Forget your average dill pickle; we're diving headfirst into a flavor explosion with these Bloody Mary Pickles! This recipe takes the classic pickle and infuses it with the bold, savory, and spicy notes of your favorite brunch cocktail. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a unique Bloody Mary garnish, these pickles are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 1 pint of Bloody Mary Pickles. Adjust quantities as needed.
- Pickles: 1 pound pickling cucumbers, small and firm (kirby cucumbers are ideal)
- Brine:
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup horseradish (prepared, not fresh)
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference!)
- 1 tablespoon celery seed
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions: Prepare for a Flavor Fiesta!
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Prep the Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and trim off the ends. You can leave them whole, halve them lengthwise, or cut them into spears – whatever suits your fancy!
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Create the Brine: In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, hot sauce, celery seed, black peppercorns, kosher salt, garlic, celery salt, dried dill, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the salt is fully dissolved.
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Pack the Pickles: Pack the prepared cucumbers tightly into a clean pint-sized jar. Make sure they're submerged to prevent spoilage.
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Pour & Seal: Carefully pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of the jar. Wipe the rim of the jar clean, then seal tightly with a lid.
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Process (Optional): For shelf-stable pickles, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring safety and a longer shelf life. If you're skipping this step, refrigerate immediately and consume within 2-3 weeks for optimal quality and safety.
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Cool & Enjoy: Allow the jars to cool completely. You'll notice the pickles will become a vibrant, reddish hue as they cure in the brine. Once cool, store them in the refrigerator. These pickles are best enjoyed after at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Tips and Variations for Bloody Mary Pickle Perfection:
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Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the spiciness. For extra heat, add a few slices of fresh jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the brine.
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Garnish Game: These pickles are fantastic as a garnish for Bloody Marys! Add a pickle spear or two to your drink for an extra kick of flavor and visual appeal.
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Herb Experimentation: Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices. Fresh dill, thyme, or even a bay leaf can add unique depth to the brine.
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Make it a Cocktail Pickle: Add a splash of your favorite vodka or gin to the brine for an extra boozy twist (be aware this will shorten the shelf life).
This recipe provides a unique and delicious take on the classic pickle, perfect for adding a spicy, savory element to your next gathering. So grab your cucumbers and get ready to create a batch of these incredible Bloody Mary Pickles – your taste buds will thank you!
