Sip on the unexpected with our take on the pickle margarita that took the internet by storm after Matthew McConaughey’s viral mixologist moment. But can a margarita made with pickle juice actually taste good? We’re putting it to the test- and we hate to say it… It’s good.

Hand sliding spicy pickle margarita forward.

Looking for a fun twist on a traditional margarita?

Liven up your cocktail recipes with a pickle margarita! It’s the more down-to-earth version of a classic margarita with a tangy, salty twist. We’ve put our own twist on this quirky cocktail, balancing the briny kick of pickles with the classic margarita flavors for a drink that’s sure to get people talking.

Watch 🎥: How to make a spicy margarita in a pickle jar

If you’re a savory flavor fan, the pickle margarita brings the sharp tanginess of pickles mixed with the subtle sweetness of orange liqueur and agave syrup.

Like our smoked mezcal margarita and grilled watermelon margarita, this pickle margarita leans on savory flavors as its selling point. If you’re looking for a break from a classic margarita or just a plain old pickle lover, this pickle brine margarita is your ticket to conquering a hot summer day.

What Is a Pickle Margarita?

If you haven’t seen the viral moment on TikTok, go check it out. Its a margarita, made in a pickle jar with pickle juice. No, don’t click away, just keep reading. We promise it’s worth it.

Have you ever heard of pickle-brined chicken? Well, this drink is kind of like that, except without chicken… Ok, that was a stretch.

We use pickle juice, tequila, orange liqueur, a jalapeño, and agave syrup to craft the perfect savory-sweet combo. Pickle lovers and daring cocktail enthusiasts will appreciate this delicious twist on a classic.

Pickle margarita in a cocktail glass, garnished with jalapeno slices and pickles.

What you’ll love about this recipe:

IT’S FUN – Simply put, there is nothing no way not to smile when you hand a guest one of these, or you’re sipping on it yourself.
SAVORY-SWEET SURPRISE – If you love the sweet and salty combo in potato chips, a pickle margarita will blow your mind. The tangy pickle juice adds a surprising layer that perfectly complements the sweetness of the orange liqueur and agave nectar.
SPICY – The spicy kick from the jalapeño pepper warms up the drink, creating a unique concoction that will blow your basic cocktail recipes out of the water.

What You Need to Make a Pickle Margarita

Tequila – Use your favorite tequila for this recipe.
Pickle Juice – The main element in this drink recipe. We use fresh pickle juice by straining it from the pickle jar, but you can buy pickle juice without the pickles. It just might not taste as fresh.
Orange Liqueur – This liqueur is a classic element in a traditional margarita. Many people use Triple Sec, but you can use any orange liqueur you prefer.
Fresh Jalapeños – You only need one jalapeño for this recipe. Before adding it to the drink, you need to remove the seeds and slice it.
Agave Syrup – Lightly sweetens the drink without overwhelming it.
Coarse salt & tajin spice for the rim of the glass.

How to Make a Pickle Margaritas

Run a lime wedge around the edge of the glass and dip into a mixture of salt and tajin. Set aside.
Strain the pickle jar, leaving 3oz of the pickle juice in the jar.
Add the tequila, agave syrup, orange liqueur, lime juice, and sliced jalapeños to the jar. Shake well.
Fill a glass with ice and strain the margarita into the glass.
Garnish this spicy margarita with pickles and jalapeño slices.

Knife slicing jalapeños. — Slice jalapenos.

Tequila being poured into a pickle jar. — Add tequila.

Agave syrup being added to a pickle margarita. — Add simply syrup.

Jalapeno slices being dropped into a jar of pickles. — Add jalapenos.

Hands shaking margarita in a pickle jar. — Skip the cocktail shaker, and shake right in the jar.

Expert Recipe Tips

If you don’t have agave syrup, use simple syrup instead.
Chill your margarita glasses in the fridge for up to 30 minutes before crafting your drink.
For a fun garnish, you can add some dill pickles, gherkins (our personal fav) or butter pickles to the rim of the glass.

Hand placing cocktail pick with gherkins over a margarita.

How to Serve a Spicy Pickle Margarita

Whip these pickle-y bad boys up in chilled margarita glasses on a hot summer day, during a backyard BBQ, or on a weekday when you’re just craving something savory with a buzz.

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Those sweltering hot summer days don’t stand a chance against a pickle margarita. Whether you’re trying to impress your pickle-loving friends or want a new twist on a classic margarita, this pickle margarita recipe will become your new best friend. If you try this recipe, please rate the recipe card and leave a comment down below to help out the next reader!

Prep Time:5

Total Time:5

Equipment

pickle jar drained
fine mesh strainer
Stirring spoon
alcohol measuring cup
Cocktail glass margarita glass

Ingredients

3 oz tequila
3 oz pickle juice
3 oz orange liqueur
1 jalapeño de-seeded and sliced
2 oz agave syrup
Coarse salt & tajin spice for the rim

Instructions

Run a lime wedge around the edge of the glass and dip into a mixture of salt and tajin. Set aside.
Strain the pickle jar, leaving 3oz of the pickle juice in the jar.
Add the tequila, agave syrup, orange liqueur, lime juice and sliced jalapeños to the jar. Shake well.
Fill a glass with ice and strain the margarita into the glass.
Garnish with pickles and jalapeños.

Video

Servings: 1

Calories: 665kcal

Recipe FAQs

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of jalapeños, feel free to leave it out.

The pickle juice adds a slightly vinegar-y, dill-like flavor while balancing out the sweetness from the agave syrup. It’s the perfect salty and sweet combo.

Yes! Simply swap the tequila for a non-alcoholic tequila or a splash of club soda for a similar effect. As for the triple sec, swap it out with fresh orange juice or non-alcoholic triple sec.

Pickle Margarita