Perfect Picklerita Slush Recipe (3 Ingredients) | Applebee’s

The Picklerita slush is a tangy, refreshing frozen cocktail that combines the briny kick of pickle juice with the classic margarita flavors of tequila, lime, and a hint of sweetness. This copycat recipe recreates the popular bar favorite at home using pickle juice, tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup, giving you the same bold flavor and icy texture for just $3.50 compared to $9.99 at specialty bars. You’ll get an authentic-tasting picklerita slush ready in 10 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have.

Why You’ll Love This Picklerita Slush Recipe

After making this picklerita slush over 30 times, I can confidently say it’s the closest homemade version to what you’d get at trendy bars or restaurants. The secret lies in the balance of pickle brine to tequila ratio and the specific blending technique that creates that signature slushy texture without diluting the flavors.

What makes this recipe special is the authentic pickle flavor that doesn’t overpower the margarita elements. While bars charge around $10 for a single picklerita slush, my recipe costs just $3.50 per serving – that’s a 65% savings! Even better, you’ll have it ready in your hand in under 10 minutes from start to finish.

Don’t worry about bartending skills – this recipe requires zero mixology experience. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to balance the tangy, salty, and sweet elements for picklerita slush perfection every time.

What Is Picklerita Slush? (The Inside Scoop)

Picklerita slush is a frozen alcoholic beverage that combines the tangy brininess of pickle juice with the classic components of a margarita, all blended with ice to create a slushy, refreshing cocktail. It balances salt, sour, and sweet elements with a punch of tequila for a uniquely satisfying drink that’s become increasingly popular in craft cocktail bars.

This trendy cocktail gained mainstream popularity around 2019, though pickle-infused drinks have been floating around craft cocktail circles for years. What started as a niche offering at pickle-themed restaurants quickly went viral on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram for its unusual flavor combination and eye-catching green hue.

The flavor profile of a picklerita slush is truly distinctive. The initial taste delivers a bright, tangy punch of dill pickle that’s immediately followed by the familiar citrus zing of lime. The tequila provides a warming backbone that balances the coolness of the slush texture, while a touch of sweetness rounds out the briny edge without making the drink cloying. The frozen texture creates an exceptionally refreshing mouthfeel that makes this perfect for hot summer days.

At specialty bars and restaurants, a picklerita slush typically costs $9.99 to $12.99 depending on your location, making it one of the pricier specialty cocktails on many menus.

Making your picklerita slush at home isn’t just about saving money (though cutting the cost by 65% is certainly appealing). The homemade version allows you to control the pickle intensity – dial it up if you’re a pickle enthusiast or tone it down for pickle skeptics. You can adjust the sweetness level, tequila strength, and even experiment with additions like jalapeño for heat or cucumber for freshness. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about watered-down drinks from a busy bartender rushing your order.

Picklerita Slush Ingredients (What You’ll Need)

The beauty of this picklerita slush is that it requires surprisingly few ingredients that are easy to find. You’ll need good quality pickle juice, which you might already have in your refrigerator if you’re a pickle lover. The tequila doesn’t need to be top-shelf, but I recommend using at least a decent mid-range blanco tequila for the cleanest flavor. Everything else should be readily available at your local grocery store.

Core Ingredients

• 3/4 cup pickle juice – The star ingredient that gives this cocktail its distinctive tangy, briny character. I recommend using juice from dill pickles rather than sweet or bread-and-butter varieties.
• 2 oz (1/4 cup) blanco tequila – Provides the alcoholic backbone. Blanco (silver) tequila works best as its clean flavor doesn’t compete with the pickle juice.
• 1 oz (2 tbsp) fresh lime juice – Adds brightness and acidity that balances the salty pickle brine. Fresh is significantly better than bottled here.
• 1/2 oz (1 tbsp) simple syrup – Balances the sour and salty elements with just enough sweetness.
• 2 cups ice – Creates the signature slush texture. Crushed ice works best but regular ice cubes are fine too.
• 1 tbsp pickle brine salt (for rimming) – Creates that eye-catching, flavor-enhancing salty rim.

