If you’re looking for a savory, sippable little twist on a classic cocktail, you’re going to love this Pickle Bloody Mary Shot. It’s bold, it’s briny, and it’s just the right amount of spicy. These mini drinks are the perfect way to add a punch of personality to your brunch table or party tray. Think all the flavor of a Bloody Mary, tucked neatly into a shot glass—fun, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make.

Whether you’re a pickle fanatic, a brunch enthusiast, or just love trying something different, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s quick to throw together, super customizable, and guaranteed to get people talking.

Why You’ll Love This Pickle Bloody Mary Shot

Key Benefits

This isn’t your average cocktail. These shots are a flavor bomb in the best way. The tang from the pickle juice balances beautifully with the richness of tomato juice, while the vodka keeps it classic. Plus, they come together in minutes, making them ideal for last-minute hosting or lazy Sunday brunches. No blender, no fancy ingredients—just shake, pour, garnish, and enjoy.

Suitable For

These shots are made for sharing. They’re a hit at brunch parties, tailgates, or even as a cheeky appetizer before a dinner gathering. If you love pickles, this one’s a no-brainer. And if you’re not much of a cocktail person, this might just change your mind. It’s savory, not sweet, and full of personality.

Ingredients for Pickle Bloody Mary Shot

Core Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these savory little drinks:

• Vodka (2 oz): A neutral base that lets the other flavors shine.

• Tomato juice (2 oz): The rich, smooth foundation of any Bloody Mary.

• Pickle juice (1/2 oz): Straight from the jar—briny and bold.

• Worcestershire sauce (1/4 tsp): Adds umami depth.

• Hot sauce (1/4 tsp, optional): For those who like a little heat.

• Celery salt (a pinch): A classic seasoning touch.

• Freshly ground black pepper: Just a crack or two to taste.

• Garnishes: Think small dill pickles, celery sticks, or even olives.

These amounts are for one shot, but the recipe scales easily if you’re making a batch.

Substitutions and Tips

Want to make it your own? Go for it.

• Vodka swaps: Try gin for a more herbal vibe, or even tequila for a smoky twist.

• Pickle juice options: Dill is classic, but spicy pickles or garlic pickles can add a new dimension.

• No Worcestershire? Soy sauce or tamari will do in a pinch, especially for a vegan version.

• Less heat? Skip the hot sauce—or amp it up with a spicy brine or cayenne pepper.

The beauty of this recipe is how flexible it is. You’re not locked into a single flavor profile. Make it as spicy, salty, or tangy as you like.

Best Pickles for Bloody Mary Shots

Your pickle choice can make or break the flavor, so it’s worth picking a good one.

• Dill pickles are the go-to for that classic, tart briny flavor.

• Spicy garlic pickles bring heat and complexity.

• Bread-and-butter pickles lean sweet, which can balance out strong tomato juice.

Also, don’t forget: the brine matters. A high-quality pickle juice will give you the freshest, brightest flavor. If you’ve got a favorite pickle brand, stick with it—you already know it works.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Must-Have Tools

You won’t need anything fancy, but these tools will help:

• Cocktail shaker: For mixing everything smoothly.

• Jigger or measuring spoons: Accuracy matters for balance.

• Shot glasses: Go mini for fun-sized servings.

• Strainer: To keep the texture nice and clean.

Nice-to-Have Tools

Not essential, but definitely helpful:

• Celery salt for rimming: Adds an extra pop of flavor.

• Mini skewers or cocktail picks: Perfect for pickle or olive garnishes.

• Small ice bucket: Keeps everything chilled for serving.

Having the right setup makes the process easier and more enjoyable, especially if you’re making a big batch for a party.

How to Make a Pickle Bloody Mary Shot

Now that you’ve got your ingredients lined up and your tools at the ready, it’s time to dive into the fun part—actually making your Pickle Bloody Mary Shots. Don’t worry, even if you’re not a seasoned mixologist, this process is completely doable. Just follow the steps below and you’ll be sipping savory perfection in no time.

Step 1: Prep Your Shot Glasses

First things first, let’s get your glasses ready. These shots deserve a bit of flair, and rimming the glass adds both presentation and flavor.

• Optional, but recommended: Run a small pickle slice around the rim of each shot glass.

• Then dip the rim into celery salt to give each sip a salty-savory edge.

If you’re serving these for a gathering, you can prep the glasses a little ahead of time and chill them in the fridge. That extra cold touch makes a difference.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In your cocktail shaker, combine the following:

• 2 oz vodka

• 2 oz tomato juice

• 1/2 oz pickle juice

• 1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• A pinch of celery salt

• A dash of hot sauce (if you like a little heat)

• A couple cracks of fresh black pepper

This is where all the magic happens. You’re creating a savory, zesty base that’s going to make these shots pop. Go ahead and give it a quick stir before moving on to the next step—just to make sure nothing’s sitting at the bottom.

Step 3: Shake It Up

Add a handful of ice cubes to your shaker. Then seal it up tight and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds. You’re not just mixing—you’re chilling everything so that it’s nice and smooth when poured.

