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Home » Dirty Dill Pickletini

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Dirty Dill Pickletini

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Dirty Dill Pickletini

If you enjoy a classic dirty martini but want something with a little more bite, the Dirty Dill Pickletini is your kind of cocktail. Instead of olive brine, this version swaps in bold, tangy dill pickle juice, giving it a sharper, more refreshing edge. The balance of crisp vodka, dry vermouth, and briny pickle juice creates a smooth yet savory drink that’s just as at home in a cocktail bar as it is on your back porch. If you appreciate a well-made martini and have a habit of reaching for the pickle jar, this is a drink worth shaking up.


Why You’ll Love This Cocktail

  • Big, bold flavor: The salty, vinegary pickle brine gives this martini an extra punch.
  • No fussy ingredients: Just vodka, dry vermouth, and pickle juice—simple but unforgettable.
  • Perfect for pickle lovers: If you love pickles, this is your new favorite cocktail.
  • Ice cold and refreshing: Served in a chilled glass, this drink is bracing, crisp, and perfect for a hot evening on the porch.

Dirty Dill Pickletini

The Story & Culture Behind the Pickletini

The dirty martini has long been a go-to for anyone who likes their cocktails briny and bold. Traditionally made with olive brine and gin or vodka, it’s been a classic since the early 1900s. But somewhere along the way, some genius—likely a pickle-lover with an adventurous streak—decided to swap out the olive juice for dill pickle brine.

And let me tell you, it works. The result is a cocktail with a little more bite, a little more tang, and a whole lot of Southern charm. Around these parts, we don’t just eat pickles—we put ‘em in everything. Fried pickles, pickle pasta salad, and now, a cocktail that’ll make you rethink your whole drink lineup.

What You’ll Need

  • Cocktail shaker – For blending the flavors together with ice.
  • Coupe or martini glasses – Chilled for an extra-refreshing sip.
  • Cocktail pick – To skewer those little baby dill pickles.
  • Strainer – To keep the ice out of your glass.

Ingredients

  • Grey Goose Vodka – Smooth and crisp, but any premium vodka works.
  • Dry vermouth – Adds a subtle herbal depth.
  • Dill pickle juice – Straight from the jar for that tangy kick.
  • Ice – Essential for shaking everything ice cold.
  • Baby dill pickles – For that classic garnish.

Dirty Dill Pickletini

How to Make a Dirty Dill Pickletini

Prepare and Chill the Glasses

  • Pour a small amount of pickle juice onto a shallow plate and spread Krazy Salt onto a separate plate.
  • Dip the rims of each coupe or martini glass first into the pickle juice, then into the Krazy Salt to coat the edges.
  • Place the prepared glasses in the freezer to chill while you mix the cocktail.

Mix the Cocktail

  • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  • Add vodka, dry vermouth, and dill pickle juice to the shaker.

Shake and Strain

  • Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds, until the shaker feels frosty and well-chilled.
  • Strain the mixture evenly into the chilled, salt-rimmed glasses.

Garnish and Serve

  • Skewer three baby dill pickles onto a cocktail pick for each drink.
  • Rest the garnish across the rim or drop it into the glass for extra briny flavor.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy this crisp, tangy twist on a classic martini!

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Chef Secrets & Pro Tips

  • Use fresh, quality pickle juice. Not all pickles are created equal—kosher dills work best.
  • Want it dirtier? Add a splash more pickle brine for an extra briny kick.
  • Shake it hard. The colder, the better—shaking until the shaker is icy gives the best texture.
  • Try gin instead of vodka. It adds a little more herbal complexity.

Serving Suggestions

This cocktail pairs perfectly with:

  • Marinated Cheese – Slices of sharp cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella soaked in a blend of olive oil, herbs, and spices. The richness of the cheese balances the briny tang of the Pickletini.
  • Charcuterie Board or Charcuterie Cups – A mix of cured meats, cheeses, pickled vegetables, and crackers provides a perfect contrast of textures and flavors. The salty, savory elements complement the cocktail’s crisp bite.
  • Cheese Snaps – These crunchy, savory cheese crackers add a satisfying crunch and a hint of sharpness that pairs well with the cocktail’s bold dill pickle essence.

FAQs

Can I use sweet pickle juice instead?
I wouldn’t recommend it—the sweetness throws off the balance. Stick with dill or even spicy pickles for a kick.

Can I make this in advance?
Nope! This one is best made fresh. The ice dilution is key, and you don’t want it sitting around.

What’s the best vodka for a Pickletini?
A smooth, high-quality vodka like Grey Goose, Tito’s, or Ketel One works great.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Sure! Swap the vodka for sparkling water and add a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing, pickle-forward mocktail.


Storage Tips

  • Best served fresh: This cocktail is meant to be made and served immediately—no leftovers here.
  • If you must prep ahead: Chill the glasses and measure the ingredients in advance to make mixing faster.

Final Sip: A Pickle Lover’s Dream Cocktail

Whether you’re a longtime martini fan or just someone who keeps a pickle jar permanently in the fridge, this Dirty Dill Pickletini is an absolute must-try. It’s salty, crisp, ice-cold, and just the right amount of unexpected. So go ahead—grab your shaker, pour yourself a glass, and toast to the briny, tangy, downright delicious side of life.

