Where to Find Salty and Briny Drinks Around D.C.

Pickleback shots, half-smoke flavors, and oyster shell-washed vodkas are coming in hot this summer

Cocktails tend to burst with lots of sweet fruits, florals, and frothy ingredients this time of year. But those thirsty for a new flavor profile are in luck, with more D.C. bartenders showcasing the savory side of cocktails this summer. There's also an evident uptick in pickleback shots, which can act as quick antidotes to this steamy summer heat (pickle juice contains natural electrolytes via sodium, potassium, and magnesium).

Here are 13 salty, brine-centric alternatives to the typical summer cocktail. For well-made martinis around town, go here.

The Adams Morgan restaurant's version of a Gibson ($16) shines a spotlight on red onion pickles — a famed creation at Zuni Cafe in San Francisco. The drink mixes brine from homemade Zuni onions with gin and vermouth. On the food side of the menu, Zuni onions are also featured prominently in a briny snack: the crispy salt cod, which the Michelin-rated mainstay has served pretty much since day one.

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Homemade za’atar olive brine combines nuttiness with salt in this Mediterranean-leaning classic ($15). Sumac-sesame olive oil floats to the top of the coupe, providing some visual excitement.

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For the sweltering days of summer, Truxton Inn's new pickleback flight may do the trick to keep electrolytes up. This four-part flight ($10) features a shot of Jameson and three different types of locally-sourced pickle juices, plus a selection of pickles. — Tierney Plumb

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The popular Latin rotisserie bar sends out a no-frills pickleback shot ($6) that pairs nicely with its wraps, chicken tenders, and plantains. The 14th Street NW original sells a minimum of 20 per night, a bartender tells Eater. There's also a location in Columbia, Maryland, and a second D.C. outpost en route to Navy Yard.

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This Tex-Mex spot's version of a pickleback shot ($8) swaps pico de gallo juice for the classic pickle brine whisky chaser. The punny take on the briny classic can be enjoyed in between other Tex-Mex staples like spicy margaritas, Ranch Water, and a Beer-Rita.

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Starting Wednesday, July 20, dairy giant Velveeta teams up with BLT Restaurant Group to release an "unapologetic, outrageously cheesy" spin on a martini. Served from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at five BLT restaurants across the U.S., including the one in downtown D.C., for a limited time only ($15). — T.P.

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This Georgetown waterfront institution delivers a taste of the ocean in between bites of its acclaimed seafood selections. This take on a dirty martini uses oyster shell-washed vodka and caper brine ($23). The cocktail is named after a 1953 James Bond novel, and a nod to the detective's first drink order—the famously self-created Vesper Martini.

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Penn Quarter's branch of the New York City-based brasserie doubles down on the "dirty" part of its martini, mixing not just olive brine but also olive bitters with vodka and vermouth ($15).

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Two of D.C.'s more treasured creations —the hearty half-smoke and gin Rickey — collide at Ryan Chetiyawardana's experimental bar in the depths of the Riggs hotel. The savory new concoction features fennel seed-infused Fords gin, lime, soda, and a homemade jalapeno "Flat Top" shrub as a nod to the grills used to cook the iconic U Street NW invention. An onion garnish, pickled with sausage spices like mustard, rounds out the $15 drink (with a booze-free version for $11). — T.P.

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The Capitol Hill bourbon bar pays homage to the whisky and pickle brine combo with a three-pronged approach: a can of Bud Light paired with shots of rye and pickle juice ($12). The briny trio is one of the bar's "Happy Meals," which pair beers with shots and toys.

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Along with heaping plates of saucy pasta and chicken parmesan, this Capitol Hill destination translates classic American-Italian flavors into liquid form. The restaurant's version of a dirty martini includes tomato gin and olive brine, then topped with a mini caprese-style skewer ($10).

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Head to this reliable raw bar to sip a "Buoy" ($13) — an aptly named gin- and vodka-based dirty martini. If that's not enough brine for you, classic picklebacks ($8) are also available. Available at all three Hank's locations (the Wharf, Dupont, and Old Town).

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Pico de gallo brine is mixed with tequila ($15) at Navy Yard's flashy Mexican newcomer. The chain's first D.C. outpost opened just in time for the height of Nats season and the city's swampy summer weather. Cool down with this salty sipper in between bites of the restaurant's famously fuchsia fare.

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