Moonshine Pickles Are The Boozy Snack You Should Have Your Eye On

Fans of the pickleback will tell you: There's just something delightful about blending alcohol and pickles. If you're ready to accept this briny combo into your heart, perhaps it's time that you become acquainted with moonshine pickles. This may sound like a Southern fever dream, but moonshine pickles are, in fact, a real condiment that cooks need to get to know. A tantalizing blend of fermented cucumbers, spices, brine, and moonshine, this jarred good can be sweet and spicy or tangy and tart, but it always brings a wallop of alcohol to the mix. 

Though many will use it as the ultimate Bloody Mary garnish, moonshine pickles have a place in the kitchen as much as they do in the cocktail bar. The combination of brine, booze, and crunch lends itself well to numerous flavorful endeavors, including adding a kick to sandwiches, potato salad, and meat- and cheese-laden charcuterie boards. Basically, think of it as a twist on sweet and spicy relish that can add a bit of nuance to juicy sausages and other rich dishes. Plus, it's a delicious snack on its own, promising a pickle with a high-proof punch. So how should you go about bringing this tart and boozy treat to your own kitchen? 

If you don't mind a little at-home mixing, you can make your own batch of moonshine pickles right at home. A supremely simple recipe combines a jar of moonshine, a jar of dill gherkin pickles, and a bit of sriracha for an easy fix. Carefully pour off the pickle brine into a bowl, then add 1 cup of moonshine to the pickles and a dab of sriracha. You'll then add back in enough pickle brine to completely submerge the pickles again, and give the whole thing a vigorous shake. In two hours, you'll have a condiment to die for. 

Alternatively, you can make your own batch by combining cucumbers, your favorite pickling spices and herbs, and a full jar of moonshine. You'll mix this all together and allow it to infuse for a week in the fridge. You can cut it with a touch of vinegar if you miss the tangy note it brings — just know that you may want to balance out the tartness with a bit of granulated sugar as well, just like you would for regular pickles.

If you'd rather buy it than go the DIY route, several moonshine brands offer their own take on the condiment. You can purchase Ole Smoky Moonshine's hot & spicy take, The Old Mill Moonshine's classic take, or pickles from Midnight Moon or Dickey Farms. No matter which avenue you choose — homemade or store-bought — moonshine pickles are a worthy pantry addition for the adventurous taster.