The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka – Pickleback with a Fiery Twist

Updated → September 2025

The The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka is a bold, ready-to-drink vodka infused with real dill pickle brine and a spicy kick. This low-proof spirit combines tangy pickle zest with a touch of heat, offering a unique shot experience that’s gluten-free, sugar-free, and under 40 calories per serving. From trendy bar origins to at-home cocktail creativity, it’s a must-try for pickle lovers seeking a savory, spicy twist.

The Pickle Craze in Cocktails and Shots

Pickle-flavored everything has taken the food and drink world by storm in recent years. From pickle-flavored chips and sodas to the famous “pickleback” shot, people can’t seem to get enough of that tangy dill taste. Bars across the country started offering pickle juice chasers with whiskey shots, and social media buzzed with pickle cocktail recipes. This craze set the stage for innovations like The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka, which captures that craveable dill bite in a ready-to-pour spirit. The trend isn’t just a fad – it taps into our love of bold, savory flavors and the fun of trying something unconventional. In a landscape of sweet fruit vodkas and classic spirits, a pickle-infused vodka stands out as a daring and exciting option.

Part of the appeal is the balance of flavors. A sip of anything pickle-infused delivers a **burst of briny sourness** followed by a salty, satisfying finish – a welcome contrast to sugary cocktails. Pickle brine has even been touted for its possible benefits like electrolyte replenishment and hangover relief, making it all the more intriguing to adventurous drinkers. With this growing interest, creative brands answered the call. That’s how The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka found a ready and eager audience, by turning a bar staple into a convenient bottled product. It arrived at the perfect time to ride the wave of pickle mania sweeping the nation’s bars, backyard parties, and kitchens.

From Bar Sensation to Bottled Shot: The Story Behind the Original Pickle Shot

Every great product has an origin story, and this one starts in a beachside bar. The concept for The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka was born at Pickles Pub in Ocean City, Maryland – a legendary watering hole famous for serving tangy pickle shots to willing patrons. The bar’s dill pickle shooter became such a hit, selling tens of thousands of shots a year, that its creators saw an opportunity. In 2018, entrepreneur John King and his co-founders decided to bottle that bar favorite so anyone could enjoy a pickle shot anytime, anywhere. By capturing the exact recipe of Pickles Pub’s beloved shot (dill brine and all), they created “The Original Pickle Shot” brand and launched it beyond the pub’s walls.

The move from bar to bottle was perfectly timed. As home entertaining grew (especially during times when people couldn’t go out as easily), a ready-to-drink pickle shot was a novel idea that filled a niche in the spirits market. Instead of having to mix vodka with pickle juice manually or visit a specific bar, fans could simply crack open a bottle of this pickle vodka and pour. The brand quickly gained traction, expanding from a local Maryland secret to availability in many states. Its success proved that the pickle shot wasn’t just a quirky local ritual – it had mainstream appeal. Today, The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka carries on that legacy, delivering the same pickle punch as the original bar shots, with an extra spicy twist that caters to our endless appetite for heat.

Meet The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka: What Exactly Is It?

You might be wondering what’s inside that eye-catching bottle. Simply put, The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka is a **flavored vodka liqueur** that marries premium vodka with real pickle brine and spices. Unlike a standard vodka (which is typically 40% ABV and flavorless), this spirit is lower proof (30 proof, or 15% ABV) and bursting with dill pickle flavor. It’s essentially the experience of a pickleback shot – minus the whiskey burn – conveniently combined into one zesty, savory shot. The “Original Pickle Shot” brand initially released a classic Dill Pickle Vodka, and this **Spicy Vodka** variation builds on that by adding a fiery kick.

Think of it as **pickle juice meets vodka**, with a twist of heat. It’s not an infusion you have to make yourself; it’s professionally crafted to achieve the perfect balance. The vodka base is a high-quality, five-times distilled corn vodka, chosen for its clean, smooth profile that lets the pickle and spice notes shine. That base is then blended with a proprietary kosher dill pickle brine – the same style that made the original bar shots famous. The result is a cloudy, pale green spirit that smells just like a jar of spicy dill pickles. With The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka, you get consistency in every pour: the right amount of tang, saltiness, and spice without any mixing or guesswork needed on your part.

