Dill Pickle Shots Recipe with Vodka (Just 2 Ingredients!)

Love pickles? These easy Dill Pickle Shots are the ultimate party drink for pickle lovers! Made with just pickle brine and vodka, this bold little cocktail comes together in only 2 minutes and can be finished with an optional Tajín seasoning rim for a delicious chili-lime kick. It’s the perfect way to turn leftover dill pickle juice into something fun, flavorful, and completely unexpected.

Dill Pickle Shots

Whether you’re hosting game day, firing up the grill for a backyard cookout, or celebrating with friends, these tangy pickle shots are guaranteed to get people talking. 

Salty, tart, and surprisingly smooth, they’re quick to make, easy to customize with your favorite pickle juice, and a memorable addition to any party. If you’re a pickle lover, this simple recipe just might become your new favorite way to use every last drop of pickle brine.

Why You’ll Love These Dill Pickle Shots

There are plenty of creative vodka shots out there, but these pickle juice shots have become surprisingly popular for good reason.

• Only 2 simple ingredients
• Ready in about 2 minutes
• Great way to use leftover pickle juice
• Easy to customize with different pickle flavors
• Perfect for parties, tailgates, and celebrations
• Delicious with a Tajín rim for extra flavor

The combination of smooth vodka and tangy dill pickle juice creates a surprisingly balanced and tasty cocktail that’s bold without being complicated.

What Are Dill Pickle Shots?

Dill Pickle Shots are exactly what they sound like—a simple mixture of pickle brine and vodka served in a shot glass. Unlike a Bloody Mary, there’s no tomato juice or Worcestershire sauce involved. Instead, the bright, salty flavor of dill pickles takes center stage.

Some bars even call them a Dirty Dill shot, and you’ll find variations served at local pubs across the country. They’re especially popular with pickle fans who enjoy bold, tangy flavors.

Ingredients

You can find both of these ingredients at your local grocery store and/or liquor store.

• Dill pickle juice (pickle brine)
• Vodka

Optional Garnishes

• Extra pickle juice
• Tajin seasoning
• Pickle chips
• Gherkin pickles

Find the exact instructions with ingredient measurements in the recipe card below.​

How to Make Dill Pickle Shots

Making these dill shots couldn’t be easier.

1. Pour the pickle juice and vodka into a cocktail shaker, measuring cup, mason jar, or whatever container you have handy.
2. Stir well or gently shake until combined.
3. If using Tajín, dip each shot glass into a bit of extra pickle juice, then dip into the Tajín seasoning to coat the rim.
4. Pour the mixture into prepared shot glasses.
5. Garnish with pickle chips or small dill pickles if desired and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for the Best Pickle Shots

• Use the pickle juice you already have: I almost always use the leftover juice from jars of pickles in my refrigerator. It’s a great way to use something that usually gets poured down the drain. While some stores sell bottled pickle brine, chances are you already have everything you need.
• Experiment with different pickle flavors: Every brand of pickle juice tastes a little different, so don’t be afraid to switch things up. Classic dill, spicy dill, garlic dill, and even sweet pickle brine all create their own unique version of these pickle shots.
• Don’t skip the Tajín: A Tajín rim adds a bright chili-lime flavor that helps balance the tangy pickle juice. It’s a popular combination for good reason!
• Skip the salt: Pickle brine is already plenty salty, so adding a salted rim can easily overpower the drink. Tajín gives you plenty of flavor without making it too salty.
• Rim the glasses before pouring: If you’re using Tajín, coat the rims before filling the shot glasses. It’s quicker, less messy, and gives you a much more even coating.

Recipe Variations

Want to change things up? Try one of these fun ideas:

• Use spicy pickle juice for a little kick
• Make them with garlic dill pickle brine.
• Try flavored vodka for a different twist.
• Swap the vodka for Irish whiskey if you enjoy a richer flavor profile.
• Use corn vodka if you prefer a classic neutral vodka.

Frequently Asked Questions

What vodka works best?

Any decent vodka works well since the pickle juice provides most of the flavor. Premium vodka isn’t necessary for this recipe.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. Mix the vodka and pickle juice together a few hours ahead of time and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Just give it a quick stir before pouring.

Can I serve these cold?

Yes! They’re even better chilled. Refrigerate both ingredients beforehand or shake them with ice and strain into the glasses.

What kind of pickle juice is best?

Classic dill pickle juice is my favorite, but spicy dill, garlic dill, kosher dill, or even homemade pickle brine all work beautifully.

Can I turn this into a cocktail?

Definitely! Pour the mixture over ice in a rocks glass or add a splash of club soda for an easy pickle cocktail.

Dill Pickle Shot Recipe

Whether you’re serving them for game day, a birthday party, or just because you have a half-empty pickle jar sitting in the refrigerator, these Dill Pickle Shots are guaranteed to get people talking. They’re incredibly easy, surprisingly delicious, and a fun way to turn leftover pickle juice into something memorable.

If you make them, I’d love to hear what kind of pickle juice you used and whether you tried the Tajín rim! Leave a comment at the end of the post and let me know your favorite version.