Don't Knock Pickle Brine Margaritas Before You Try Them

Though your initial reaction to the mention of a pickle brine margarita might be to pull a face and say, "no thanks," take a moment to really think about it. Margaritas offer citrusy liquors, a punch of tequila, and a salted rim.

Meanwhile, pickle brine is salty, tangy, and a little bit savory, sometimes giving a bit of a kick to your senses. The brine from dill pickles is more sour, while that from sweet pickles is, well, sweeter. As such, pickle brine can easily complement or emphasize the flavors of a margarita, while adding new notes from various brining spices.

What's more, using pickle brine in margaritas (or any cocktail, for that matter) is a great way to ensure that the leftover pickle brine doesn't go to waste if you don't plan to use it for making more pickles. Rather than throwing away that jar of brine, save it for your next cocktail party, and impress your guests with zestier-than-usual drinks.

Pickle brine's varied flavor notes make it a complementary addition to countless cocktails. You can easily make your own pickle brine margarita at home by adding a dash of pickle brine to a classic or even a spicy margarita recipe. Instead of topping the drink with a slice of citrus, consider using a slice of pickle. Fun, right?

You can also create a new variation of the bloody mary by adding dill pickle brine to the tomato juice for extra zing. Since this drink is already salty and savory, pickle brine is the perfect addition to really heighten the bloody mary's flavors. Top your bloody mary with a slice of pickle, and you're good to go.

Of course, if you're looking for a quick pickle brine drink, try a tequila shot. Pickle brine and tequila are a harmonious pairing, so when mixed in equal amounts, they create a real kicker of a shot. Salt the rim of the shot glass, and that pickle brine will shine.

We've all heard the rumor that pickle brine can treat or even prevent a hangover, so could adding this brine to your cocktail be the perfect solution? On one hand, pickle brine contains potassium and sodium, two electrolytes that help you retain water. Theoretically, easing dehydration could alleviate some hangover symptoms.

That being said, the small amounts of electrolytes in pickle brine are unlikely to be very effective if you aren't also drinking water. After all, water is the true hero against hangovers. According to Healthline, dehydration causes most hangover symptoms, such as headaches and fatigue. Staying hydrated by drinking water is one of the most crucial steps for mitigating hangovers.

So, while adding pickle brine to your cocktail could help stabilize your electrolytes, it's only part of the solution. If anything, let the heavy salt content in your pickle brine cocktail be a reminder to drink more water throughout the night. Your future self will appreciate it.