Pickles. They’re crunchy, tangy, craveable—and endlessly versatile. But what about the unsung hero of the pickle jar? Yes, we’re talking about pickle juice. That briny byproduct you might be tempted to pour down the drain? It’s actually a secret weapon in the kitchen (and maybe even in your wellness routine).
In this all-in-one guide, we’re diving deep into everything pickles and pickle juice—how to make your own pickles at home, what to do with leftover pickle juice, and why this salty liquid deserves way more credit than it gets.
First, What Is Pickle Juice?
Pickle juice—aka pickle brine—is a salty, acidic liquid typically made from vinegar, water, salt, and spices like dill, garlic, or peppercorns. It’s what gives dill pickles their signature pucker and preserves vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, radishes, and more.
You can make your own pickle juice recipe at home (here’s how to quick pickle leftover veggies) or save the juice from a jar of store-bought pickles to repurpose later.
Is Pickle Juice Actually Good for You?
Yes—and no. While it’s no magic potion, drinking pickle juice can offer some surprising benefits:
- Electrolytes: Thanks to the sodium and vinegar, it can help replenish electrolytes after a sweaty workout (hello, pickle juice for cramps).
- Digestion: Some studies suggest vinegar-based brine may aid digestion.
- Craving something salty? Your body might be telling you it needs sodium—aka, the real reason you’re craving pickle juice.
So is pickle juice healthy? In moderation, yes. Just don’t swap it for water. (And definitely consult your doctor before taking a daily pickle juice shot.)
So… What Can You Do with Pickle Juice?
Don’t toss that jar! Here are creative, low-waste ways to use up leftover dill pickle juice:
- 🧃 Make a pickle juice drink or mocktail. Try this refreshing 3-Ingredient Pickle Juice Spritz
- 🍋 Stir it into lemonade. Yup, it works. Try Pickle Juice Lemonade
- 🍦 Freeze it into popsicles. Tart, tangy, and fun—our Pickle Juice Popsicles are a no-waste snack
- 🌿 Blend it into sauces. The salty brine adds a zingy punch to this Pickle Juice-Tahini Dressing
- 🫙 Pickle more things! Yes, you can reuse your pickle brine to pickle more veggies like carrots, garlic, jalapeños—even Swiss chard stems and watermelon rinds
Pickles = Veggies (That Last Way Longer)
If you’ve ever wondered, is a pickle a vegetable?—the answer is yes. Most pickles start out as veggies like cucumbers, beets, tomatoes, or onions, and get transformed via pickling, an age-old preservation method using vinegar or fermentation.
Quick pickling is a fantastic way to reduce food waste at home, especially for produce that’s on its last legs. Here’s how to start pickling your own leftover veggies, no canning skills required.
Pickle Recipes You’ll Want to Try
If you’re looking for a place to start, we’ve rounded up our favorite pickle recipes and pickle juice recipes:
- 🧊 Easy Pickle Juice Popsicles
- 🍸 Pickle Juice Spritz
- 🥄 Pickle Juice-Tahini Dressing
- 🫙 How to Pickle Leftover Produce with Brine
- 🍉 How to Quick Pickle Watermelon Rinds
- 🌈 Quick Pickled Rainbow Swiss Chard Stems
- 🌽 Dill Pickle Salsa: The Ultimate No-Waste Recipe
TL;DR: Don’t Sleep on the Pickle Jar
From tangy toppings to cocktails and marinades, pickle juice uses are endless. So next time you find yourself holding an empty jar of dill pickles, remember: the brine is just the beginning. It’s one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your food, try something new in the kitchen, and reduce food waste at home.
Craving something sour? You’re not alone. There’s a whole world of pickle juice recipes, pickle hacks, and pickled goodness waiting.