As the weather warms up, so do the flavors people crave. From creamy banana lattes to fizzy sodas, TikTok has become the place for discovering and creating new drinks that blend with a twist. The latest viral drink? Pickle lemonade, and it’s something Gen Z needs to try.
Combining tangy lemon juice with salty, brine pickle juice is a different take on classic lemonade that’s super easy to make at home. Creating a drink that’s sweet, sour, and salty all at once is another creative idea floating around on TikTok. Whether you’re a lemonade lover or a pickle enthusiast, here’s a simple recipe inspired by creator Glo, @_gloyoyo_, to get you started.
What is in a pickle lemonade?
Pickle lemonade is a straightforward drink combining salty and sweet. A bold twist on classic lemonade, it’s made with fresh lemon juice (or bottled, if you’re in a pinch), pickle brine, water, and simple syrup. Poured over ice, this creative combination gives you a unique way to make homemade lemonade at home.
How can I make pickle lemonade at home?
Thanks to TikTok creators Glo, @_gloyoyo_, and @ann1ethebanan1e, making pickle lemonade is super easy. In a glass or a jar, start by combining ½ cup of cold water, the juice of one lemon, two tablespoons of dill pickle brine, and one to two tablespoons of your preferred sweetener. Stir well until the sweetener fully dissolves, then pour the mixture over ice. From there, adjust the flavor to your liking. Add more pickle juice for extra saltiness or another space of syrup if you want it a bit sweeter. No special tools required! Just your old fashioned glass and a spoon.! For an extra optional touch, garnish with a lemon wedge or pickle spear for the full experience.
What else can I add to customize pickle lemonade?
If you want to get creative or add the likings of your own, here are a few ways to make pickle lemonade into a drink that’s completely your own creativity. Try swapping still water for sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy twist. Experiment with different pickle brines from different grocery stores. Trader Joe’s even carries options like spicy bread & butter pickles or kimchi brine for a bolder flavor. You can also toss in fresh herbs like mint or basil to brighten it up, or mix in cucumber slices or a splash of ginger juice to health it up a bit.! These different things can turn your pickle lemonade to your new favorite summer pickly refresher.
Some creators are adding chili powder, or Tajín to their pickle lemonade while others rim the glass with chili-lime seasoning. To take it even further, other creators add sliced jalapenos or chili crisp oil for heat and texture.