Your Beer Is Missing A Splash Of This Liquid For Maximum Flavor

Beautifully sweet and bitter, rounded out by toasted malt and a crisp, hoppy finish, beer is the ultimate thirst quencher — especially during those endless summer months when all you can think of is something cold and refreshing at the end of the day. Whether sipped straight from the bottle or poured into a perfectly crafted cocktail, beer never fails to deliver. That's why it comes as no surprise that it ranks among the most beloved alcoholic beverages around the world.

Speaking of cocktails, it goes without saying that one of the best mixers for beer is simply another beer. Believe it or not, 7 Up and beer also make for a surprisingly refreshing cocktail. But, if you think you've seen it all when it comes to beer cocktails, just hold that thought for a second. Have you ever thought about adding a splash of pickle juice to your beer and turning it into pickle beer? It might sound strange at first, but the salty, vinegary brine we use to preserve pickles can actually give your beer a seriously zesty, tangy flavor boost. It might surprise you how well pickle juice pairs with beer, particularly when mixed into beers with a slightly tart profile. This is because of the fermentation process the brine goes through, along with all the rich flavors it develops during this time. Once mixed into beer, the brine's acidity and saltiness combines well with the beer's fizziness to create a unique and delicious drink.

To prove that beer actually benefits from a tangy-salty twist, just think of a classic Corona. For those unfamiliar with the brand or the kind of beer Corona is, it's simply a Mexican-style lager. If you're a true fan, however, you surely know how perfectly it pairs with a lime wedge squeezed into the bottle and a sprinkle of sea salt around the rim. It's amazing how a bit of salt and tang can totally enhance a beer's flavor. Hence, dropping a pickle or an olive inside your glass — or pouring in a bit of pickle juice — can absolutely have the same delicious effect. That's why beer is one of the drinks you should start adding pickle juice to.

The best part about it is that you're not limited to just one style of beer (although it does work particularly well with light lagers). Whether you decide to go for a light and crisp pale ale, a smooth and creamy wheat beer, or a full-bodied and roasty stout, the options are endless — just like the amount of flavor combinations waiting to be uncovered. That said, don't be afraid to experiment. Why stop at beer? Get creative and mix things up to see how your favorite brew pairs with different types of pickle brine, whether dill, sweet, or even spicy. All that's left to do at the end is grab a few pickles (whether cornichons or the bread and butter kind), and garnish your glass for the full experience. Cheers!