Mesquite-based Pickle Juice Company are the creators of a unique sports drink formula that replenishes electrolytes and relieves muscle cramps. Their latest product, the Pickle Juice Chaser, targets the bar and beverage industry, specifically catering to the “pickleback” shot trend, but includes the same benefits and ingredients as the brand’s other sports beverages and shots. Thrillist recently published an article titled "11 Things You Didn't Know About Picklebacks" that's a fun read if this concept intrigues you. “Many bartenders pour pickle brine straight from the jar so with ease of use, demand and volume in mind, we developed a bottle that would more effectively fit into a bar well or rail.” says Filip Keuppens, director of sales and marketing for The Pickle Juice Company. Traditionally, the “pickleback” is a shot of pickle brine that is preceded by a shot of whiskey. The sweet-and-sour nature of the brine is said to neutralize the burn of the alcohol, and the salt acting as a masking ingredient to counteract the harsh taste of the spirit. The acetic acid present in the brine through the vinegar is an antidiuretic that contains electrolytes and absorbs salt, also making the formula a hangover cure that restores hydration to the body. Pickle Juice Chaser has the added benefit of providing 10 times more electrolytes along with vitamins, potassium and zinc.
Here are four classic cocktails that you can try:
Pickleback Shot
1 oz. whiskey or bourbon
1 oz. Pickle Juice Chaser
Pour the alcohol and pickle juice into 2 different shot glasses. First take the shot of whiskey or bourbon and then chase with Pickle Juice Chaser.
Flaming Toad Shot
2/3 oz. 151 proof rum
1/3 oz. Pickle Juice Chaser
Pour the rum into a shot glass and light on fire. Using the Pickle Juice Chaser, extinguish the fire and shoot quickly.
Dill Pickle Martini
2 oz. dry gin
1/4 oz. dry vermouth
1/2 oz. Pickle Juice Chaser
1 slice of a dill pickle (for garnish)
Put ice in a mixing glass and add the gin, vermouth, and Pickle Juice Chaser. Stir for about 1 minute. Strain the liquid into a martini glass and garnish with a dill pickle slice.
The Pickled Surfer
1 ½ oz. whiskey
1/2 oz. Pickle Juice Chaser
Juice of 1/2 of a lime
Old bay seasoning for garnish (optional)
A few slices of a pickle (optional)
In a glass with ice, mix together the whiskey, Pickle Juice Chaser, and lime juice, and stir. Garnish with a lime wedge and a pickle slice sprinkled with old bay seasoning.
Give it a try.... if you dare... And then let me know what you think about this new trend! For more information or to purchase the juice visit www.picklepower.com.