickle makes it both aesthetic and appetizing.

Let’s dive into how you can craft this bold and delightful shot in just a few simple steps!

Ingredients:

1 oz vodka (chilled)
1 oz dill pickle juice (preferably from a quality pickle brand for the best briny kick)
A dash of tomato juice
A dash of Worcestershire sauce
A pinch of black pepper
Celery salt, for rimming the glass
Lime wedge, for rimming
Garnish: 1 cherry tomato and 1 mini pickle, skewered on a cocktail pick

Preparation:

Step 1: Rim the Glass

For an extra savory touch, rim the shot glass with celery salt.

Take a small plate and spread a thin layer of celery salt.
Rub the rim of the shot glass with a lime wedge to moisten it.
Dip the rim into the celery salt and rotate until fully coated.

Step 2: Shake & Chill

Now it’s time to mix all the flavors together.

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to chill the drink properly.
Pour in 1 oz vodka and 1 oz dill pickle juice.
Add a dash of tomato juice and Worcestershire sauce.
Sprinkle in a pinch of black pepper.
Close the shaker and shake vigorously until the mixture is well chilled.

Step 3: Pour It Smooth

Take your prepared shot glass and strain the mixture into it.
The shot should appear smooth, with a slightly cloudy, golden-reddish hue.

Step 4: Add a Garnish

Skewer a cherry tomato and a mini pickle on a small cocktail pick.
Place it on top of the shot glass for a picture-perfect presentation.

Step 5: Sip & Savor

Take a moment to appreciate the bold flavors before drinking!

The briny acidity of pickle juice
The rich umami of Worcestershire sauce
The spicy warmth of black pepper

Sip it slowly or take it as a quick, flavorful shot—it’s entirely up to you!

Variations

Spicy Pickle Bloody Mary Shot: Add a few dashes of hot sauce (such as Tabasco) or a small pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Smoky Pickle Shot: Use smoked paprika or a bit of chipotle powder to give a deep, smoky undertone.
Gin Pickle Shot: Replace vodka with gin for a botanical twist.
Clamato Version: Substitute tomato juice with Clamato for a richer, seafood-inspired variation.
Extra Pickle Version: If you’re a true pickle lover, add an extra splash of pickle brine for a stronger, saltier taste.

Cooking Note:

Always chill the vodka and pickle juice beforehand for an ultra-refreshing shot.
A quality pickle brand will make a difference—opt for fresh, briny pickles instead of overly sweet ones.
Adjust the seasoning based on personal preference; if you like it spicier, increase the black pepper or add hot sauce.
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, stir well with ice and strain instead.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve alongside a full-sized Bloody Mary cocktail for a creative mini-version.
Pair with brunch dishes like eggs Benedict, avocado toast, or a breakfast burrito.
Offer as part of a Bloody Mary bar, allowing guests to customize their shots.
Complement with salty snacks like pretzels, cheese cubes, or smoked almonds.
Perfect as a novelty shot at parties, game-day gatherings, or weekend brunches.

Tips:

Use fresh black pepper rather than pre-ground for a more vibrant taste.
If you don’t have celery salt, try sea salt mixed with ground celery seed.
Serve immediately after shaking to maintain the cold temperature and best flavors.
If making for a group, pre-mix the base ingredients and chill them in a pitcher for easy serving.
Want a zero-proof version? Replace vodka with non-alcoholic spirit or a splash of carbonated water for a fun mocktail!

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cooking Time:

0 minutes (no actual cooking involved)

Total Time:

5 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: ~50 kcal
Protein: 0g
Sodium: ~400mg (varies based on pickle juice and Worcestershire sauce)
Carbs: ~1g
Fat: 0g

FAQs:

1. Can I make a big batch of Pickle Bloody Mary Shots?

Yes! Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of shots you need. Mix in a large shaker or pitcher and chill until ready to serve.

2. What type of vodka is best for this recipe?

A smooth, mid-range vodka works best. Avoid overly cheap brands, as they can be harsh in a shot.

3. Can I substitute anything for Worcestershire sauce?

Yes, you can use soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for a similar umami kick.

4. What other garnishes work well?

Pickled jalapeños
Cocktail onions
Celery stalks
Lemon or lime wedges

5. Is there a non-alcoholic version of this shot?

Absolutely! Just omit the vodka and replace it with a splash of soda water for a refreshing, alcohol-free version.

Conclusion

The Pickle Bloody Mary Shot is a savory, briny, and deliciously bold twist on a classic cocktail, packed into a miniature version. Whether you’re serving it as a fun party shot, a brunch treat, or just enjoying it yourself, it’s sure to be a hit. With its perfect balance of spice, acidity, and umami, it delivers big flavors in a small package. Try out different variations, pair it with your favorite foods, and enjoy this creative take on the beloved Bloody Mary! Cheers!

Pickle Bloody Mary Shot

Author: Imili Johnson
Total Time: 5 minutes

Print Recipe

Description

Let’s dive into how you can craft this bold and delightful shot in just a few simple steps!

Ingredients

Scale

1 oz vodka (chilled)
1 oz dill pickle juice (preferably from a quality pickle brand for the best briny kick)
A dash of tomato juice
A dash of Worcestershire sauce
A pinch of black pepper
Celery salt, for rimming the glass
Lime wedge, for rimming
Garnish: 1 cherry tomato and 1 mini pickle, skewered on a cocktail pick

Instructions