Pickles.
They’re just one of those things that are inherently funny. They don’t even have to do anything; just the fact that they exist is amusing. (Kind of like cats, noses, and octopuses.)
One thing (out of many) that makes them funny is their polarizing qualities. Pickle is one of the food fads du jour, but plenty of people can’t stand them.
I like pickles, but I’m no fanatic (I like to get pickle products mostly to gross out my pickle-hating friends). I think the cukes’ silliness is the main reason they’re having their heyday. Because of this, I think Sonic’s new Pickle Juice Snow Cone Slush is primarily a marketing gimmick to make people laugh.
I don’t eat in my car, so I went to a Sonic with a dining area. When I walked in, I said to the cashier, “Can I get a…” and she finished my sentence: “Pickle slush?” She thought I chose small because I wasn’t a risk taker, but the fact is that I just can’t eat that much slushiness.
I told her I was trying it for this review, and she asked if I was going to put in a pickle spear, instead of a decorative umbrella. I was disappointed when she said they didn’t actually offer pickle spears with the drink. What a missed opportunity, Sonic!
When I took my first sip, I thought, “Yep. That’s totally pickle juice.” It’s exactly what you would expect to find in a jar of dill pickles—a tart, acidic flavor.
But by my second sip, I thought, “Yep. That’s totally a Sonic slush.” See, even though dill pickles are a savory food, this is still a sugary slush. I have had shaved ice that had pickle juice flavoring, and it was just like pure pickle juice, not sweet at all. But Sonic’s version is just as sweet (or almost as sweet) as their other flavors. I’ve heard of serious athletes using pickle juice as a recovery drink, but this slush is no health food.
Personally, I enjoyed it, and I liked it more than I probably would have if it weren’t sweet. The dill and the sweetness didn’t clash as much as you might expect. It was refreshing.
I got a cheeseburger with my slush, and since there were no actual pickles in the slush, I transferred a couple of pickle slices to the drink. But I don’t recommend it; the sweetness didn’t match the real pickles, and I don’t like chewing cold things.
I can’t help wondering who this is for. If you don’t like pickles or pickle juice, then you won’t like it. And if you love pickle juice, you will be disappointed that it’s so sugary. I guess it’s for people who are somewhat apathetic about pickles, who like sweet slushes, and who enjoy trying weird foods.
I might get it again, but only because of its utter weirdness. It’s not any better than the other Sonic flavors.
(Nutrition Facts – Not listed on Sonic’s website, but a small Slush without any flavoring contains: 180 calories, 0 calories from fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 grams of cholesterol, 30 grams of sodium, 48 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 48 grams of sugar, and 0 grams of protein.)
Purchased Price: $1.49
Size: Small
Rating: 7 out of 10
Pros: Sweet and refreshing. Dill flavor doesn’t clash with the slush as much as you might expect. Pickles are hilarious.
Cons: Not a health food. Doesn’t come with pickles. Who is it for, exactly?
As a runner, I think this actually has potential as a recovery beverage—the sugar, the salt, and the slush itself (research has shown that a slush helps an overheated athlete recover better than mere ice water).
Me? I’ll stick to Nuun. But my BIL the pickle fiend will probably give it a try.
If they don’t offer pickle spears, why did she ask if you wanted one instead of an umbrella? For that matter, what Sonic is putting umbrellas in them?
I likewise found it odd that she asked if I was going to use a pickle spear when she didn’t have any pickles (or umbrellas) to offer. It was a very strange conversation.
“Lol, jk…we have no pickle spears.”
Ok, umbrella will be fine.
“Lol, jk…we have no umbrellas.”
Absolutely love this slush. A Route 44 I my has 120mg of sodium, that’s less than a pickle spear! I’m a pickle fanatic and I get one every day!!
I had two yesterday. The flavor seemed to morph from zesty (which I really wanted more of) to almost a salty margarita taste. It really was the right combination of salty, sweet, and sour for me.
I tried one and absolutely loved it, but then I am a pickle fiend. I do wish it were less sweet. It tasted soooo good, but I have to limit my sugar intake or I’d have one every single day (seriously). It did remind me of a margarita in a way, and I would suggest people who like a salty margarita try it.
I tried this and it was horrible.
Has potential yes. Sweet pickle juice is how this needs to be labeled. Now try will pickle juice that’s what I thought I was getting.
Hasnt anyone ever heard of a sweet pickle? I’m assuming from rhe description of rhe flavor that is similar to what this drink tastes like. I myself am a HUGE dill pickle freak but dislike sweet pickles emensly…I just can’t believe this taste good!?
I can believe it’s tasty. Decades ago, some ice cream test store offered scoops of dill pickle ice cream. It really was wonderful, and I wasn’t even pregnant. Have never seen it since. No Sonic near me or else
I would try this.
There must be home recipes for dill pickle ice cream somewhere….
Im sorry but who in the world actually eats this stuff!?!! All that sodium and sugar. I mean to each his own but this is like diabetes and heart disease in a cup….
I came across this site when I was looking online for nutrition facts to show my dad who regretfully bought one of these. Oh and yes he does have type 2 diabetes. Surprising huh?! Lol