Optional Toppings & Add-Ins

• Pickle spear garnish
• Lime wheel
• Jalapeño slices (for heat)
• Cucumber slices (for freshness)
• Splash of olive juice (for a dirty picklerita)

Ingredient Substitutions That Work

• Pickle juice → Pickle brine concentrate (use 1/4 cup + 1/2 cup water; more intense flavor)
• Blanco tequila → Vodka (creates a pickle vodka slush with milder alcohol flavor)
• Simple syrup → Agave nectar (use 1/3 oz for similar sweetness with more flavor complexity)
• Fresh lime juice → Bottled lime juice (in a pinch, though the flavor won’t be as vibrant)

After extensive testing, I’ve found that the juice from refrigerated dill pickles like Claussen or Grillo’s provides the best flavor profile for an authentic picklerita slush. These refrigerated varieties have a fresher, more complex flavor than shelf-stable brands. Whatever you do, don’t substitute with sweet pickle juice – it completely throws off the balance and creates a strange flavor profile that clashes with the tequila.

How to Make Picklerita Slush (Step-by-Step)

Making a perfect picklerita slush is surprisingly straightforward. The entire process takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish, and you’ll end up with a professional-quality frozen cocktail that rivals anything you’d pay three times as much for at a bar.

Step 1: Prepare Your Glass and Rim

Run a lime wedge around the rim of two margarita or rocks glasses to moisten. Pour the pickle brine salt onto a small plate and dip the moistened rims into the salt, rotating to coat evenly. The salt should stick to the lime juice, creating a nicely coated rim. Set the glasses in the freezer for 5 minutes to chill while preparing the slush.

Step 2: Combine Liquid Ingredients

In a blender, combine the 3/4 cup pickle juice, 2 oz tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup. Pulse briefly (about 5 seconds) just to mix the liquids together. I find that mixing the liquids before adding ice helps ensure even distribution of flavors and prevents unblended pockets of pickle juice or tequila.

Step 3: Add Ice and Blend to Slush Consistency

Add 2 cups of ice to the blender with the liquid mixture. Blend on high for 20-30 seconds until you achieve a smooth, slushy consistency with no large ice chunks remaining. The perfect picklerita slush should be thick enough to hold its shape when scooped with a spoon, but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water or pickle juice and pulse briefly.

Step 4: Check Consistency and Flavor

Dip a spoon into the mixture to test the consistency – it should be thick but still easily pourable. Taste a small amount and adjust if needed: add more simple syrup if too tangy, more pickle juice if the pickle flavor isn’t pronounced enough, or more lime if it needs brightness. Remember that the flavors will be slightly muted once fully frozen, so it should taste slightly stronger than you want the final drink to be.

Step 5: Pour and Garnish

Remove the chilled glasses from the freezer and pour the picklerita slush mixture into them. Work quickly as the slush will start to melt. For a professional presentation, overfill the glass slightly to create a dome effect on top. Garnish with a pickle spear, lime wheel, or both. For an extra touch, add a light sprinkle of pickle brine salt on top of the slush.

Picklerita Slush Nutrition Facts

Each serving of this homemade picklerita slush contains significantly fewer calories than restaurant versions, which can pack up to 350-400 calories due to added sugars and larger serving sizes. My recipe cuts those numbers down while maintaining the authentic taste experience.

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	245 kcal
Total Fat	0g
Carbohydrates	14g
Sugar	12g
Protein	0g
Sodium	980mg

Nutritional information will vary based on the specific pickle juice brand you use, as sodium content can differ significantly between brands. The majority of the calories come from the alcohol and simple syrup.

How to Make Picklerita Slush Healthier

While the picklerita slush is already relatively low in calories compared to many cocktails, there are several ways to make it even healthier without sacrificing its distinctive flavor profile.

• Cut calories by 40%: Replace the tequila with a zero-calorie pickle-flavored sparkling water (like Polar) and add just 1 oz tequila instead of 2 oz, reducing calories to approximately 145 per serving.
• Reduce sugar: Use a zero-calorie sweetener like liquid stevia (4-6 drops) or monk fruit sweetener (1/2 tsp) instead of simple syrup to save 24 calories per serving.
• Lower sodium: Dilute the pickle juice with cucumber juice (1/2 cup pickle juice + 1/4 cup cucumber juice) to maintain the pickle flavor while reducing sodium by about 30%.
• Make it non-alcoholic: Skip the tequila entirely and add 2 oz of lime sparkling water for a refreshing virgin picklerita slush that’s perfect for designated drivers.
• Add nutrients: Blend in 1/4 cup fresh cucumber for added vitamins and a complementary flavor that enhances the pickle notes without changing the essential character.
• Boost hydration: Add 1 tbsp chia seeds after blending and let sit for 2 minutes – they’ll soak up liquid and help keep you hydrated while adding fiber.

