Why vodka and pickles make such a natural combination
Pickles are the perfect accompaniment to vodka, a versatile spirit that, in its best varieties, is enjoyed with few ingredients or very cold.
From the most affordable to the most sophisticated vodka, this clear spirit is incredibly versatile, and its typical mixers showcase its wide range of uses. Whether in a martini with a touch of vermouth or a chilled shot, vodka calls for something to accompany it, and pickles, in all their varieties, are the natural choice.
The combination is especially popular in Russia, the world's largest consumer of vodka, where these snacks are called zakuski. They can include caviar, cured meats, smoked fish, and virtually any pickled vegetable.
The typical cucumber spheres have their charm, but it's worth looking beyond the supermarket jar. Many people already combine vodka and pickles without even trying: most olives in martinis are already pickled, and the garnish on many Bloody Marys has been in brine.
Vodka and pickles are a perfect match thanks to their natural harmony. The vodka balances the intense, salty flavor of the pickles, which are deeply salty and have a distinct spiciness. Preparing pickles at home can be quite a project, but there are cocktails that offer a taste of this classic without the effort.
Pickle martinis, which substitute dill pickles for olives, are a variation on the classic dirty cocktail. Pickled jalapeños add a spicy kick, and pickled mushrooms have a distinctive earthy flavor. Bloody Marys can be flavored with kimchi, rhubarb, fennel, or giardiniera. A gherkin can also double as a shot glass for a Bloody Mary, and several pickled peppers can flavor an entire bottle of vodka for future use.