Sweet and sour; it’s an age-old combination that proves contrast can create beautiful things – one of them being the flavour sensation of whisky and pickles.
Pickles are in vogue right now. If you spend any time scrolling on social media, particularly TikTok, we’re willing to bet you’ve seen several videos featuring pickle challenges where foodies devise unorthodox culinary combinations and capitalise on culinary contrasts.
These pickle creations can be as whacky as wrapping a hefty pickle in a fruit roll up and adding hot sauce and spicy Tajín seasoning, or as simple as whisky and pickles.
It may sound like an unlikely duo but similar to a classic whisky sour cocktails, it actually makes perfect sense.
Here’s how to enjoy this unexpected whisky food pairing.
Why do pickles taste good with whisky?
There are five main flavour themes in the culinary world: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami – and the most moreish combinations can be made with opposing flavours.
Whisky tends to fall into the sweet category, with its deep rich notes of honey and vanilla. Pickles, on the other hand, are decidedly sour. They make your mouth pucker with tart tingles and sharp saltiness.
But it’s not just us that love this contrasting combo…
The pickleback shot
It may be new to you, but bartenders have been serving whisky and pickles for yonks, in the form of the pickleback shot.
A pickleback is simply a shot of whisky chased with a shot of pickle brine. Not only is it a fun shot to do with friends, it also tastes seriously good.
The sour salty pickle juice can offset the warmth of the whisky, and the vibrant flavour of each shot really creates an experience that you can feel as well as taste.
Let’s talk a little more about the unique flavour of whisky and pickles…
Notes of citrus
Dill is commonly used to flavour pickles, giving them a fresh citrusy zing.
Citrus is one of our favourite flavours to pair with whisky, as seen in cocktails such as Small Voice of Calm with its refreshing lemony oomph, the crisp Grapefruit Paloma, and Full Scottish Marmalade, made with bitter yet sweet orange jam. The fresh buzz of citrus flavour marries with the earthy depths of good Scotch deliciously.
And citrusy flavours also feature in whisky and pickle cocktails.
Whisky and pickles cocktails
Once you’ve tried the punchy pickleback shot, it’s time to try a whisky and pickles cocktail.
Most popular whisky and pickles cocktails are a spin on the classic Whisky Sour. We like our Whisky Sour with The Glenlivet 12 Year Old single malt whisky. Our “first-class malt” is fruity and smooth; its well balanced flavour is ideal for this whisky and pickles beverage.
Dip your toe into the quirky flavour pairing by adding a salt rim to your cocktail glass with chunky sea salt that’s been combined with a splash of sharp pickle juice.
Or go the whole hog and add a shot of pickle brine to the cocktail shaker along with your whisky, lemon juice, simple syrup, plus your choice of either egg white or aquafaba to give that pleasing foamy head.
The acidity of both the bitter lemon juice and sharp pickle brine work in harmony with sweet vanilla-y smooth 12 Year Old single malt scotch to create a tantalising tart whisky sour like you’ve never tasted before.
It’s one that’s sure to become a firm favourite in your cocktail repertoire, and that will delight your friends at dinner parties and casual get togethers alike.
The easiest way to try whisky with pickles
If you’re a pickle lover who craves that tart taste and satisfying crunch, why not try some whisky pickles?
All you need to do is add a few splashes of your favourite whisky to your preferred jar of pickles. We again would recommend going with our classic 12 Year Old Scotch, but if you want something even more out the box, feel free to try this with fruity Caribbean Reserve.
Why not save the excess pickle juice for a pickleback or two? That stuff is too good to waste.
Leave for a week or so to allow the whisky to permeate your pickles, and then enjoy! Ideal for a midnight snack straight from the jar.
We hope we’ve piqued your interest on the unexpected yet totally logical pairing of whisky and pickles. And if you’re still feeling sceptical, well, you have to try everything once.
If you’re looking for some more delicious whisky flavour pairings, read our guide on beer and whisky, and get even more flavour inspiration from our huge range of whisky cocktail recipes.rp pickle brine work in harmony with sweet vanilla-y smooth 12 Year Old single malt scotch to create a tantalising tart whisky sour like you’ve never tasted before.
It’s one that’s sure to become a firm favourite in your cocktail repertoire, and that will delight your friends at dinner parties and casual get togethers alike.
