A pickleback is a type of shot wherein a shot of whiskey is chased by a shot of pickle brine; the term "pickleback" may also refer only to the shot of pickle brine itself. Alternatively, the shot of whiskey can be chased by a bite of a pickle (generally, a whole dill pickle). The pickle brine works to neutralize both the taste of the whiskey and the burn of the alcohol.
Video Pickleback
History
The term "pickleback" was not coined by Michael Keough, although he has tried to take credit for it, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in 2006. He was introduced to the pairing by a Southern patron, and the pairing has some history in the Southern United States, notably Texas, along with similar pairings globally (vodka and pickles in Russia, tequila and pickle brine in Mexico). The original pairing was Old Crow bourbon and brine from McClure's spicy pickle spears, which remains the house speciality at the Bushwick Country Club:
"Reggie poured me a pickleback, which he described as the house specialty: a shot of Old Crow bourbon and an accompanying shot of brine from a jar of McClure's spicy dills." Reggie Cunningham, who's now widely credited with the drink's invention at the Bushwick Country Club, was quick to set the record straight, while possibly supporting Littrell's theory [of Texas origin]. "We were storing pickles for the McClure's guys in the basement when they first started their Brooklyn operations," he said. "I was just munching on some one night when this gravelly-voiced Southern chick asked for a shot of the juice alongside her whiskey. I said, 'No way,' but she made me have one with her, and I think I had, like, a dozen that night. Totally cured a cold I had, and no hangover. It took off like hell from there. That one drink totally cemented the bar."
Some sources offer an alternative origination for the pickleback, highlighting that the drink started in Philadelphia but became popular through its introduction in Brooklyn.
It's also been called a "whickle" since before 2006 in other parts of the U.S.
Maps Pickleback
International spread
The "pickleback" has spread internationally, particularly in the English-speaking world, with many bars now offering picklebacks on their menus. The drink has had significant success in Aberdeen, Scotland, thanks to their reputed popularity among staff of the craft brewer BrewDog whose flagship bar is in the city. This has resulted in city establishment "The Tippling House" having to increase their nightly supply of pickle brine to ensure that the drink can stay available.
British visitors returning to the United Kingdom from New York City introduced the recipe to bars in both London (as early as 2011), and Devon.
The drink has also spread to Canada and Shanghai.
TV-Media Spread
- In episode "Et Tu, Doctor?" (S1:E8 Minute 2:30) of Drama television series "Lucifer" detective Chloe Decker and his former husband detective Daniel "Dan" Espinoza bring as birthday gift a bottle of Whisky and a jar of pickle brine. They drink a toast together (Pickleback) for the Lucifer's Farewell to his angels wings.
References
External links
- Pogash, Jonathan (March 9, 2012). "NYC's 5 Best Bars For 'Pickleback' Shots". Latest Best of NY. CBS New York. Retrieved December 2, 2015.
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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