Name: LALO Southern Batanga
Prep time: 4 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ ounces LALO Tequila Blanco; ⅓ ounce dill pickle brine; ½ ounce lime juice; Cherry Cola (to top); Salt rim; Pickle slice and one cherry (for garnish)

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First sips of this LALO Southern Batanga usually come with a raised eyebrow and a quick smile. The idea started during a laid back evening when cola and tequila felt right, but plain felt boring. Adding pickle brine and cherry cola turned it into something unexpected that worked far better than I imagined.

This cocktail fits right into casual nights, game day spreads, or backyard hangouts where fun flavors are welcome. It feels familiar enough to be approachable but different enough to get people talking. If you enjoy tequila cocktails that break the rules a little, this one deserves your attention.

Why You’ll Love This LALO Southern Batanga

This cocktail blends bold and familiar flavors in a way that feels natural once you taste it. It takes the classic Batanga idea and adds a Southern inspired twist that works surprisingly well. Every ingredient has a purpose, and nothing feels random.

Savory and slightly sweet flavor balance
Easy to make with minimal prep
Unique twist on classic tequila cocktails
Great conversation starter at gatherings
Refreshing without being sugary
Built directly in the glass

Once you try it, it sticks with you. It is one of those drinks that sounds unusual but ends up making sense.

Ingredients

The ingredients for the LALO Southern Batanga are simple, but the combination is what makes it special. Each element adds contrast and balance. Using quality tequila and fresh citrus makes a noticeable difference.

1 ½ ounces LALO Tequila Blanco
⅓ ounce dill pickle brine
½ ounce lime juice
Cherry Cola to top
Salt rim
Pickle slice and one cherry for garnish

LALO Tequila Blanco provides a clean agave base that stays smooth and crisp. Pickle brine adds savory depth without overpowering the drink. Lime juice brightens everything, while cherry cola ties it all together with subtle sweetness and fizz.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Choosing the right tequila matters in a drink this simple. You want something clean that does not fight the other flavors. Substitutions are easy if LALO is not available.

LALO Tequila Blanco for a crisp agave forward profile
Espolòn Blanco for a reliable substitute
El Jimador Blanco for a softer finish
Mexican cola with cherry syrup if cherry cola is unavailable
Regular cola plus maraschino cherry juice for similar sweetness

If your pickle brine is very salty, use a little less at first. You can always add more after tasting.

Equipment and Glassware

This cocktail is built directly in the glass, which keeps things easy. No shaker is required, and cleanup is minimal. The right glass helps keep the drink balanced.

A highball glass gives enough room for ice and cola without crowding the drink. Fresh ice helps keep everything cold and crisp.

How to Make It

The LALO Southern Batanga comes together quickly and does not require advanced technique. The key is building it in the right order so flavors mix evenly. Once you make it once, it becomes second nature.

Rim a highball glass with salt by running a lime wedge around the edge and dipping into salt.
Fill the glass with ice.
Add LALO Tequila Blanco, dill pickle brine, and fresh lime juice.
Top with cherry cola to taste.
Stir gently to combine without flattening the soda.
Garnish with a pickle slice and one cherry.

Taste before serving and adjust lime or cola if needed. The balance should feel bright, savory, and smooth.

Pro Tips

These tips help keep the drink balanced and enjoyable every time. Since flavors are bold, small adjustments matter. Paying attention to details makes a big difference.

Use fresh lime juice for brightness
Go light on pickle brine at first
Use quality cherry cola for smoother sweetness
Chill the glass before building
Stir gently to keep carbonation
Taste before garnishing and adjust if needed
Use clear ice for a cleaner look

Variations

This LALO Southern Batanga is flexible and fun to customize. Small changes can shift the flavor while keeping the core idea intact. These variations are easy to try.

Add a few drops of hot sauce for gentle heat
Use spicy pickle brine for extra bite
Swap cherry cola for vanilla cola
Add a squeeze of orange peel for citrus aroma
Skip the salt rim for a cleaner sip

Each variation keeps the drink playful while letting you tailor it to your taste.

When to Serve and Pairings

This cocktail works best in relaxed, social settings. It feels casual and confident, which makes it great for gatherings where people want something different. The savory notes pair well with bold foods.

Game day parties
Backyard cookouts
Casual dinners with friends
Late afternoon hangouts

Serve it alongside burgers, fried chicken, barbecue, or chips and dips. It also pairs nicely with other bold tequila cocktails on a shared menu.

Storage and Serving Notes

This cocktail should always be made fresh. Cola loses carbonation quickly, and the balance shifts if it sits too long. It is best built per glass.

If you are hosting, prep lime juice and garnish ahead of time. Build each drink fresh for best flavor and fizz.

FAQs

If this is your first time mixing with pickle brine and cola, a few questions usually come up. These answers help clear things up.

Does this drink taste like pickles?
No, the brine adds savory depth without dominating.

Is cherry cola required?
It works best, but regular cola with cherry juice also works.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoyed the LALO Southern Batanga, there are plenty of other drinks worth checking out. These options keep the focus on bold flavors and tequila.