Pickleback shot

A pickleback shot is a popular bar drink consisting of a shot of whiskey (often Jameson) immediately followed by a shot of pickle brine. It originated in Brooklyn, New York, in the mid-2000s and has since become a widespread bar staple. The brine is typically from dill pickles.

🍳 View the full Pickleback shot recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This drink is very low in carbohydrates, fat, and protein, with its calories coming almost entirely from the alcohol in the whiskey. A standard serving (1.5 oz whiskey + 1.5 oz brine) contains roughly 100-110 calories, with negligible micronutrients.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	64 kcal
Protein	0 g
Carbs	0 g
Fat	0 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	0 g
Sodium	900 mg
Sodium	900 mg
Potassium	15 mg
Vitamin C	1 mg
Vitamin K	5 µg
Iron	0.2 mg
Calcium	10 mg
Magnesium	2 mg
Manganese	0.05 mg

Per 1 shot (45 ml) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The cultural phenomenon lies in its use of a salty, savory chaser to cut the burn of the whiskey, a stark contrast to the sweet or citrus chasers common in other shot rituals. Nutritionally, the brine's high sodium content is what creates the palate-cleansing effect.