A bartender in New York City has taken pickles to a whole new level.
Once a mainstay in budget-friendly delis, these crunchy, tangy snacks are now the stars of the cocktail scene.
Just ask Selena Gomez, who recently celebrated her 33rd birthday with a Pickled Birthday Cake. Plus, there’s a growing recognition of the health benefits of pickle juice, which might help with everything from digestion to blood sugar levels.
It seems we’ve entered an era of “pickle everything.” While pickleback shots have been a bar favorite for a decade, mixologists are now incorporating pickle juice into various cocktails, creating everything from Gherkin spritzers to innovative new blends.
“Brine Everything is trending, especially pickle juice,” said bartender Brenda Riepenhoff, who mixes drinks at Brooklyn spots like JR and Phil’s. “It’s a flexible ingredient that brings a unique flair to cocktails.”
So, what’s on the menu? Here’s a roundup of some must-try pickle cocktails around the city as Picklemania ’25 ramps up.
Aperol Spritzes Are So Last Summer
Chez Zou Pickles Spritz ($18) | 385 9th Ave., Suite 85, 4th Floor
This twist on the classic Aperol Spritz replaces the usual fruity flavors with a refreshing pickle brine featuring dill and cucumber. Served at Hudson Yard’s creative cocktail lounge, it’s a bubbly drink that dispels any memory of traditional spritzers.
What a Bloody Treat!
Phil’s Bloody Martini ($12) | 695 Knickerbocker Ave., Brooklyn
Known for their pickleback origins, Brooklyn bars, including Phil’s, are now crafting a bloody martini, featuring pickled juice, Moreletti tomato gin, and dried vermouth. General Manager Liberty Babelstock shared that this drink was initially a staff experiment but quickly gained popularity.
Not Your Standard Cocktail
Standard High Line Soda Shop Pickled Martini ($18) | 848 Washington St.
This bar has transformed its patio into a retro diner, and their signature pickled martini offers a delicious combination of gin or vodka with pickled salted water, featuring pickles from a favorite Portland provider. It’s a summer special worth trying.
Shhhh…It’s a Secret!
Amo’ Pickles Issue (Price on request) | 15 E. 12th St.
Amo, well-known for their fresh seafood, also has a hidden pickle-inspired cocktail. Owner Rosario Propino reveals that they crafted it to pair with their fish, combining salted pickles with Wild Turkey and lime juice—though you’ll need to ask for it as it’s not on the official menu.
It All Has a Name
Maison Pickles’ Maison Martini ($16) | 2315 Broadway
This hotspot is a paradise for pickle lovers. Here, you can indulge in mouthwatering dishes alongside their famous Maison Martini, which blends Ford’s gin, vermouth, and, of course, pickled juice with a hint of orange bitters.
“There’s Pickles There.”
Tiki Chick Frozen Pickles Pain Dermatat ($15) | 517 Amsterdam Ave.
Even the Upper West Side has caught the pickle fever at Tiki Chick. Their frozen pickle painkiller combines rum, coconut, and tropical flavors, providing a unique twist that keeps patrons coming back, especially after a run on the weekend.
It’s Some Great Salt Water
Kube Torshi-Tini ($18) | 464 6th Ave.
At Kubeh, a Middle Eastern eatery, you can find their Torshi-Tini, made with pickled vegetables that complement their savory menu. Chef Melanie Shulka reminisced about the homemade pickles of her Iranian grandmother, noting how well they pair with their Meze plates.
Absolutely Dirty
Penrose Dirty Pickles Martini ($16) | 1590 2nd Ave.
Last but not least is the Dirty Pickles Martini at Penrose, a crowd favorite on the Upper East Side. It offers a simple yet satisfying combination of spicy pickled brine with your choice of spirit, proving that sometimes, the classic approach is the best way to indulge.
