Place 12 oz neutral vodka and 6 pickle slices in a clean jar. Add 1 tbsp pickle brine to boost flavor. Seal and refrigerate. For a bright Durty Gurl profile, allow to infuse at least 2 hours for a mild pickle note, 8–24 hours for stronger flavor. Taste periodically; remove pickles when desired intensity is reached. Strain out solids through a fine mesh and store infused vodka chilled.

Cocktail Assembly

Prepare the glass: Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a highball or pint glass (12–16 oz). Dip the rim into coarse celery salt or rimmer mix combined with a drop of pickle brine to adhere a savory rim.

Fill the glass with ice to chill while you assemble the drink (about 1 cup).

In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass filled with ice, pour 2 oz house pickle-infused vodka, 4 oz tomato juice, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.5 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 0.5 tsp prepared horseradish, 3 dashes hot sauce, and 2 dashes chocolate bitters.

Season the mixture with a pinch of celery salt and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Gently roll or stir the mixture for 10–15 seconds to combine and slightly chill. Do not overshake (to avoid bruising the tomato juice).

Discard the ice from the chilled glass and fill with fresh ice. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass.

Garnish with a pickle spear and lemon wedge. Add optional cooked shrimp or a crispy bacon strip if desired for an extra larder-style presentation.

Serve with a straw and stirrer; advise the drinker to taste and adjust with additional hot sauce, pickle brine, or lemon if they prefer more heat, acid, or brine.