The Spicy Pickle Margarita: A Cocktail with a Serious Kick

If you thought pickles were just for burgers, it’s time to rethink your drinks menu. The savoury cocktail trend has taken the UK by storm, and we’re taking it one step further with the Crooked Spicy Margarita.

Forget overly sweet, artificially flavoured mixers. A proper margarita relies on the perfect balance of sharp lime, quality tequila, and a touch of sweetness. By introducing the tangy, complex brine of artisan pickles, you add a deep umami flavour that perfectly complements the earthy notes of agave.

But we didn’t just want to drop a pickle in a glass and call it a day. We’ve designed a double-threat cocktail that uses our award-winning range in two completely different ways: a striking garnish, and a slow-release flavour bomb hidden right inside your ice cubes.

The Secret Ingredient: Pickle Ice Cubes

Nobody likes a watered-down cocktail. Standard ice cubes melt and dilute your drink, ruining that perfect balance you just spent time shaking up.

Our solution? Pickle Ice Cubes.

By freezing slices of our Hot Bread & Butter Pickles directly into your ice, the drink actually evolves as you sip. Instead of watering the tequila down, the melting ice slowly releases a subtle, sweet-spicy tang into the glass, ensuring your last sip is just as punchy as your first.

How to Make the Crooked Spicy Margarita

Ready to build the ultimate savoury cocktail? Here is exactly what you need.

The Ingredients:

• 50ml Premium Tequila (Blanco works best for a crisp finish, but Reposado adds a lovely smoky depth)

• 25ml Fresh lime juice (Do not use the bottled stuff!)

• 15ml Agave syrup (Adjust to taste depending on how sweet you like it)

• 2-3 slices of fresh jalapeño

• Crooked Pickle Co. Hot Bread & Butter Pickles (For freezing inside your ice cubes)

• Crooked Pickle Co. Spicy Gherkins (For the ultimate garnish)

For the Chilli-Salt Rim:

• 1 tbsp Flaky sea salt

• 1 tsp Dried chilli flakes

• ½ tsp Smoked paprika

 

The Instructions:

1. Prep Your Pickle Ice (Do this the night before): Place one or two slices of our Hot Bread & Butter Pickles into each compartment of a large silicone ice cube tray. Top up with water and freeze until completely solid.

2. Prep the Glass: Mix your flaky sea salt, chilli flakes, and smoked paprika on a small saucer. Run a wedge of lime around the outer edge of your rocks glass, then gently roll the rim through the spice mix until coated.

3. Muddle & Shake: Drop your fresh jalapeño slices into a cocktail shaker along with the agave syrup. Gently muddle them together to release the chilli oils. Add your tequila and fresh lime juice. Fill the shaker with standard ice cubes and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the metal tin is frosty to the touch.

4. Build the Drink: Place 2 to 3 of your pre-prepared Pickle Ice Cubes into your rimmed glass. Using a Hawthorne strainer, pour the margarita over the ice.

5. The Ultimate Garnish: Take one of our crisp Spicy Gherkins, spear it on a cocktail pick, and rest it across the rim of the glass alongside a fresh wedge of lime.

 

Time to Raid the Drinks Cabinet

Whether you're hosting a summer BBQ or just upgrading your Friday night drinks at home, this recipe is guaranteed to be a conversation starter.

Grab a jar of our Spicy Gherkins and Hot Bread & Butter Pickles today to get started.

Cheers!