Sonic Drive-In recently shook up the world of beverages with their unique Picklerita, combining the bold flavors of pickle juice and lime in a refreshingly unexpected way. After taking one sip, I knew I had to try recreating this Sonic Picklerita at home.
Table of Contents
How to make Sonic Picklerita
Sonic Picklerita Slush is a limited‑time frozen drink released as part of their “Big Dill Meal” in collaboration with Grillo’s Pickles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pickle Juice (¼ cup)
- Limeade Concentrate (½ cup)
- Ice (2 cups)
- Sweetener (Optional: 1-2 tablespoons)
- Green Food Coloring (1-2 drops)
- Pickle Chips for Garnish (1 per glass)
Tools You’ll Need
- High-power blender
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Glasses for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Slush Base: In a blender, combine the pickle juice, limeade concentrate, and crushed ice. If you’d like the drink to be sweeter, add your preferred sweetener to the mix.
- Blend to Perfection: Blend on high power for about 30-40 seconds or until the mixture reaches a thick, slushy consistency. Adjust by adding more ice if it seems too thin, or more liquid if it’s too thick.
- Add the Signature Color (Optional): If you want to replicate the aesthetic of the Sonic Picklerita, drop in 1-2 drops of green food coloring and blend for a few seconds until evenly incorporated.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the slush into your serving glasses. Top each drink with a crunchy pickle chip for garnishing. You can even cut a small slit in the pickle chip and perch it on the rim for extra flair!
Tips for an Extra Sonic-Like Experience
- Pickle Juice Flavor Bubbles: Sonic adds pickle-flavored “bursting bubbles” to their drink for fun pops of flavor. While it may be harder to replicate at home, you can use popping boba (available at specialty stores) for a similar effect. Look for lime or green apple-flavored boba if pickle flavor isn’t available.
- Make It Boozy: Transform your Picklerita into a cocktail by adding a splash of tequila or vodka to the blender. This twist turns your drink into the perfect summertime adult treat!
- Experiment with Pickle Types: Dill pickle juice adds a classic tanginess, but you can try bread-and-butter pickle juice for a slightly sweeter variation.
- Serve Cold: Chill your glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before serving to keep the slush icy cold.
What to serve with
The Sonic Picklerita is no ordinary drink—it’s bold, tangy, salty, and refreshingly unique. To enhance the experience, serve it with foods that complement its briny pickle juice base and tart lime flavors.
- Fried Pickles: Double down on the pickle theme! Crispy, breaded fried pickles served with ranch or a spicy dipping sauce (like chipotle mayo) mirror the tangy, salty nature of the Picklerita while adding crunch.
- Soft Pretzels with Mustard Dip: Soft pretzels are the perfect balance of saltiness and chewiness. Pair them with tangy mustard or a dill pickle-flavored dip for a savory combination that harmonizes beautifully with the drink’s flavors.
- Charcuterie Board: A spread of meats, cheeses, crackers, and pickled condiments like olives, gherkins, and pickled onions complements the briny notes of the Picklerita. Opt for bold-flavored cheeses like sharp cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack.
- Popcorn or Chips with Pickle Seasoning: Dust plain popcorn or potato chips with pickle-flavored seasoning (widely available at stores) for a simple yet flavorful pairing. Think of it as a crunchy snack to counter the icy smoothness of the drink.
Ingredients Substitutes
The Sonic Picklerita is a unique, fun cocktail featuring a savory twist with pickle juice. If you’re looking to make the drink but don’t have access to certain ingredients, here are some detailed substitutes you can use to recreate the flavors as closely as possible.
1. Tequila
Substitutes:
If you don’t have tequila, try using another clear liquor to maintain a similar profile:
- Vodka: Neutral flavor that blends well with pickle juice.
- White Rum: Slightly sweeter, but pairs well with lime juice.
- Gin: For a herbal note that complements pickle juice.
2. Pickle Juice
Substitutes:
Pickle juice is the star of this cocktail, but if you don’t have pickle juice, try:
- Cucumber Water with Salt and Vinegar: Blend fresh cucumber with water, add a touch of vinegar (white or apple cider), and salt to mimic the tanginess of pickle juice.
- Olive Brine: Provides a similar salty flavor with a more robust undertone.
- Kimchi Brine: For a funkier twist on the savory aspect.
3. Lime Juice
Substitutes:
Lime juice provides acidity and freshness. If unavailable, you can use:
- Lemon Juice: Slightly sweeter but has a similar citrus tang.
- Vinegar (like Apple Cider or White Vinegar): Just a splash to mimic the acidity. Balance with a bit more simple syrup to avoid overpowering the drink.
- Unsweetened Citrus Soda (like Squirt or 7UP): Adds acidity and sweetness simultaneously.
4. Simple Syrup
Substitutes:
You can replace simple syrup (which is just sugar dissolved in water):
- Honey Syrup: Mix honey with water (1:1 ratio).
- Agave Nectar: Common in tequila cocktails and works great for sweetness.
- Maple Syrup: Adds a unique depth of sweetness, but use it sparingly to avoid altering the flavor too much.
- Stevia Drops or Monk Fruit: For a sugar-free alternative.
5. Salt Rim
Substitutes:
If you need an alternative to salt for the rim:
- Celery Salt: Adds a savory note without overwhelming the drink.
- Smoked Salt: For a smoky, bold flavor.
- Tajin (Chili-Lime Seasoning): A tangy and spicy substitute, perfect for cocktails.
- Sugar: If you prefer a sweeter contrast to the savory drink.
6. Ice
Substitutes:
Ice is essential, but if you’re looking for alternatives:
- Chilled Cocktail Shaker: Instead of adding ice directly, shake with a cold shaker and strain.
- Frozen Cucumber Slices: Add freshness while keeping the drink cold.
Final Thoughts
By carefully selecting these substitutes, you can recreate a delicious variation of the Sonic Picklerita, even if you’re missing some of the original ingredients.
More Sonic Recipes:
- Homemade Sonic Boba Drink Recipe
- Copycat Sonic Twisted Flamingo Recipe
- Copycat Sonic Cream Slush Recipe
- Copycat Sonic Unicorn Slush Recipe
Ingredients
- Pickle Juice (¼ cup)
- Limeade Concentrate (½ cup)
- Ice (2 cups)
- Sweetener (Optional: 1-2 tablespoons)
- Green Food Coloring (1-2 drops)
- Pickle Chips for Garnish (1 per glass)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slush Base: In a blender, combine the pickle juice, limeade concentrate, and crushed ice. If you'd like the drink to be sweeter, add your preferred sweetener to the mix.
- Blend to Perfection: Blend on high power for about 30-40 seconds or until the mixture reaches a thick, slushy consistency. Adjust by adding more ice if it seems too thin, or more liquid if it’s too thick.
- Add the Signature Color (Optional): If you want to replicate the aesthetic of the Sonic Picklerita, drop in 1-2 drops of green food coloring and blend for a few seconds until evenly incorporated.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the slush into your serving glasses. Top each drink with a crunchy pickle chip for garnishing. You can even cut a small slit in the pickle chip and perch it on the rim for extra flair!
