“Brine and soda is a funkier, saltier, but equally simple alternative to syrup and soda. With this recipe, Minetta Gould of Lady Jane in Denver, Colorado, kicks brine and soda up a notch, adding citrus juice to the mix and using jarred Sweety Drops, which are pickled Peruvian peppers. Peppadews, sweet cherry peppers, or even bread-and-butter pickles could work, too, but I recommend reducing or even omitting the simple syrup if you go the latter route.” —Julia Bainbridge in Good Drinks: Alcohol-Free Recipes for When You’re Not Drinking for Whatever Reason
Drinks
Nectar of the Gods
For total refreshment, combine citrus, bubbles, and your favorite pickle brine—just trust us

photo: Alex Lau
Ingredients
-
2 oz. freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
¾ oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ oz. sweet pickle brine
½ oz. simple syrup (1 part water: 1 part sugar)
5–6 oz. soda water
1 grapefruit slice or pickle, for garnish
Preparation
Combine the juices, brine, and simple syrup in a collins glass and stir to combine. Add ice and top with soda water, gently stirring once more. Garnish with the grapefruit slice or pickle.
Batch for 6:
Combine 1 ½ cups grapefruit juice, ½ cup plus 1 tbsp. lemon juice, 3 oz. brine, and 3 oz. simple syrup in a pitcher and stir to combine. Add ice and top with 3 ¾ cups soda water, gently stirring once more. Divide among 6 collins glasses, adding more soda water if you wish. Garnish each with a grapefruit slice or pickle.
Note:
You could keep a batch of the base (the juices, syrup, and brine) in the fridge for a couple weeks without losing much integrity. Just top with soda water to serve.

Reprinted with permission from Good Drinks: Alcohol-Free Recipes for When You’re Not Drinking for Whatever Reason by Julia Bainbridge, copyright © 2020.
Published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House.
Related Stories:

Food & Drink
The Art of Paella
The Atlanta chef John Castellucci shares his recipe and tips for the traditional Spanish dish

Food & Drink
Banana Cream Pie With a Twist
Try this signature Greenville dessert for National Banana Cream Pie Day

Food & Drink
Chef David Guas’ King Cake
A classic Mardi Gras treat from the owner of Arlington, Virginia’s, Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery
Trending Stories:

Food & Drink
The Mad Scientist of Pawpaws
Largely the domain of foragers, the biggest edible fruit in the South has mostly been forgotten. A quietly obsessed Quaker from West Virginia has made it his life’s mission to change that

Food & Drink
How an Award-Winning Pastry Chef Doctors Up Boxed Cornbread
Even Kelly Fields whips up a box of Jiffy every once in a while. Here’s how she makes the store-bought stuff her own

Arts & Culture
The Top-of-2021 Reading List for Southerners
G&G contributors, editors, and Southern book lovers share new releases and old favorites to read right away this year—and a couple forthcoming releases already on preorder