How to Make Pickled Onions Like a Pro

 

Gibson Onions

Homemade Bathtub Gin makes a great base for your own Hand-crafted Martini. Add a few pickled onions, and now you have a Gibson. You can really take your Hand-crafted Home-made Cocktail game up a notch, by making your own pickled onions. Use the following recipe to make pickled onions that would be the envy of any bartender.

Gather your Ingredients

Here's what you will need:

• 10 oz small red pearl onions, ends cut off and carefully peeled smooth
• 1 tsp. whole peppercorns
• 5 cardamom pods
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 3 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup of vinegar (1/4 sherry, 1/4 balsamic, 1/4 rice, 1/4 red wine)
• Or1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• Tbsp. course salt
• A couple of gratings of nutmeg

Pickling Your Onions

Sterilize a large Mason jar and lid by boiling in water for 15 minutes. Carefully remove the jat with tongs and set it on a paper towel, mouth side up.

Add the dry spices and thyme to the jar.

In a medium sauce pan, bring the liquids, salt and sugar to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Add the onions and cook for one minute.

Add the liquid and onions to the jar. Grate nutmeg over the top. Cover tightly and allow to cool. 

Once cool, give the jar a gentle shake, turning it upside down and back again a few times. Place in the fridge. They are ready to use the next day.

Your pickled onions will store in the fridge for 4-6 weeks.

Time for a Drink

Now that your onions are ready, it's time for a drink. The following recipe makes a delicious Gibson. For the gin, use your own Homemade Bathtub Gin.

Gibson

• 2 oz. dry gin of choice
• 1/2 oz. very dry vermouth
• 2 to 3 dashes orange bitters
  
• bar spoon of onion brine
• garnish with 3 pickled pearl onions

In a mixing glass, stir the gin and vermouth with ice until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled Martini glass. Garnish with your onions. Enjoy!

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