If you love pickles, this Pickle Spritz is about to become your new favorite drink. It's a savory, bubbly cocktail made with pickle brine, dry vermouth, and prosecco, and it comes together in under five minutes.
This post covers how to make a Dill Pickle Spritz, a savory cocktail made with pickle brine, dry vermouth, and prosecco. It's ideal for anyone who loves pickles and wants a fun, briny twist on a classic spritz. You'll find the full recipe, substitution ideas, garnish tips, and a big-batch version that serves a crowd, plus answers to the most common questions about cocktails made with pickle juice.
You'll love this Pickle Spritz
It's easy to make. Three ingredients, a wine glass, and a few minutes is all it takes. No shaker, no fancy bar tools.
If you love pickles, this is a no-brainer. The brine brings all that salty, tangy pickle flavor right into your glass, so if you're the person who drinks the juice straight from the jar, this cocktail was made for you.
It's a fun savory spritz. Most spritzes lean sweet or bitter. This one is different. It's briny, crisp, and just a little unexpected, which makes it a great conversation starter at any party.
Ingredients
Pickle Brine. Use the brine from a jar of dill pickles for the classic version. I love using Grillo's or Claussen since they're both nice and garlicky, but any good dill pickle brine works.
Dry Vermouth. This adds a subtle herbal note that rounds out the brine so it doesn't taste one-note salty. I like Dolin or Noilly Prat here.
Prosecco. You don't need anything fancy since it's getting mixed with pickle brine. La Marca or Mionetto both work great.
How to make a Pickle Spritz
- Fill a wine glass with ice.
- Pour in 1 oz pickle brine and 1 oz dry vermouth.
- Top with 4 oz prosecco, stir gently, and garnish.
TIP: Give it a taste before you serve it. If you want more pickle flavor, add another splash of brine.
Substitutions and variations
Club soda for prosecco. Swap the prosecco for club soda if you want a lighter, lower-ABV version. It's still bubbly and briny, just less boozy.
Add gin or vodka. Add an ounce of gin or vodka if you want something stronger. Gin actually pairs really nicely with the dill, so I'd start there if you're on the fence.
Bread & Butter pickles. Use bread and butter pickle brine instead of dill. It gives the drink a sweeter, tangier flavor that's a fun change of pace from the classic savory version.
Garnish ideas
- Fresh dill sprig
- Pickle spears
- A few cracks of black pepper on top for a little extra bite
How to make a big batch of this pickle spritz
This recipe scales up really well for parties. Here's how to make enough for 8 to 10 servings.
- Combine 8 oz pickle brine and 8 oz dry vermouth in a pitcher and stir. This part can be made up to a day ahead and kept in the fridge.
- When you're ready to serve, fill glasses with ice, pour in about 2 oz of the brine and vermouth mixture, and top each glass with 4 oz of prosecco. Add the prosecco right before serving so the drink stays fizzy. If you want to make it even easier on yourself, set up a little spritz bar and let guests build their own.
FAQs
What is a Pickle Spritz?
A Pickle Spritz is a savory cocktail made with pickle brine, dry vermouth, and prosecco, served over ice. It takes the classic spritz format and swaps in briny pickle juice for a salty, tangy twist.
Does pickle brine actually taste good in a cocktail?
Yes. Pickle brine adds a salty, tangy flavor that works a lot like olive brine does in a dirty martini. It's savory rather than sweet, so it's a great option if you're not a fan of sugary cocktails.
Can I use pickle juice instead of vermouth in a cocktail?
You can, but I wouldn't skip the vermouth entirely in this recipe. The vermouth adds an herbal note that balances the saltiness of the brine, so the drink tastes rounded out instead of one-note salty.
What's the best pickle brine to use for a Pickle Spritz?
Any good dill pickle brine works, but garlicky ones like Grillo's or Claussen add extra depth. If you want a sweeter twist, bread and butter pickle brine is a great substitute.
Can you make a Pickle Spritz without alcohol?
Yes. Mix pickle brine with club soda or sparkling water and a squeeze of lemon for a savory mocktail version. It won't have the same depth as the vermouth and prosecco version, but it's still refreshing and briny.
What food pairs well with a Pickle Spritz?
Since it's savory, this cocktail pairs really well with salty snacks like potato chips, charcuterie, or a good cheese board. It also works nicely alongside brunch food like bagels or quiche.
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Want more pickle recipes?
Dill Pickle Spritz Cocktail
If you love pickles, this Pickle Spritz is about to become your new favorite drink. It's a savory, bubbly cocktail made with pickle brine, dry vermouth, and prosecco, and it comes together in under five minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 oz pickle brine
- 1 oz dry vermouth
- 4 oz prosecco
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass with ice.
- Pour in 1 oz pickle brine and 1 oz dry vermouth.
- Top with 4 oz prosecco, stir gently, and garnish.
Notes
Substitutions and variations
Club soda for prosecco. Swap the prosecco for club soda if you want a lighter, lower-ABV version. It's still bubbly and briny, just less boozy.
Add gin or vodka. Add an ounce of gin or vodka if you want something stronger. Gin actually pairs really nicely with the dill, so I'd start there if you're on the fence.
Bread & Butter pickles. Use bread and butter pickle brine instead of dill. It gives the drink a sweeter, tangier flavor that's a fun change of pace from the classic savory version.
Garnish ideas
- Fresh dill sprig
- Pickle spears
- A few cracks of black pepper on top for a little extra bite
How to make a big batch of this pickle spritz
This recipe scales up really well for parties. Here's how to make enough for 8 to 10 servings.
- Combine 8 oz pickle brine and 8 oz dry vermouth in a pitcher and stir. This part can be made up to a day ahead and kept in the fridge.
- When you're ready to serve, fill glasses with ice, pour in about 2 oz of the brine and vermouth mixture, and top each glass with 4 oz of prosecco. Add the prosecco right before serving so the drink stays fizzy. If you want to make it even easier on yourself, set up a little spritz bar and let guests build their own.
FAQs
What is a Pickle Spritz?
A Pickle Spritz is a savory cocktail made with pickle brine, dry vermouth, and prosecco, served over ice. It takes the classic spritz format and swaps in briny pickle juice for a salty, tangy twist.
Does pickle brine actually taste good in a cocktail?
Yes. Pickle brine adds a salty, tangy flavor that works a lot like olive brine does in a dirty martini. It's savory rather than sweet, so it's a great option if you're not a fan of sugary cocktails.
Can I use pickle juice instead of vermouth in a cocktail?
You can, but I wouldn't skip the vermouth entirely in this recipe. The vermouth adds an herbal note that balances the saltiness of the brine, so the drink tastes rounded out instead of one-note salty.
What's the best pickle brine to use for a Pickle Spritz?
Any good dill pickle brine works, but garlicky ones like Grillo's or Claussen add extra depth. If you want a sweeter twist, bread and butter pickle brine is a great substitute.
