The Mr. Pickletini - Happy Hour at the FabLab!

I could write a 10 chapter novel about pickles, and why I love them so. They are freaking delicious and a great healthy snack. I love how they are so crisp, refreshing, and add such a salty, tangy pop to any recipe.... especially on burgers, sandwiches or a good old relish plate. (Side note- every holiday, my Grandma Tic Tac would have a big relish plate on the table.

Think fancy Christmas or formal Thanksgiving dinner with a big plate of pickles smack in the center of it. It was a family tradition, all different types of pickles and pickled veggies arranged on a fancy crystal dish. So to say I was born to love pickles is an understatement!!)

Anyways.... I also have two fur babies... pugs specifically. Mr. Pickles is my OG pug named after a 1930’s mafia reference, and he’s been in my life for 10 years. I couldn’t think of a better name for him than Mr. Pickles!! He’s gangster, got attitude for days, and just doesn’t give any f**ks. He’s also a total snuggle love bug, but don’t piss him off! He’s got a mean side that you don’t want to be on.

And... my favorite cocktail in the whole entire world is a vodka martini. Man, I love a strong martini after a long day or girls night out. I love that the vodka highlights the olive juice and packs an intoxicating punch!! The paper thin floating ice chips sting your lips and add yet another complex layer to the perfect cocktail.

So for this edition of Happy Hour, I’ve combined all of my favorite, sentimental elements to create The Mr. Pickletini. It really is the perfect drink! All the flavor of the pickles combined with the vodka martini ingredients make this an elevated yet gangster cocktail just like Mr. Pickles!

-3 oz. Tito’s Premium Vodka

-1-2 oz. Juice from Famous Dave's Signature Spicy Pickle Chips

-Splash of Martini & Rossi Extra Dry Vermouth

-Bucket of large Ice Cubes

-Martini Glass

-Cocktail Shaker with tight Lid

-Swizzle stick with tapered end or toothpick

-Sprig of Dill

-Thin slice of dill pickle spear

-Baby Cornichon or Gherkin

Pre-chill you martini glasses in ice for about 10 minutes in the ice bucket.

In a cocktail shaker combine vodka, a micro-tiny splash of dry vermouth (you don’t want too much- it will over power the pickle juice), and the strained spicy bread & butter pickle juice. Use your own discretion with the amount of pickle juice. I prefer a stronger taste- for me more is more! Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until the mixture is frothy, chilled, and mixed well. Strain the mixture into the chilled martini glass.

The garnish is the most important element to this tangy cocktail!! It’s like a fabulous accessory adding flair and fun... and a great conversation starter. The garnish also makes the perfect mid-drink snack!

Place a long sprig of fresh dill over the side, draping partially into the drink. Fold in half the thinly sliced pickled spear and place it onto the tapered swizzle stick or toothpick. Anchor in place with the baby cornichon or gherkin.

Stir the cocktail a few times with the garnish and enjoy your refreshing and zesty Mr. Pickletini!

Cheers!