Three Gordy’s Fine Brine Cocktails
A three-step pickleback, a party punch and a gimlet variation
Pickle juice might not be the first mixer that comes to mind in the cocktail world, but the folks at Gordy’s—who produce their range of pickles and more in Washington DC—have introduced a Fine Brine in a can for exactly that. Tangy and refreshing, the brine isn’t just for your standard pickleback or Bloody Mary. In fact, two DC bars developed three cocktails specifically with the Fine Brine and we found the results to be delectable.
One Block Street
While the recipe can be found on each and every Gordy’s Fine Brine can, the One Block street was actually imagined by DC cocktail venue 2 Birds 1 Stone. The base spirit is gin (and the Gordy’s team prefers DC-distilled Green Hat Gin’s Ginavit). Fresh lime and simple syrup add the sour and sweet. But an ounce of Fine Brine makes it a true variation from a gin gimlet.
1.5 oz Green Hat Ginavit
1 oz Gordy’s Fine Brine
0.5 oz lime juice
0.25 oz rich (2:1) simple syrup
2 dashes Regan’s Orange Bitters
Shake. Strain into a chilled coupe and garnish with a lime wheel.
2 Can Punch
Also from 2 Birds 1 Stone, this 2 Can Punch pairs the Fine Brine with an entire can of light beer. Everything else just sweetens the deal. It’s another refreshing drink and very easy to batch make. And with no hard spirits within, it’s also not heavy or overtly boozy.
12 oz. Gordy’s Fine Brine
12 oz. lager (Tecate/Pacifico/Chang)
16 oz. strawberries, quartered
2 oz. lime juice
2 oz. sugar
0.5 oz. Angostura Bitters
Add all but the lager and bitters in a blender. Purée until completely even in texture. Pour into pitcher and add beer and bitters. Stir and add ice. Garnish with strawberry and mint.
Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me Too
Specializing in literary-inspired cocktails, DC’s Reading Room employs Gordy’s Fine Brine for a three-step pickleback. Inspired by the works of Shel Silverstein, the Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me Too can be consumed in any order, but the addition of Millstone Peche Cyser (a cider beer) takes the concoction in an entirely new direction.
2 oz. Overholt Rye
2 oz. Gordy’s Fine Brine
2 oz. Millstone Peche Cyser
Add rye, fine brine, peche cysar to three different shot glasses. Sip or shoot. (Best enjoyed with pickles.)
Images courtesy of Morgan H West
