Get ready to revolutionize your snack game with a pickle recipe that's part cocktail, part culinary magic! These Gin and Tonic Refrigerator Pickles are not just a condiment – they're a conversation starter, a flavor explosion, and the coolest way to elevate your summer entertaining. Imagine the crisp, tangy goodness of pickles infused with the sophisticated botanical notes of gin and the sparkling zest of tonic water – it's like a cocktail party in your refrigerator!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 jar
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup gin
- 1 cup tonic water
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon dill
Instructions
- Wash and dry the cucumber thoroughly, then slice it into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or mandoline slicer for consistent cuts.
- In a clean glass jar or container, combine gin, tonic water, white vinegar, sugar, and salt. Whisk the ingredients until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved, creating a pickling brine.
- Add fresh dill to the bottom of the jar, creating a layer of herbs that will infuse flavor into the pickles during the pickling process.
- Carefully layer the cucumber slices into the jar, ensuring they are fully submerged in the liquid brine. Press the slices gently to remove any air pockets.
- Seal the jar tightly with a lid and refrigerate immediately. Allow the pickles to marinate for at least 2-4 hours, though overnight chilling will develop more intense flavors.
- For best results, consume the refrigerator pickles within 5-7 days. Store continuously refrigerated and check that cucumbers remain submerged in the liquid.
- Before serving, gently drain excess liquid and garnish with additional fresh dill if desired. Serve chilled as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.
Tips
- Slice Precision: Use a mandoline slicer for uniformly thin cucumber rounds. This ensures even pickling and a professional look.
- Chill Factor: The longer you let these pickles marinate, the more intense the flavor becomes. While 2-4 hours is good, overnight is phenomenal!
- Gin Selection Matters: Choose a high-quality gin with interesting botanical notes to add depth to your pickles.
- Freshness is Key: Use fresh, crisp cucumbers for the best texture and crunch.
- Storage Hack: Always keep the cucumber slices fully submerged in the brine to maintain optimal flavor and prevent spoilage.
- Serving Suggestion: These pickles are perfect as a cocktail party appetizer, a unique burger topping, or a sophisticated side dish.
- Experiment: Try different herbs like rosemary or thyme for unique flavor variations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 30kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