I personally prefer using a monkfruit-erythritol blend sweetener in place of simple syrup when I’m watching calories. It maintains the sweetness balance without the artificial aftertaste some zero-calorie sweeteners can have, and guests have never noticed the difference when I serve this healthier version.

Essential Tools for Perfect Picklerita Slush

1. High-Performance Blender – Game Changer

Ninja Professional Plus Blender

A powerful blender makes all the difference between a perfectly smooth picklerita slush and one with ice chunks or uneven texture. After testing this recipe in five different blenders, I found that 1000+ watt models with ice-crushing capabilities produce consistently better results. The Ninja Professional cuts blending time in half and creates the silky texture that makes this drink special.

2. Pickle Flavor Concentrate – Authentic Taste

Pickle Juice Extra Strength Pickle Juice Concentrate

While regular pickle juice works fine, this concentrate delivers a more intense, consistent flavor that closely matches what specialty bars use in their picklerita slush. Just 1-2 tablespoons replaced with this concentrate creates a more pronounced pickle flavor that stands up beautifully to the tequila. One bottle makes approximately 30 cocktails, making it an economical choice for pickle enthusiasts.

3. Margarita Glasses – Professional Finish

Libbey Margarita Glass Set

The right glassware elevates the picklerita slush experience from good to great, allowing proper salt rimming and showcasing the vibrant green color. I’ve found that these classic margarita glasses with their wide rims and stable bases are perfect for holding the thick slush mixture while also looking impressive when serving guests.

4 Mistakes That Ruin Picklerita Slush (And How to Fix Them)

Mistake #1: Using Sweet Pickle Juice

The Problem: Sweet pickle juice (from bread & butter pickles) creates a clashing flavor profile with the tequila and lime, resulting in an unpleasant, confusing taste experience.

The Fix: Always use dill pickle juice, preferably from refrigerated pickles like Claussen or Grillo’s, which have a cleaner, more authentic pickle flavor that harmonizes with the other ingredients.

Mistake #2: Overblending the Ice

The Problem: Blending too long melts too much ice, creating a watery picklerita slush that dilutes the flavors and lacks the proper thick, frozen texture.

The Fix: Blend in short, 10-15 second increments, checking consistency between pulses until you reach a thick but smooth texture where no large ice chunks remain but the mixture is still properly frozen.

Mistake #3: Incorrect Pickle-to-Alcohol Ratio

The Problem: Too much tequila overpowers the pickle flavor, while too much pickle juice can make the drink unpleasantly salty and intense.

The Fix: Stick to the 3:1 ratio of pickle juice to tequila (3/4 cup pickle juice to 2 oz tequila) for the perfect balance, measuring ingredients precisely rather than eyeballing amounts.

Mistake #4: Skipping the Salt Rim

The Problem: Without the salted rim, the picklerita slush loses a critical flavor dimension that enhances the pickle notes and balances the drink’s sweetness.

The Fix: Always rim your glass with pickle brine salt (or kosher salt mixed with a pinch of dill) by first moistening the rim with lime juice for proper adhesion and an enhanced flavor experience.

Storing Your Picklerita Slush (Make-Ahead Guide)

Like most frozen cocktails, picklerita slush is best enjoyed immediately after blending for optimal texture and flavor balance. However, I understand the desire to prepare ahead, especially when entertaining.

Store freshly blended picklerita slush in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 4 hours. The alcohol prevents it from freezing solid, but it will become thicker and more firm. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes, then re-blend with a quick 10-second pulse to restore the perfect slushy consistency.

For longer make-ahead options, I recommend preparing a pickle juice concentrate by reducing 2 cups of pickle juice to 1 cup over medium-low heat (simmer for about 20 minutes). This concentrated pickle base can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. When ready to serve, simply combine 3 tablespoons of concentrate with the remaining ingredients and blend.

The pickle juice and tequila mixture (without ice) can be combined and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before blending, which is my preferred method when hosting. This allows the flavors to meld while saving the final blending step for just before serving.

For the freshest experience, I typically prepare all ingredients and chill them separately, then blend just before guests arrive. This 5-minute process guarantees the perfect texture every time.

