There are lots of things to look forward to about summer. Long evenings that mean you can stay outside later and later, great weather (sorry, Texas and Arizona), fewer gray days and lots of barbecues. And one other thing: It’s pickle season.
OK, OK, the whole point of pickles is that they don’t really have a season. They’re preserved cucumbers, after all, and I’m sure they make it onto your sandwiches all year round. But there’s something about summertime and a fresh, cold pickle that absolutely transforms everything it touches: a burger, a sandwich, a hot dog, even your afternoon when they’re eaten straight out of a jar.
In celebration of that glorious experience, we rounded up some of the most mouthwateringly gourmet pickles available. These aren’t your standard spears — these are flavorful and unique, the kind of treat you’ll want to break out at a party but keep a jar to yourself too. Get ready for them.
Caraway-Garlic Dill Pickles
Enter your standard dill pickle, but taken up a delicious notch with fresh dill, earthy caraway seeds and garlic.
Caraway Garlic Dills, $15 at The Real Dill
Old Bay-Spiced Chesapeakles Pickles
There are few spices more iconic than Old Bay, and pairing it with pickles was a genius move.
Chesapeakles, $9 at Epic PIckles
Killa Dillas Ghost Pepper Pickles
For the true hothead, these pickles are spiked with truly spicy ghost peppers.
Killa Dillas, $10 at Epic Pickles
Jalapeño-Honey Dill Pickles
If you're looking for a pickle that will impress, this subtle spicy-sweet-salty combo is one to try.
Jalapeño Honey Dills, $15 at The Real Dill
Apple Cider Vinegar Pickles
For a subtle flavor shift, these cukes are pickled in apple cider vinegar.NYC Deli Pickles, $12 at Mouth
Hefeweizen Pickles
Get the beer on top of your brat with these vinegar-hefeweizen pickles.
Hefeweizen Bread & Butter Pickles, $13 at Mouth
Bacon Pickles
If you add bacon to anything, it tastes better — including pickles.
Bacon Pickle, $15 at Mouth
Habanero-Horseradish Dill Pickles
Love a kick with your pickle? These pickles won't disappoint.
Habanero Horseradish Dills, $15 at The Real Dill
Smoked Pickled Okra
Cucumbers aren't the only vegetable worth pickling. This pickled okra is spiced with smoked paprika for a flavor worthy of barbecue.
Smokra, $10 at Rick’s Picks
Spicy Pickled Beans
Or try these spicy pickled beans with red Thai chili and habanero.Lean 'n Mean Pickled Beans, $17 at Amazon
Pickled Carrots
These pickled carrots get an extra flavor boost with onion, garlic and jalapeño pepper.Carriots of Fire, $10 at Amazon
Organic Spicy Dill Pickles
What makes these spicy pickles stand out from the rest is their habanero-cilantro kick punched up by a pinch of cayenne.
Organic Spicy Dill Pickles, $50 for four jars at Real Pickles
Sammy’s Park Street Dills
These are hands down the most delicious pickles I have ever had. Unfortunately, they aren't sold online, but you can visit Sammy's Park Street Dills' website to find a store near you that carries them.
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