Pro tip: Don’t skip the ice. Shaking with ice cools the drink and slightly dilutes it, which helps mellow the bold flavors just enough to make them sippable and balanced.

Step 4: Pour and Garnish

Grab your shot glasses—either the ones you prepped earlier or fresh ones—and strain the mixture into each glass. Fill them about three-quarters full, leaving just enough room for your garnish to sit comfortably.

Now, the garnish might seem like a small thing, but it’s where you can really show off:

• A mini dill pickle spear perched on the rim looks sharp and doubles as a snack.

• Add a little piece of celery for color and crunch.

• Olives, cocktail onions, or even a cherry tomato can bring something extra to the table.

You don’t need to overdo it, but a thoughtful garnish makes these feel extra special.

Tips for Success

Every recipe has its tricks, and these Pickle Bloody Mary Shots are no different. Here are a few helpful tips to ensure yours come out just right:

• Chill everything: Cold ingredients blend better and give you a crisp, refreshing sip.

• Adjust to taste: This is your cocktail—if you love extra spice, add more hot sauce. Prefer it mild? Skip it.

• Use fresh pickle juice: The clearer and more flavorful the brine, the better your final shot.

• Batch smartly: If you’re making a bunch, multiply the recipe and mix everything in a large pitcher before shaking in smaller portions.

And if things don’t go perfectly the first time, that’s okay. This is a forgiving recipe. Tweak, taste, and try again—chances are you’ll nail your perfect version in no time.

How to Store Pickle Bloody Mary Shots

These little drinks are best served fresh, but here’s how you can plan ahead without sacrificing flavor.

At Room Temperature

Not recommended. The tomato juice and pickle brine are both best when served cold. Letting the shots sit at room temp for too long dulls the flavors and affects the texture. Keep them chilled.

In the Refrigerator

If you want to prep the mix in advance, absolutely go for it. Just combine all the ingredients (minus the ice) in a sealed jar or pitcher and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Give it a good shake before serving.

This is perfect for brunch prep—get the mix ready the night before, then just shake and pour when guests arrive.

Freezing Tips

Freezing isn’t ideal for the finished shots (tomato juice and vodka don’t freeze well together), but here’s a clever trick:

• Freeze pickle juice in ice cube trays. You can toss a cube into the shaker for flavor and chill.

• Avoid freezing the full mix—it can separate and lose its texture when thawed.

Next up, we’ll cover the most commonly asked questions and a few fun ways to mix things up. Whether you want to try a spicy twist, make your own pickle brine, or explore similar recipes, there’s more to discover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Even the simplest recipes bring up a few questions—especially when you’re working with unique ingredients like pickle juice. So here are some helpful answers to the most common questions about making and serving Pickle Bloody Mary Shots.

Can I use gin instead of vodka?

Absolutely. Gin adds an herbal, aromatic edge that pairs surprisingly well with the briny, tomato-based mix. It’s a great choice if you’re already a fan of gin-based cocktails like the classic martini or a gin and tonic. Just know it changes the profile a bit—less neutral, more botanical—but in a good way.

What’s the best kind of tomato juice to use?

Go for a high-quality tomato juice—low-sodium if you want more control over the salt level. You can use store-bought, but if you have a juicer or like to make things from scratch, freshly pressed tomato juice will really elevate the flavor. Avoid cocktail blends that are already seasoned, or else your shot may turn out too salty or spicy.

Can I make these shots ahead of time?

Yes, but with a few notes. You can mix the liquid base (everything except the ice and garnishes) up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it in a sealed jar or container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, shake with fresh ice and pour into shot glasses. Garnishes should be added last to keep them crisp and appealing.

What if I don’t like pickles?

If you’re not a pickle lover, this might not be your go-to drink—but there are options. You could try swapping the pickle juice for a splash of cucumber brine or a citrus-based twist like lemon or lime juice. It won’t be the same, but you’ll still get a refreshing, savory shot with a bit of zing.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Pickle Bloody Mary Shot, you might enjoy these other bold and savory ideas:

• Dirty Rice: A Cajun-inspired savory dish full of flavor—great alongside a brunch shot.

• Creamy Mushroom Soup: Rich and cozy, perfect as a brunch starter.

• Scalloped Potatoes and Ham: A hearty bite to balance your savory cocktail.

• Shake and Bake Chicken Breast: Easy, crunchy protein to complement your brunch spread.

• Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast: A sweet and savory brunch combo when served with these shots.

Conclusion

So there you have it—the Pickle Bloody Mary Shot in all its bold, briny glory. It’s one of those recipes that surprises people in the best way. Simple to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly customizable, it’s the kind of drink that gets talked about long after the glasses are empty.

Whether you’re serving it at a weekend brunch, passing it around at a party, or just enjoying one on a quiet morning with your favorite breakfast plate, this shot has a way of stealing the spotlight. And don’t be surprised if your guests ask for the recipe.

Try it once, and chances are, you’ll be making it again. Feel free to tweak it, share it, and make it your own. That’s the beauty of a good recipe—it becomes even better when passed along.

Print