Fourth of July & Summer Cookout Guide: Pickles, Burgers, and Independence from Boring Food

From Memorial Day to the Fourth of July to Labor Day, cookout season is pickle season. No food suffers more from a bad pickle — or shines brighter with a great one — than a backyard burger. Here's the full summer playbook.

The perfect burger build (settled science)

Pickle placement matters: chips go under the patty (they grip the bun and don't slide), and the science of acidity says every rich, smoky bite needs a sharp counterpoint. The Dill Chips were made for this job — a little salty, all crunch. Heat lovers: swap in The Hot Pickle or Sweet Jalapeños.

Hot-day hydration, the old-school way

Sweating through a 95° Atlanta afternoon? Pickle brine's sodium and electrolytes are the original sports drink — research-backed for cramps and rehydration (the pros sip it on sidelines for a reason). A splash of The Pickle Juice in ice water is the cookout host's secret. Full science in our athlete's guide.

The red, white & green spread

• Red: Red Jalapeños, Red Beets, Half Tomatoes
• White(ish): Cauliflower, Spicy Garlic
• Green: Dill Spears, Green Beans, Okra

Potato salad's secret ingredient

Chopped Bread and Butter pickles plus a spoonful of their brine in the dressing. Your potato salad will get asked for by name.

Why the cooler deserves better

Summer eating is heavy on salt and sugar; our jars are the exception — 79% less sodium, little to no sugar, no dyes, shelf-stable until opened (cooler space is precious). Handcrafted in Atlanta with Georgia summer produce at its peak, which is exactly when pickles should be made. Stock the cookout → Free US shipping on 2+ jars.