The Bourbon & Brine Smash is a bold and refreshing cocktail that perfectly balances the rich, smoky notes of bourbon with the tart, savory goodness of pickle brine. This drink is ideal for those who love a unique twist on classic cocktails, combining the complexity of bourbon with the crisp, tangy flavor of pickles.
Originating from the growing trend of pickle-infused cocktails, the Bourbon & Brine Smash is a new twist on the famous whiskey sour. By adding pickle brine, it brings an unexpected depth of flavor while keeping things refreshing and fun. The salty, sour brine cuts through the rich sweetness of bourbon, creating a complex, well-balanced drink that is perfect for those who enjoy something different.
Whether you’re hosting a cocktail party, enjoying a night out with friends, or just unwinding after a long day, this cocktail is sure to impress. With its bold flavor profile, the Bourbon & Brine Smash is the perfect drink to serve at any gathering, offering a refreshing contrast to sweeter cocktails. It’s easy to make, quick to serve, and guaranteed to be a conversation starter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Unique Flavor Combo: The combination of bourbon and pickle brine offers a refreshing twist that’s both savory and satisfying.
✅ Easy to Make: With only a few ingredients, this cocktail comes together in minutes for an instant crowd-pleaser.
✅ Bold and Balanced: The bourbon’s richness is perfectly balanced by the tartness of pickle brine, creating a complex, smooth drink.
✅ Great for Whiskey Lovers: If you’re a bourbon or whiskey fan, you’ll love how this cocktail enhances the whiskey flavor.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual night in or a lively party, the Bourbon & Brine Smash works well for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon (choose a good-quality bourbon)
- 1 oz pickle brine (preferably from a dill pickle jar)
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (optional, depending on your sweetness preference)
- 1/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- Ice cubes
- Pickle spear or dill pickle slice for garnish
- Lemon wedge for garnish
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare Your Shaker
Start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. This will help chill your cocktail as you mix the ingredients together.
Step 2: Add the Ingredients
Pour bourbon, pickle brine, simple syrup, and lemon juice into the shaker. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add the full amount of simple syrup, but if you enjoy more tang, feel free to reduce or omit it. Add one dash of Angostura bitters for a touch of complexity.
Step 3: Shake and Strain
Secure the lid on your cocktail shaker and shake the mixture vigorously for about 10-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker becomes cold to the touch.
Step 4: Serve
Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. If you prefer, you can serve it in a coupe glass for a more elegant presentation.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Garnish your Bourbon & Brine Smash with a pickle spear or dill pickle slice on the rim of the glass. Add a lemon wedge for an extra burst of citrus aroma.
Variation
🍯 Honey Bourbon & Brine Smash: Replace simple syrup with honey for a richer sweetness that pairs beautifully with bourbon.
🥒 Spicy Bourbon & Brine Smash: Add a slice of jalapeño to the shaker for a spicy kick that complements the tang of the pickle brine.
🍓 Berry Bourbon & Brine Smash: Muddle fresh berries (such as raspberries or blackberries) in the shaker before adding the other ingredients for a fruity twist.
🌱 Herb-Infused Bourbon & Brine Smash: Infuse the pickle brine with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an earthy, aromatic version of the drink.
Cooking Notes
- Pickle Brine: The quality of your pickle brine will make a huge difference in the overall taste of the cocktail. Make sure to use a good, tangy brine—preferably from dill pickles—to get the right balance of tartness. If you don’t have pickle brine on hand, you can always pickle your own cucumbers and use the liquid!
- Adjusting Sweetness: Depending on your preference, feel free to adjust the amount of simple syrup. If you like a more tart cocktail, reduce the syrup or omit it entirely. If you want a sweeter drink, increase the syrup for a more balanced taste.
- Bourbon Selection: Since bourbon is the star of this cocktail, you’ll want to choose a good-quality bourbon that you enjoy sipping on its own. Lighter bourbons tend to work well in cocktails, but a fuller-bodied bourbon can also add more depth to the drink.
Serving Suggestions
🍢 With Appetizers: Pair the Bourbon & Brine Smash with charcuterie boards, cheese plates, or spicy snacks like jalapeño poppers or fried pickles for a fun, flavorful combination.
🍔 With Burgers or Sandwiches: This cocktail pairs wonderfully with grilled burgers, sliders, or crispy fried chicken sandwiches. The savory flavor profile of the drink complements hearty meals.
🍽️ With Comfort Food: The Bourbon & Brine Smash works well with comfort food favorites like mac and cheese, fried chicken, or a hearty steak. The tartness of the brine adds a nice contrast to rich, indulgent dishes.
🍷 With Wine Pairing: If you’re serving this cocktail at a dinner party or gathering, consider pairing it with red wine, such as Malbec or Zinfandel, for a full-bodied pairing that complements the bourbon’s smoky flavor.
Tips
✔ Don’t Skip the Bitters – A dash of bitters elevates the flavors in this cocktail, giving it a touch of complexity. It’s worth the small addition!
✔ Chill Your Glass – To keep your cocktail cooler for longer, chill the glass by filling it with ice water before serving.
✔ Use Fresh Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the bright citrus flavor that balances out the richness of bourbon and pickle brine. Avoid using bottled lemon juice if possible.
✔ Experiment with Garnishes – While a pickle spear is classic, feel free to get creative with your garnishes. A lemon twist or a sprig of rosemary can add a unique touch.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: ~190 per serving
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: ~200mg (depending on the pickle brine used)
FAQs
🔹 Can I make the Bourbon & Brine Smash ahead of time? While this cocktail is best served fresh, you can prep the ingredients in advance by mixing the bourbon, pickle brine, and simple syrup and storing them in the fridge. When ready to serve, just shake with ice and add fresh lemon juice.
🔹 What kind of bourbon works best for this cocktail? A light or medium-bodied bourbon works well. Look for bourbons that are smooth and not overly sweet to let the brine shine.
🔹 Can I make this cocktail without bitters? Yes, while bitters add depth and complexity, the cocktail will still taste great without them if you prefer a simpler flavor profile.
🔹 How can I make a non-alcoholic version of this drink? You can substitute bourbon with a non-alcoholic whiskey and keep the rest of the ingredients the same for a mocktail version of the Bourbon & Brine Smash.
Conclusion
The Bourbon & Brine Smash is an exciting, flavorful cocktail that’s perfect for those who love trying new drinks with bold, savory flavors. The combination of bourbon and pickle brine creates a unique and refreshing drink that’s both satisfying and complex. Whether you enjoy it as a classic smash or experiment with creative variations, this cocktail is sure to impress at your next gathering. So grab your favorite bourbon and pickle jar, and let the Bourbon & Brine Smash take your cocktail game to the next level!