The “Spicy” Difference: Where the Kick Comes From

So what sets the Spicy version apart from the original dill pickle flavor? As the name suggests, The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka doesn’t just deliver pickle goodness – it brings the heat. The makers have added natural spices to the dill brine, giving this variant a gentle burn that complements the sourness. Upon taking a shot, you’ll first notice the familiar garlicky dill taste of pickle, but then a warm, peppery tingle blooms on your palate. The spice isn’t overwhelming (we’re not talking ghost pepper level or anything extreme), but it’s enough to add excitement. If you enjoy a little kick in your Bloody Mary or you’re the type who reaches for spicy dill pickles in the grocery aisle, this vodka will be right up your alley.

Importantly, the heat is balanced. The creators aimed for a **pleasant spicy bite** rather than an all-out burn, so that the drink remains enjoyable shot after shot. The exact blend of spices in the recipe is a closely guarded secret, but fans often detect hints of chili pepper and maybe a touch of cayenne in the mix. This spicy element elevates the pickle shot experience, turning it from simply salty-sour to a more complex flavor profile. It’s the difference between a standard pickle and a spicy pickle – a small change that makes a big impact on your taste buds. For anyone deciding between the original dill and the spicy version, it really comes down to your heat tolerance and preference. Those who crave an extra thrill will appreciate how The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka adds that satisfying zing to an already bold concept.

Pickle Shot vs. Pickleback: Not Your Average Chaser

It’s worth clarifying how a bottled pickle vodka like this differs from the classic “pickleback” ritual. A pickleback traditionally means **shooting a dram of whiskey and chasing it with pickle brine**. The pickle brine’s acidity and saltiness magically cut the burn of the whiskey, making for a surprisingly smooth one-two combo. The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka takes inspiration from that concept but flips the script. Instead of being a two-part ordeal (and dependent on having a jar of pickle juice handy), it’s a single shot that delivers a similar effect. By infusing vodka with dill brine, the need for a separate chaser is eliminated – the pickle flavor and the alcohol arrive in unison.

Another difference is the base spirit. Picklebacks often use bourbon or Irish whiskey, which have strong, fiery characteristics. In contrast, The Original Pickle Shot uses a much milder spirit (vodka at 15% ABV) as the base, resulting in a smoother, more approachable shot from the start. You could say this product is **the pickleback reimagined for convenience and consistency**. You get the pickle punch without the high alcohol content of a whiskey shot. Of course, there’s nothing stopping the truly bold from doing a “reverse pickleback” – for instance, take a shot of whiskey and then follow it with a shot of this spicy pickle vodka as the chaser! But on its own, The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka stands as a unique experience: an all-in-one pickleback that’s savory, a touch spicy, and seriously fun.

Original Dill vs. Spicy: Two Flavor Options for Pickle Lovers

The Original Pickle Shot brand offers two main varieties: the **Original Dill Pickle Vodka** and the **Spicy Pickle Vodka**. If you’re debating which one to try, here’s the rundown. The original dill flavor (often just called “The Original Pickle Shot”) is the one that started it all – a straight-up dill pickle infusion with no added heat. It’s beloved for its pure, nostalgic pickle taste, much like sipping the brine from your favorite jar of dill pickles, but with a boozy twist. On the other hand, The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka contains that same dill foundation but layers on chili spices for an extra dimension. The Spicy version still delivers plenty of dill and vinegar tang, but ends each sip with a mild **spice-induced warmth**.

Choosing between them is really a matter of personal preference. Are you a heat seeker or more of a pickle purist? For hosting gatherings, many pickle shot enthusiasts actually like to keep both bottles on hand – one for those who want the classic taste and one for the adventurous crowd who want some heat. It’s also fun to taste-test them side by side. You’ll notice that the aroma of both is similar (briny and herbal), but the Spicy Vodka’s scent has a subtle peppery note. In terms of versatility, both can be used in similar ways (more on that later in our cocktail tips), but the Spicy variant naturally shines in recipes where a little kick is welcome. No matter which you choose, you’re getting an authentic pickle experience. And if you can’t decide, the good news is The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka comes in small bottles too, so you can sample the spicy without committing to a full-size right away.

Sipping Experience: Tasting Notes and Flavor Profile

Let’s talk taste. When you pour a shot of The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka, the first thing you’ll notice is its enticing pickle aroma – it’s like opening a fresh jar of spicy dill pickles. On the palate, the flavor journey is delightful and distinct from any other spirit. **Up front, you get a burst of vinegar tartness and dill herbaceousness**, exactly what you’d expect from pickle brine. This immediate tang wakes up your taste buds. It’s followed by the savory notes of garlic and perhaps a hint of onion, much like the subtleties you’d find in a well-seasoned pickle.

