The act of sitting down with a fun drink in a fancy glass can be a relaxing end to a stressful day. Here’s a hearty mocktail for summer evenings that makes use of that flavorful pickle brine sitting in your fridge. Add tequila on the weekends.
serves 2

4 oz. water
3 oz. fresh lime juice
2 oz. pickle brine
2 Tbsp. honey
8 oz. kombucha

Pickled onions, garlic, or jalapeños, and fresh dill or thyme sprigs (optional), for garnish

Fill two 8-ounce highball glasses halfway with ice. In a cocktail shaker or lidded jar combine water, lime juice, pickle brine, and honey and shake well until honey is dissolved. Divide the mixture between the glasses, then top each with 4 oz. kombucha; stir. Garnish with pickled vegetables and herbs as desired.

This recipe and it’s title are directly inspired by the Shel Sliverstein poem Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me Too. Find it in his well-known collection for children (and a hoot for adults), Where the Sidewalk Ends.