Sonic’s Picklerita Slush is loud, cold, briny and strangely refreshing in the best possible way. It’s the kind of drink that makes people say “wait… that’s actually good” after one sip. Inspired by the tangy combo of lime and dill, this frozen drink blends real pickle juice with lemon-lime soda and a squeeze of citrus for that signature pucker.
This copycat version brings all the zing of the original into your blender at home, perfect for a summer backyard burger night or just when you’re craving something icy and bold. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it only takes five minutes.
Table of Contents
How to make Copycat Picklerita Slush
The drink blends crushed ice, Grillo’s-style dill pickle juice, lemon-lime soda and lime juice into a smooth frozen texture. Optionally sweetened with simple syrup and finished with a pickle chip garnish, it’s fun, fast and fantastically salty.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Calories per serving: 90
Ingredients, tools, instructions and tips
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed ice
- 1/4 cup dill pickle juice (Grillo’s preferred)
- 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda
- Juice from 1/2 lime
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup (optional)
- Dill pickle chip for garnish
Tools You’ll Need
- Blender
- Measuring cup
- Citrus juicer or fork
- Spoon
- Glass
- Straw (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients
Juice half a lime and set aside. Chill the soda and pickle juice if you want a thicker result. - Blend the slush
Add crushed ice, pickle juice, soda, lime juice and simple syrup into your blender. Blend until slushy. - Serve immediately
Pour into a cold glass. Garnish with a dill pickle chip and serve with a straw or spoon.
Tips
- Freeze the pickle juice and soda in ice cube trays for a stronger, slower-melting slush.
- Add extra lime juice for more sourness or a dash of salt for extra zip.
- No need to add sweetener if you prefer it sharp and briny.
- Blend in a few fresh mint leaves for a refreshing twist.
- Make a grown-up version by adding 1 oz vodka or blanco tequila.
What to serve with the dish
The Picklerita Slush pairs perfectly with savory, salty or spicy meals. Serve it next to smash burgers, grilled hot dogs, fried chicken, or anything with a creamy sauce to cut through the richness. It’s also great with salty snacks like kettle chips or crispy dill-flavored popcorn. If you’re going for a full pickle party, match it with fried pickles and ranch on the side.
Ingredient substitutes
- Pickle Juice
Original Ingredient: Grillo’s dill pickle juice
Substitutes:
- Homemade pickle brine using cucumbers, vinegar, garlic and dill
- Store-bought kosher dill pickle juice
- A mix of lemon juice, water, vinegar and dill if no pickle juice available
- Lemon-Lime Soda
Original Ingredient: Sprite or 7UP
Substitutes:
- Sparkling water with a splash of lime juice for a lighter option
- Ginger ale for a sweet and spicy kick
- Club soda plus 1 tablespoon sugar and a few lime slices
- Simple Syrup
Original Ingredient: Sugar syrup
Substitutes:
- Maple syrup for a natural sweetness
- Honey (thin with warm water)
- Stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a low-calorie version
- Lime Juice
Original Ingredient: Fresh lime
Substitutes:
- Bottled lime juice
- Lemon juice for a slightly different citrus profile
- White vinegar in small amounts (1 tsp) if nothing else is on hand
- Dill Pickle Chip Garnish
Original Ingredient: Grillo’s pickle chip
Substitutes:
- Any crunchy dill pickle slice
- Cucumber wheel with dill salt
- No garnish at all if you want to keep it simple
Ingredients
1 cup crushed ice
1/4 cup dill pickle juice (Grillo’s preferred)
1/2 cup lemon-lime soda
Juice from 1/2 lime
1 tablespoon simple syrup (optional)
Dill pickle chip for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients
Juice half a lime and set aside. Chill the soda and pickle juice if you want a thicker result.
Blend the slush
Add crushed ice, pickle juice, soda, lime juice and simple syrup into your blender. Blend until slushy.
Serve immediately
Pour into a cold glass. Garnish with a dill pickle chip and serve with a straw or spoon.
