These tangy, flavorful delights are a perfect marriage of two beloved classics: pickles and the iconic Bloody Mary cocktail. Packed with bold spices, tangy tomato juice, these pickles are guaranteed to elevate your snacking experience to new heights.
Are you looking to add a zesty twist to your snacking routine? Look no further than homemade Bloody Mary pickles! If you love snacking on pickles and love a good Bloody Mary, we have a delicious combination for you.
It’s easy to whip up a batch of these irresistible treats. We always seem to have a pickle jar of some sort in our refrigerator. They are a quick, satisfying, and delicious snack. It’s one of my favorite things to eat between meals.
This recipe is for a refrigerated pickle so there is no need for different equipment. This recipe should make about a half-gallon jar, 2 to 3 quart-sized jars, or 4 to 6 pint-sized jars.
Bloody Mary Pickle Classic Ingredients
Tomato Juice: Tomato juice forms the flavorful base of the pickling brine, imparting the iconic taste of a Bloody Mary cocktail to the pickles. Its rich, tangy flavor adds depth to the brine while infusing the pickles with a vibrant red hue.
Worcestershire Sauce: This savory condiment adds a umami-rich depth to the pickling brine, complementing the tomato juice and adding a subtle hint of sweetness and spice. Its complex flavor profile balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the overall savory character of the pickles.
Hot Sauce: Hot sauce brings a fiery kick to the pickling brine, adding heat and intensity to the flavor profile. Whether you prefer a mild or spicy variety, hot sauce adds dimension to the pickles and enhances their overall boldness.
Garlic, Celery Salt, Black Pepper, Horseradish: These aromatic spices and seasonings contribute to the robust flavor profile of the pickles, adding layers of complexity and depth. Garlic provides pungent notes, while celery salt and black pepper offer savory undertones. Horseradish adds a sharp, peppery kick, elevating the pickles with its bold flavor.
Canning Salt: Essential for preserving the pickles and enhancing their crispness, pickling salt ensures that the brine achieves the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Its fine grain dissolves easily in water, creating a clear, flavorful brine that penetrates the cucumbers and infuses them with deliciousness.
These ingredients work together harmoniously to create Bloody Mary pickles that are bursting with bold, tangy flavor and irresistible crunch.
What Kind of Cucumber Work for These Refrigerated Bloody Mary Pickles?
For these pickles, you’ll want to use cucumbers that are firm and have a thin skin, as they will hold up well during the pickling process and provide a satisfying crunch. English cucumbers, also known as hothouse or seedless cucumbers, are a popular choice due to their mild flavor and crisp texture. Additionally, pickling cucumbers, sometimes labeled as Kirby or Persian cucumbers, are specifically bred for pickling, and will also work well in this recipe.
Both English cucumbers and pickling cucumbers are readily available in most grocery stores and farmers’ markets, especially during the summer months when cucumbers are in season. However, if you have access to homegrown cucumbers, mini cucumbers, or specialty varieties from local farmers, feel free to use those as well. Just be sure to wash the cucumbers thoroughly before slicing them for the pickling brine.
Recipe Tips for Success:
Use fresh cucumbers for the best flavor and texture.
Adjust the amount of hot sauce and horseradish to suit your taste preferences.
Make sure the pickles are fully submerged in the brine to ensure even flavor distribution.
Allow the pickles to chill in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving to allow the flavors to develop fully.
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other Bloody Mary ingredients like lemon juice, pickle juice, or even a splash of hot pepper brine for an extra kick.
Enjoy your homemade Bloody Mary pickles!
Best Homemade Bloody Mary Pickles Easy Recipe
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds Cucumbers sliced into rounds or spears
- 2 Cups Tomato Juice
- 1/4 Cup Worcestershire Sauce
- ½ Lemon squeezed
- 2 Tablespoons Hot Sauce adjust to taste
- 2 Cloves Garlic minced
- 2 Teaspoons Celery Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Horseradish optional, for extra kick
- 1/4 Cup Pickling Salt or kosher salt
- 2 Cups Water
- Fresh Dill optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, minced garlic, celery salt, black pepper, and horseradish (if using). Stir until well combined.
- In a small saucepan add the pickling salt and water. Cook over medium heat and stir until the salt dissolves. This creates a brine solution.