And if you love recipes like this, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter  for more Southern-inspired cocktails, comfort food, and kitchen secrets straight from my Texas back porch to yours! Cheers, y’all! 

Dirty Dill Pickletini

Martini Magic: More Variations to Try

If you love the Dirty Dill Pickletini, why stop there? The world of martinis is full of bold, bright, and unexpected flavors, from classic citrusy sippers to herbaceous and floral twists. Whether you prefer something tart, sweet, or even a little spicy, there’s a martini variation to suit every taste. Here are a few to shake up next:

Mexican Martini

Mexican Martini – A Texas favorite that blends tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and a splash of orange juice, served with a salted rim for a margarita-meets-martini experience.

Cosmopolitan Martini, Cosmo

Cosmopolitan Martini – A timeless blend of vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and triple sec, this elegant pink-hued cocktail is crisp, tart, and slightly sweet.

Apple Thyme Martini on Jennifer Cooks

Apple Thyme Martini – Fresh apple cider, vodka, and a hint of thyme syrup make this an earthy yet refreshing seasonal cocktail, perfect for fall gatherings.

Elderflower Lychee Martini – Floral, fruity, and beautifully balanced, this martini combines vodka, elderflower liqueur, and lychee juice for a delicate and aromatic sip.

The Best Lemon Drop Martini Recipe

Lemon Drop Martini – A bright, zesty mix of vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup, shaken until frosty and served with a sugared rim for a refreshing citrus kick.

French Martinis

French Martini – This smooth and sophisticated cocktail features vodka, pineapple juice, and Chambord, resulting in a lightly sweet, berry-infused martini with a velvety finish.


Before You Get Started! If you whip up this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a review and rating to let me know how it turned out. Your feedback helps keep the kitchen running and allows me to keep sharing free recipes with y’all!


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Dirty Dill Pickletini

Dirty Dill Pickletini

Bold, briny, and refreshingly crisp, this Dirty Dill Pickletini is a pickle lover’s dream! With a Krazy Salt rim and tangy dill brine, it’s the perfect twist on a classic dirty martini.
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Course: Cocktails
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cocktail party drinks, happy hour drinks, low carb cocktail, summer drinks
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 182kcal
Author: Jennifer Locklin

Equipment

  • Coupe Glasses
  • cocktail shaker
  • Fine Mesh Strainer
  • Cocktail Picks

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces Grey Goose Vodka
  • 1 ounce dry vermouth
  • 3 ounces dill pickle juice
  • 2 cups ice
  • 6 baby dill pickles for garnish
  • Jane’s Mixed Up Krazy Salt for rim
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Prepare and Chill the Glasses

  • Pour some pickle juice onto a shallow plate and then pour some Krazy Salt onto a separate plate. Dip the rims of each glass into the pickle juice and then into the Krazy Salt.
    Jane’s Mixed Up Krazy Salt
  • Place the two coupe or martini glasses in the freezer to chill while preparing the cocktail.

Mix the Cocktail

  • Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  • Add vodka, dry vermouth, and dill pickle juice.
    4 ounces Grey Goose Vodka, 1 ounce dry vermouth, 3 ounces dill pickle juice

Shake and Strain

  • Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels frosty and cold.
  • Strain the mixture evenly into the chilled glasses.

Garnish and Serve

  • Thread three baby dill pickles onto a cocktail pick for each drink.
    6 baby dill pickles
  • Place the pickle garnish on the rim of each glass or drop it into the cocktail.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Ingredient Swaps:
  • Vodka: Any high-quality vodka can be used, or swap with gin for a dirtier, more botanical flavor.
  • Pickle Juice: Use brine from any favorite dill pickles, or try spicy pickle juice for an extra kick.
  • Dry Vermouth: Substitute with extra pickle juice for a bolder pickle flav
  • Can't find Jane's Krazy Salt?: No worries! Check out my recipe for Krazy Salt.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 cocktail | Calories: 182kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 2226mg | Potassium: 219mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 357IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 112mg | Iron: 0.5mg

*Nutrition information is automatically calculated based on ingredient data and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient options are provided, the first listed is used for calculation. Optional ingredients and garnishes are not included in the nutrition analysis.

Did you make this recipe? Tag @jennifercooks123 on Instagram and hashtag it #jennifercooks so we can see all the deliciousness!

Filed Under: Cocktails, Drinks Tagged With: cocktail, Quick and Easy

About Jennifer

I’m Jennifer Locklin, author and owner of Jennifer Cooks. I am a trained chef and passionate about good food, cooking for family and friends, and creating recipes that form lasting memories from one generation to the next. I hope you find inspiration for cooking and creating here!

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Hello! I'm Jennifer Locklin, the creator of Jennifer Cooks. Cooking is a cherished tradition passed down in my family, deeply rooted in love and shared experiences.

My blog showcases tried-and-true recipes that promise to turn your cooking into memorable moments.

More about me →


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