As you swallow, that’s when the “spicy” part makes its appearance. A gentle heat spreads across your tongue and throat, leaving a pleasant warm afterglow. The spiciness is more of a smooth warmth than a sharp sting, which makes it easy to go back for another sip. The saltiness lingers too, but in a balanced way that doesn’t feel overpowering or overly salty. The mouthfeel is lighter than a straight vodka (thanks to the lower alcohol content and the brine), so it’s quite smooth without the harsh burn. Overall, the flavor profile is **tangy, salty, herbal, and mildly spicy**. It’s a savory shot through and through, with a refreshing quality from the vinegar. If you enjoy pickles, the taste will likely make your mouth water (in a good way!). And even if you’re not usually a pickle person, many find the experience intriguingly palatable because it’s so different from sweet or bitter liquors. In short, The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka offers a briny bold flavor ride from start to finish.

Crafted with Quality: Natural Ingredients and No Nonsense

One reason The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka has gained a loyal following is the care put into its production. This isn’t a gimmick product made by dumping artificial flavor into cheap vodka. On the contrary, the makers emphasize quality and authenticity. The vodka itself is distilled five times from Iowa-grown corn, resulting in a clean, gluten-free base spirit. Then there’s the brine – the heart and soul of the pickle shot. The brand uses a **secret kosher dill pickle brine recipe**, which means real cucumber pickling liquid with natural spices and herbs (dill, garlic, etc.) rather than lab-made flavor extracts. That’s why the taste comes across so genuine, like you’re drinking from the pickle jar (because essentially, you are!).

Notably, there are **no artificial flavors, no added sugars, and no dyes** in the mix. The greenish tint of the liquid is faint, coming naturally from the pickling spices, not from food coloring. For health-conscious consumers or those with dietary restrictions, these details matter. The product is proudly gluten-free, since it’s made from corn and contains no wheat or barley. It’s also vegan and even certified kosher, as the brand ensures all ingredients meet those standards. In an age where many flavored beverages sneak in sweeteners or strange additives, The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka keeps it straightforward. You get exactly what’s advertised: vodka, pickle brine, spices – and nothing extra that doesn’t belong. This commitment to quality means you can feel good about sipping it, knowing it’s a craft spirit with authentic ingredients. The bold flavor might be fun and whimsical, but the craftsmanship behind it is serious.

Low-Proof and Low-Calorie: An Easy Sipper with Perks

Another aspect that sets The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka apart is its approachable strength and nutrition profile. At 15% ABV, it’s considered a low-proof spirit. What does that mean for you? It means you can enjoy a few shots with friends without getting knocked off your feet as quickly as a standard 40% ABV liquor might. It’s closer to the strength of a fortified wine or a strong beer than a typical vodka. This makes it great for social sipping – you can line up pickle shots for a party and people can partake in a round (or two) with a lower risk of over-intoxication compared to doing multiple high-proof shots. Of course, it’s still alcohol so you should drink responsibly, but the lower alcohol content is part of the appeal for casual fun drinking.

Calorie-wise, it’s also a friendlier choice. Each 1.5 oz shot of The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka has under 40 calories and only about 1.5 grams of carbs. That’s considerably less sugar and calories than, say, a sugary liqueur or a mixed cocktail. In fact, it contains **no sugar at all** – all the flavor comes from savory pickle brine and spice. For those watching their intake or anyone on low-carb diets like keto, this spirit is a rare treat that packs flavor without a carb bomb. It’s even being enjoyed by some cocktail enthusiasts as a way to add taste to drinks without needing sugary mixers. To put it in perspective, a typical beer can have 150+ calories and lots of carbs, whereas a pickle shot stays diet-friendly. Naturally, if you start mixing it with other ingredients, you’ll add calories, but on its own, The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka is a pretty **guilt-free indulgence** for what it is. Low-proof, low-cal, and full-flavor – it’s a combination that’s hard to come by in the spirits world.

