Is drinking vodka with pickle juice actually good or just a myth?
Vodka is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages consumed globally. It is a clear distilled beverage that is made from fermented grains or potatoes. This drink is traditionally consumed neat, but there are endless ways you can enjoy vodka. One of the most bizarre ways of having vodka is by mixing it with pickle juice. Yes! You read that right. Pickles- the salty, tangy and sour cucumbers that everyone has a love-hate relationship with. It might sound strange, but it is a perfect combination with vodka. It is a popular drink in many parts of the world, but the question is, is drinking vodka with pickle juice actually good or just a myth?
In this blog post, we are going to explore the truth behind this drink, its history, the advantages and disadvantages of drinking vodka with pickle juice, and what makes it a popular drink in some parts of the world.
The History of Drinking Vodka With Pickle Juice
Vodka and pickle juice have been popular drinks separately for quite some time. Vodka is a drink that has been around for more than 600 years, believed to have originated in Russia. The drink was initially made with a base of wheat, rye or barley but has been made from other raw materials like grapes, potatoes, soybeans, and even molasses.
Pickle juice, on the other hand, has been around for even longer. Pickling is a method of preserving food that dates back to ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, who used pickling to preserve fish, meats, and vegetables. Pickling was also popular in Europe during the Renaissance period, where various fruits and vegetables were pickled in vinegar and brine.
The history of drinking vodka with pickle juice can be traced back to Russia. The drink was known as a “Pickleback,” and it was a popular chaser for vodka shots. The Pickleback was initially made with whiskey, but when vodka became popular, people switched to vodka. In America, the Pickleback shot became popular in the early 2000s and quickly became a trend in the bar scene.
Advantages of Drinking Vodka with Pickle Juice
Drinking vodka with pickle juice has some advantages. Here are some of them:
1. Combats Dehydration
Vodka is an alcoholic beverage and can cause dehydration. Pickle juice contains a lot of electrolytes and sodium, which combat dehydration. This is why many athletes drink pickle juice to hydrate themselves after exercise.
2. Reduces Hangovers
Hangovers are the ultimate nightmare of many drinkers. Vodka mixed with pickle juice can help reduce hangovers. The sodium content in pickle juice helps to replenish electrolytes lost during drinking and can even reduce the severity of a hangover.
3. Refreshing Flavour
Vodka is often consumed neat, which can be quite strong for some people. Drinking vodka with pickle juice gives a refreshing twist to the traditional vodka, making it more enjoyable.
4. Low Calorie
Vodka itself is low calorie, but when mixed with sugary mixers, it can quickly become a high calorie drink. Pickle juice is naturally low in calories and can be used as a healthy mixer.
Disadvantages of Drinking Vodka with Pickle Juice
1. High Sodium Content
Pickle juice contains a lot of sodium, which can be harmful to people with high blood pressure.
2. Too Salty
Some people may find the Pickleback too salty, making it unpleasant to drink. It can also leave you with a salty aftertaste in your mouth.
3. Health Risks
While there are some health benefits to drinking pickle juice, it can also pose some health risks. Drinking too much pickle juice can lead to abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Tips on Making a Perfect Pickleback
If you’re interested in trying a Pickleback, here are some tips on how to make the perfect one:
1. Choose the Right Pickle Juice
Not all pickle juice is created equal. The pickling brine from a full sour dill pickle works best for Picklebacks. This brine is tangy, salty, and sour, which helps to complement the vodka’s taste.
2. Use a High-Quality Vodka
When making a Pickleback, it’s essential to use high-quality vodka. Cheap vodka can leave you with a bad hangover and an unpleasant aftertaste.
3. Try with Ice
A pickleback tastes best when it’s ice-cold. Try freezing the pickle juice in ice cube trays and using them as ice cubes when making the drink.
In Conclusion
Drinking vodka with pickle juice is an acquired taste that’s gained popularity in the bar scene. Although it has advantages and disadvantages, it is safe to say that, when consumed in moderation, it can be a refreshing drink that is perfect for summers.
While there may be some hesitation around drinking Picklebacks by some individuals, their taste and health benefits are compelling enough reasons to give them a shot. We hope this post has provided you with valuable information about the Drink, and now you can decide whether this drink is worth giving a shot or not.
So, the next time you are looking for a refreshing summer drink that is low in calories and may reduce the severity of your hangover, give the Pickleback a try. Cheers!
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