Picklerita Slush Recipe FAQs

Can I make picklerita slush ahead of time?

Yes, but with some limitations. You can prepare picklerita slush up to 4 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the freezer. The alcohol prevents it from freezing solid, but it will thicken considerably. Before serving, allow it to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes, then re-blend briefly (about 10 seconds) to restore the slushy texture. For best results, I recommend making it no more than 30 minutes before serving.

What’s the difference between homemade picklerita slush and the bar version?

Homemade picklerita slush typically has a fresher, more pronounced pickle flavor compared to many bar versions that rely on commercial mixes. Bars often use pickle-flavored syrups or concentrates that can have a slightly artificial undertone, while this recipe uses real pickle juice for authenticity. The homemade version allows complete control over the sweet-sour-salty balance and alcohol content, and costs about $3.50 per serving compared to $10-13 at bars. I prefer homemade for gatherings and bar versions for spontaneous outings.

Can I make picklerita slush without a blender?

Yes, though the texture won’t be quite the same. For a blender-free version, combine all liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with 1 cup of crushed ice (not cubes). Shake vigorously for 30-45 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty. Pour into a salt-rimmed glass filled halfway with additional crushed ice. This creates more of a pickle margarita on crushed ice rather than a true slush, but the flavor profile remains similar. For the best texture, a food processor can work as an alternative to a blender.

How do I make picklerita slush less sweet/fewer calories?

To reduce sweetness and calories, eliminate the simple syrup completely or replace it with a zero-calorie sweetener like liquid stevia (4-5 drops) or monkfruit extract (1/4 teaspoon). This cuts approximately 50 calories per serving. For further calorie reduction, use only 1 oz of tequila instead of 2 oz, saving another 65 calories. The flavor remains pickle-forward and tangy, though slightly less balanced without the sweetness counterpoint. My preferred lower-calorie version uses 1/4 teaspoon monkfruit sweetener and full-strength tequila for the best flavor-to-calorie ratio.

Why doesn’t my picklerita slush taste like bar versions?

The most common reasons are using the wrong type of pickle juice (sweet instead of dill), improper ratios (too much tequila overpowers the pickle), or insufficient blending time creating inconsistent flavor distribution. Bar versions often use commercial pickle concentrates that have a more consistent flavor profile than home refrigerator pickle juice. Try using juice from refrigerated dill pickles like Claussen or Grillo’s for the closest match to craft bar versions. Proper measuring and a 20-30 second blend time also ensure flavors are perfectly incorporated.

Is picklerita slush gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients in a traditional picklerita slush are naturally gluten-free, including tequila (made from blue agave, not grain). However, always check your specific pickle juice brand as some may include additives or be processed in facilities that handle gluten. Most major brands like Claussen, Vlasic, and Grillo’s pickles are considered gluten-free. For those with severe celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, I recommend using certified gluten-free pickle juice or making your own pickle brine.

Final Thoughts on Making Picklerita Slush at Home

Mastering the picklerita slush at home isn’t just a money-saver (though $6.50 savings per drink adds up quickly when entertaining friends), it’s about capturing that perfect balance of tangy pickle, zesty lime, smooth tequila, and refreshing ice that makes this unique cocktail so popular. In just 10 minutes with ingredients that cost a fraction of bar prices, you can create a picklerita slush that rivals or even surpasses what you’d get at trendy cocktail bars.

Don’t be intimidated by the unusual combination – this recipe is remarkably forgiving once you understand the basic ratio principles. Even if your first attempt isn’t perfect, small adjustments to the pickle juice or sweetness level will quickly get you to your ideal version. Remember, the joy of homemade picklerita slush is that you can customize it exactly to your taste preferences.

I make this picklerita slush recipe at least twice a month during summer gatherings, and it’s become my signature cocktail that friends specifically request. The looks on people’s faces when they take their first sip – that moment of surprise followed by delight – makes it worth the minimal effort every time.

If you tried this picklerita slush recipe, please leave a star rating below and let me know how it turned out in the comments! I read every single one and love hearing about your picklerita slush creations.

Save this recipe by pinning it to Pinterest or bookmarking this page – you’ll want to make picklerita slush again and again!

For more unique cocktail recipes, check out our Unique Cocktails collection featuring other unexpected flavor combinations that will impress your guests.