Best Served Cold: Tips for Enjoying Pickle Shots

Now that you know what it is and what it tastes like, let’s pour a shot! To get the optimal experience from The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka, serving temperature is key. **Chill it thoroughly** before serving – this is our number one tip. The flavor is brightest and most refreshing when the vodka is ice-cold. You can achieve this by keeping the bottle in the refrigerator or by shaking the vodka with ice in a cocktail shaker and then straining into shot glasses. Do note, because of the low 15% alcohol content, you shouldn’t store this vodka in the freezer like you might with regular vodka; it could actually freeze or get slushy. Stick to the fridge for chilling, or pour over ice and then serve.

When it comes to presentation, shot glasses are the classic way to go. For extra fun, you could garnish each shot glass with a mini pickle slice or a small skewer of pickle if you’re feeling fancy. Some people even like to rim the shot glass with a chili-salt or tajín seasoning to amplify the spice and saltiness – totally optional but a neat idea for parties. The bottom line: serve it cold, serve it neat (no need for mixers in the shot itself), and enjoy that burst of flavor! Because The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka is smooth and low-proof, you’ll find it’s an easy shooter. Even those who normally shy away from shots might be pleasantly surprised by this one. Whether you’re pouring rounds at a backyard barbecue, a tailgate, or just a casual game night, make sure to keep the bottle chilled and watch everyone’s reactions as they knock back a pickle spiced surprise.

Mix It Up: Cocktails and Uses for Spicy Pickle Vodka

While The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka is designed to be enjoyed straight as a shot, it’s also a fantastically fun ingredient to play with in cocktails. Its savory nature can add a twist to many classic drinks. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Spicy Pickle Bloody Mary: Elevate your Bloody Mary by using this pickle vodka in place of (or in addition to) regular vodka. It adds a tangy, salty depth and extra kick – you might even find you need less hot sauce since the spirit brings its own heat. Garnish with a pickle spear, of course.
• Dill Pickle Martini: For a dirty martini lover, try a “dirty pickle martini.” Mix 2 parts classic vodka, 1 part The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka, and a splash of dry vermouth. Shake with ice and strain. You’ll get a briny, olive-and-pickle concoction that martini fans will adore. Drop in a cocktail onion or pickle slice to finish.
• Pickleback Spritz: Create a light cocktail by combining the spicy pickle vodka with a splash of lemon juice and topping it with club soda or ginger beer. Serve over ice. It’s a refreshing, fizzy drink where the dill and spice play nicely with a bit of citrus and bubbles.
• Michelada Booster: A michelada is a Mexican beer cocktail with lime and tomato juice (and often hot sauce). Add a shot of this pickle vodka to your michelada for an extra layer of savory spice – it turns the drink into an umami bomb, in the best way.

Beyond formal cocktails, you can get imaginative. Some people drizzle a little of The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka over oysters (like a pickle-spiced mignonette), or even use it in marinades for grilling to impart a tangy kick to meats. If you have a favorite recipe that calls for pickle juice – say, a pickle brine chicken or a salad dressing – a dash of this vodka could substitute to add both the pickle flavor and a hint of booze. The possibilities are endless and experimenting is half the fun. Just remember, since it’s lower alcohol, if you substitute it for full-strength spirits in a cocktail, the drink will be gentler (which might be exactly what you want sometimes). There’s no wrong way to enjoy this versatile, quirky spirit, so feel free to get creative and **toast to the pickle life**!

Perfect Pairings and Occasions

A shot of The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka is practically a party in itself, but pairing it with the right foods or moments can elevate the experience. Given its savory profile, this pickle vodka shines alongside hearty, flavorful eats. For instance, it’s an awesome companion to barbecue and grilled foods – imagine sipping a pickle shot in between bites of a juicy burger or smoked ribs. The acidity and spice cut through richness and cleanse the palate, preparing you for the next bite. Similarly, it pairs nicely with fried foods (think fried pickles – double pickle power! – or chicken wings) because the vinegar helps balance the fat.

On the lighter side, consider serving these shots with a charcuterie or pickle platter. Meats, cheeses, and assorted pickled veggies will each find a friend in the pickle vodka, as it complements salty and tangy flavors. It’s also a fun digestif after a big meal; the briny taste can be oddly refreshing to sip after dinner. In terms of occasions, anything social and festive is ideal. This is the kind of drink you break out at **tailgate parties, backyard cookouts, holiday gatherings, or game nights** – anytime you want to surprise and delight guests with something unexpected. It’s a conversation starter (“you have to try this pickle shot!”) and can easily become the highlight of an event.