- Combine the brine with the tomato juice mixture.
- Place cucumber slices or spears in clean, sterilized jars.
- Pour the tomato juice mixture over the cucumbers, making sure they are fully submerged. Top off each jar leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Seal the jars with lids and bands, then refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld. The pickles will continue to develop flavor over time.
- Before serving, garnish with fresh dill if desired.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
How Long do Bloody Mary Pickles Last
Bloody Mary pickles should last in the refrigerator for about 1 to 2 months if stored properly. Make sure the pickles are fully submerged in the brine and keep the jars tightly sealed. As with any homemade pickle, it’s essential to use clean utensils when handling them to prevent contamination, which can shorten their shelf life. Additionally, if you notice any signs of spoilage such as an off smell, mold, or cloudiness, discard the pickles immediately. Enjoy them within the recommended time frame for the best quality and flavor.Nutrition
Ingredient Substitutions
Alcohol Addition. Add vodka, you could also use gin or even tequila for a different flavor profile. Why add vodka? The vodka adds a distinct flavor and helps preserve the pickles, but it’s not strictly necessary for the recipe to work. You can simply omit the vodka and follow the rest of the recipe as instructed. The pickles will still have the delicious flavors of a Bloody Mary.
Tomato Juice Variations. If you prefer spicy bloody mary pickles, you could use spicy tomato juice, a few red pepper flakes, or add more hot sauce.
For a different twist, you could use Clamato juice instead of traditional tomato juice to create a Bloody Caesar pickle.
Seasoning Variations. Experiment with different seasonings such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or Old Bay seasoning to customize the flavor to your liking.
Add fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a herbal twist.
Sweetener Options. If you prefer a slightly sweeter pickle, you could add a small amount of sugar, honey, or maple syrup to the brine mixture.
Vegetable Additions. You can add other vegetables to the pickling mixture such as carrots, bell peppers, or green beans for added texture and flavor.
Acidic Additions. Consider adding a splash of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar, to enhance the tanginess of the pickles.
Salt Alternatives. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can use a low-sodium Worcestershire sauce or reduce the amount of celery salt in the recipe.
Feel free to experiment with these substitutions and variations to create snacking pickles that suit your taste preferences.
How Long do Bloody Mary Pickles Last
Bloody Mary pickles should last in the refrigerator for about 1 to 2 months if stored properly. Make sure the pickles are fully submerged in the brine and keep the jars tightly sealed.
As with any homemade pickle, it’s essential to use clean utensils when handling them to prevent contamination, which can shorten their shelf life. Additionally, if you notice any signs of spoilage such as an off smell, mold, or cloudiness, discard the pickles immediately.
Enjoy them within the recommended time frame for the best quality and flavor.
What to Serve with These Snacking Pickles
Bloody Mary pickles are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes and drinks. Here are some delicious serving suggestions.
Charcuterie and Cheese Platter: Arrange the pickles alongside an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, olives, crackers, and bread for a delightful snack or appetizer spread. The pickles add a tangy and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cheese and meat.
Grilled Meats: Serve Bloody Mary pickles as a flavorful side dish for grilled meats such as burgers, hot dogs, sausages, or barbecue ribs. Their zesty flavor complements the smoky, savory taste of grilled dishes.
Salads: Chop the pickles and toss them into salads for an extra burst of flavor and crunch. They pair well with green salads, pasta salads, or potato salads, adding a tangy and refreshing element to the mix.
Cheeseburgers, Sandwiches and Wraps: Layer Bloody Mary pickles into sandwiches, wraps, or sliders for a delicious twist on classic deli fare. They add a punchy flavor and crunchy texture that elevates the overall sandwich experience.
Bloody Mary Cocktails: Use the pickles as a garnish for your homemade Bloody Mary cocktails. Spear a pickle on a toothpick or cocktail skewer and place it atop the drink for a tasty and visually appealing finishing touch.
Barbecue Parties: Set out a bowl of Bloody Mary pickles as a crowd-pleasing snack at your next barbecue or outdoor gathering. They’re easy to grab and munch on while mingling with guests or waiting for the main course to cook.
Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, snack, or garnish, they are sure to add a flavorful and fun twist to any meal or occasion.
While some might think this is the best pickle. We have other pickle recipes for you to try.
