Pickled Cocktail Onions
Pickled cocktail onions are a tangy, crunchy addition to many drinks and dishes. They bring a unique flavor that can elevate your cocktails or add a delightful bite to salads and charcuterie boards. Making your own pickled onions is simple and rewarding, allowing you to control the ingredients and flavors.
Why Make This Recipe
Making pickled cocktail onions at home is easy and allows you to customize the taste to your liking. You can enjoy them fresh without preservatives and adjust the sweetness or spice level. They make great gifts and can impress guests at parties or family gatherings. Plus, they add a pop of color and flavor to your meals!
How to Make Pickled Cocktail Onions
Ingredients:
- 18 oz pearl onions
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp coarse salt
- OPTIONAL: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Directions:
- Place the pearl onions and coriander seeds in a large sealable jar.
- In a large saucepan, mix the remaining ingredients (water, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and coarse salt). Heat over medium heat, stirring often. Bring this mixture to a low boil for about 5 minutes.
- Carefully pour the hot mixture over the onions in the jar. Seal the jar tightly and allow the onions to pickle for 3 days. Remember to shake the jar a couple of times each day to mix the flavors.
How to Serve Pickled Cocktail Onions
Pickled cocktail onions are perfect for garnishing cocktails like martinis or bloody marys. You can also use them in salads, sandwiches, or as part of a relish platter. They add a tasty zing that balances rich flavors.
How to Store Pickled Cocktail Onions
Store your pickled onions in the refrigerator. They should last for up to 1 month. Make sure to keep them in the sealed jar to maintain their freshness. Notice the flavor develop as they sit!
Tips to Make Pickled Cocktail Onions
- For easier peeling, blanch the pearl onions in boiling water for a minute, then transfer them to an ice bath before peeling.
- Adjust the level of sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your taste.
- You can also experiment with other spices like mustard seeds or dill for different flavor profiles.
Variation
For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes. You can also try using different types of vinegar, such as rice vinegar, for a unique twist.
FAQs
Q: How long do pickled onions last?
A: When stored properly in the refrigerator, pickled onions can last up to 1 month.
Q: Can I use other types of onions?
A: Yes, you can use small yellow or red onions if you can’t find pearl onions.
Q: Do I need to boil the mixture?
A: Boiling the mixture helps to dissolve the sugar and salt, allowing for better flavor infusion. It’s a key step in the pickling process.