Even if you’re just relaxing at home solo or with a couple of friends, a cold glass of The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka can hit the spot when you’re craving a savory treat instead of something sweet. And for those who might be skeptical, we find that once they try it, they often come around. So, pair it with good food, good company, and an open mind, and you’re in for a uniquely satisfying experience that might just turn into a tradition of its own.

Packaging and Sizes: From Party Shots to Pocket-Sized

Whether you want just a taste or plan to serve a crowd, The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka has you covered with multiple bottle sizes. It’s available in a standard 750 mL bottle – about the same size as a typical wine or liquor bottle – which is great for sharing at parties or stocking your home bar. A 750 mL bottle contains roughly 16 shots (1.5 oz each), so one bottle can go a long way in fueling the fun. But what if you’re not ready to commit to a big bottle or you want a portable option? The makers smartly introduced a **50 mL “mini” bottle**, essentially a single (or double) shot serving in a tiny package. These pocket-sized bottles (sometimes called “airplane bottles”) are perfect for sampling the product before buying a larger size. At just a couple of dollars each, it’s an easy add-on to satisfy your curiosity.

In fact, at Union Wine & Liquor we often see customers pick up a few mini bottles of the spicy pickle shot to hand out to friends or use as fun party favors. They also make quirky gifts for the cocktail aficionado who has “tried it all” – chances are they haven’t tried this! The small size is also convenient if you’re traveling or heading to an event and want to bring along a unique drink without lugging a full bottle. (Always check local rules about where you can consume, of course.) Rumor has it that a mid-sized 375 mL bottle may be on the horizon, offering another option between the mini and full size. But for now, you can choose between diving right in with a 750 mL or taking a test-run with a 50 mL. Either way, The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka comes sealed and ready to deliver its signature briny goodness whenever you’re ready to twist the cap.

Where to Buy The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka

If your mouth is watering at this point, you’re likely wondering where you can get your hands on a bottle. The good news for folks in Western New York is that The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka is available right here at Union Wine & Liquor in Cheektowaga, NY. Our store proudly stocks this product (in both the 50 mL mini shooter and the full 750 mL bottle), so you can easily pick it up for your next adventure in flavor. Located at 2675 Union Road, Cheektowaga, we’re your local source for this popular pickle-infused vodka. You can swing by our shop during business hours to grab a bottle – our friendly staff will be excited to talk pickle shots with you!

Prefer to shop from the comfort of home? We’ve got you covered there too. You can order The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka directly through our website (UnionWineandLiquors.com) for convenient in-store pickup or local delivery where available. Since this product has been flying off the shelves due to high demand, we recommend checking our current stock via the product link above or giving us a quick call at (716) 608-6190 if you want to ensure it’s in stock. We regularly restock because it’s become a fast favorite among our customers. In short, if you’re in the Buffalo/Cheektowaga area, Union Wine & Liquor is the place to score your bottle of pickle perfection. We love introducing customers to The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka – it’s not every day you find a spirit this unique. So come on by, grab a bottle, and get ready to cheers with the zestiest shot in town!

Join the Pickle Shot Revolution: Final Thoughts

In a world of endless drink options, The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka proves that innovation and a little daring can lead to something truly memorable. It’s more than just a gimmick – it’s a well-crafted spirit that brings smiles and “wow, that’s actually good!” reactions from first-timers. If you have a penchant for pickles or just love exploring new flavors, this spicy pickle vodka deserves a spot on your must-try list. It embodies the fun of bar culture, the comfort of home crafting, and the thrill of a spicy kick, all in one shot. As we’ve explored, it also fits nicely into a variety of lifestyles and occasions, from low-key hangouts to big celebrations.

So why not take the plunge and see what the pickle hype is all about? Grab yourself a bottle (or a cute mini) from Union Wine & Liquor and invite some friends to a pickle shot tasting. Chances are it’ll be the highlight of the night and something you’ll all be talking about for weeks. At the very least, you’ll have bragging rights for trying one of the most unique vodkas on the market. Embrace the unexpected, savor that dill-icious heat, and as always, cheers to new adventures in flavor! We’re excited for you to experience The Original Pickle Shot Spicy Vodka – your taste buds will thank you for the tangy, spicy ride. Now, raise a glass (filled with pickle juice goodness) and join the pickle shot revolution. Your next favorite drink might just be a dill away.