To make the perfect pickletini at Southern Living, start by gathering your ingredients and equipment. You will need a cocktail shaker, ice, vodka, pickle juice, and a martini glass. Optionally, you can also choose a pickle to garnish your drink.
1. Prepare your equipment: Before starting, make sure your cocktail shaker is clean and ready to use. Also, ensure you have enough ice to fill the shaker.
2. Fill the cocktail shaker with ice: Take your cocktail shaker and fill it with a generous amount of ice. The ice will help chill the drink and dilute it slightly, creating a refreshing and balanced cocktail.
3. Measure and add vodka: Using a jigger or measuring glass, pour 2.5 ounces (or about 75 mL) of vodka into the cocktail shaker. Choose a vodka that you enjoy and suits your taste preferences. The vodka will be the base of your pickletini, so it's important to choose one that complements the flavors of the pickle juice.
4. Measure and add pickle juice: Next, measure 1 ounce (or about 30 mL) of pickle juice using the same jigger or measuring glass. The pickle juice adds a tangy and briny flavor to the cocktail, giving it that distinct pickle taste. You can use the juice from any type of pickles you prefer, such as dill pickles or bread and butter pickles.
5. Shake the cocktail shaker: Once you have added the vodka and pickle juice, cover the cocktail shaker tightly with its lid. Make sure it is secure, as you don't want any leaks during the shaking process. Hold the shaker firmly with both hands and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. The shaking will mix the ingredients together, chill the drink, and create a frosted appearance on the outside of the shaker.
6. Strain into a martini glass: After shaking, remove the lid from the cocktail shaker and strain the contents into a martini glass. The strainer on your shaker will prevent any ice or large pieces of pickle from entering the glass, ensuring a smooth and visually appealing drink.
7. Garnish with a pickle: To enhance the pickletini experience, consider garnishing your drink with a pickle. You can use a small pickle spear, a slice of pickle, or even a whole baby pickle depending on your preference. The garnish not only adds a decorative touch but also reinforces the pickle flavor in the cocktail.
Now, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your homemade pickletini at Southern Living. Sip slowly and savor the unique combination of vodka and pickle juice, which creates a tangy, savory, and refreshing cocktail. Cheers!