Pickles are crunchy, briny, and downright addictive. But once the jar is empty, most people pour the leftover juice straight into the sink.
That’s a mistake! Pickle juice is packed with flavor, minerals, and vinegar, making it useful for way more than just storing cucumbers. From easing sore muscles to spicing up your cooking, here are 15 clever ways to use that tangy liquid.
1. Relieve Muscle Cramps
Athletes swear by pickle juice for fast cramp relief. The sodium and potassium work quickly to relax muscles and replenish electrolytes.
2. Cure a Hangover
Because it restores electrolytes, pickle juice can help ease headaches and fatigue after a night out. A few sips may help you recover faster.
3. Soothe Acid Reflux
The vinegar in pickle juice helps balance stomach acid. A small sip can provide quick relief from heartburn or indigestion.
4. Flavor Bloody Marys (or Beer!)
Add a splash to cocktails for a salty, tangy kick. It’s especially good in Bloody Marys or even a cold beer for a “pickleback.”
5. Tenderize Meat
The brine’s vinegar and salt make it an excellent marinade. Try it on chicken, pork, or steak with added garlic and herbs for extra flavor.
6. Bake Better Rye Bread
Swap out water for pickle juice in your recipe. It makes the bread moist and adds a subtle tang that pairs perfectly with sandwiches.
7. Brighten Potato Salad and Coleslaw
A splash of pickle juice takes these creamy dishes to the next level. It balances out the richness and adds a refreshing zing.
8. Quick Pickled Onions or Eggs
Drop sliced onions or peeled boiled eggs into the brine. In just a few hours, you’ll have flavorful toppings for burgers, tacos, or snacks.
9. Deglaze Pans for Tangy Sauces
After searing meat, use pickle juice to loosen up the browned bits. It creates a quick, savory base for pan sauces or gravies.
10. Restore Electrolytes After Exercise
Think of it as a natural sports drink. The mix of sodium, potassium, and vinegar helps your body bounce back after sweating.
11. Soothe Sunburn and Bug Bites
Chilled pickle juice can calm irritated skin. The vinegar helps reduce redness from sunburn and itchiness from mosquito bites.
12. Revive Houseplants
In small amounts, the potassium in pickle juice can boost plant health. Just dilute it with water so the salt doesn’t harm the soil.
13. Pickle More Veggies
Don’t stop at cucumbers. Toss in carrots, garlic, jalapeños, or even leftover boiled potatoes for quick pickled snacks.
14. Clean Tarnished Copper Pans
Pickle juice combines vinegar and salt, which cut through oxidation. Rub it on dull copper to bring back the shine.
15. Add Zing to Soups and Stews
A spoonful of pickle juice brightens heavy dishes. It adds acidity that balances rich flavors in chili, bean soup, or beef stew.