The Genius Pickle Hack That Totally Elevates A Pickleback Shot

With an origin story that dates back some 4,000 years, pickles have been a reliable burger topping, sandwich addition, and all-around delicious snack. They're tangy, crunchy, salty, and sometimes slightly sweet. The birth of the pickleback shot was much more recent, a mere 17 years ago. It has fast become a favorite in the United States and worldwide. Yet this relatively simple combination can still use a little tweaking. Here's a genius pickle hack that demonstrates just that.

Instead of presenting your pickleback shots in glasses, consider hollowing out pickles and pouring the whiskey inside. These pickle shot glasses can then be munched on afterward. You get a snack and a shot — what's not to like? This hack does need giant, juicy pickles, so don't assume you can use cornichons (they are different in more ways than their size alone). This is an incredible hack to use at gatherings or when your pickles are nearing their best-by date.

Pickles are so moreish, particularly with that satisfying crunch. This aspect of a pickleback shot can be lacking (unless pickles are used as a garnish). Well, the pickleback shot glasses immediately solve this, and they reduce the amount of cleaning, too. You need to slice the ends of the pickle and scoop out the insides to create a hollow shot glass made of a pickle. Fill this up with whiskey, and you're good to go.

In case you're unfamiliar with the pickleback – the traditional recipe is a shot of Irish Whiskey followed by a shot of pickle brine as a chaser. In this pickleback shot glass hack, you can still take a pickle brine shot after the whiskey or use the shot glass as the chaser you bite into afterward. Use it the same way you would use a lemon after a tequila shot. A word of caution: Pickles can, surprisingly, go bad. Always double-check how long they have been opened (if at all). Their shelf life will fall between one and three months.

This pickleback hack is not the only way to elevate this seemingly perfect shot. For instance, a Canadian take on a pickleback combines the whiskey with maple syrup first. This gives the shot a sweeter dimension that complements the whiskey's darker, more oaky notes. This would be the perfect alternative for someone who finds whiskey too overpowering.

If store-bought pickles have a robust garlicky essence or go too heavy on the dill, you could also consider making your own. This way, you can lean into the flavors you prefer to taste in your pickleback. Some recipes will use apple cider vinegar or rice wine vinegar, and you can experiment with either depending on how fruity you want the shot to be. Always remember to use pickling cucumbers if you're making pickles at home, and ensure they are of a substantial size. This way, you can always give the pickleback shot glass hack a go too. This hack is easy and delicious, whether you're feeling a snack with your shot or searching for a replacement for that alcoholic Jell-O shot. Make the most of those pickles!