July 3, 2026, 8:11 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Dua Lipa’s wedding made headlines worldwide. At the same time, an unusual social media trend is making a comeback: cola with pickles, pickle juice, and spicy jalapeño brine. On Instagram and TikTok, fans are once again sharing videos of the drink, calling the mix Dua Lipa’s “pre-wedding drink.” But what’s behind the viral hype–and can the unusual drink actually offer any health benefits? FITBOOK nutrition expert Julia Freiberger weighs in on the trend.
Why everyone is suddenly trying this drink
Dua Lipa’s unusual combination actually garnered millions of views about two years ago. During the ACL Music Festival in Austin, Texas, the singer showed how she mixes an ice-cold diet cola with pickle juice and jalapeño brine. The video spread rapidly.
Amid the coverage of her wedding, fans are now sharing the old clips again, trying the drink themselves, and calling it Dua Lipa’s “pre-wedding drink” on social media. Celebrities like TV host Hoda Kotb and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay have also tried the combination.
How to mix Dua Lipa’s “Pickle Juice”
The recipe is quite simple: In a glass with ice-cold cola–usually a light or zero version–add a splash of pickle juice and a splash of jalapeño brine. Then add a few pickles.1
Countless videos on Instagram and TikTok now show how the drink is mixed. Many users add lime juice or Tajín seasoning or use other types of cola. As a result, numerous variations of the viral drink have emerged.
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Can a sip of pickle juice really help the body?
Pickle juice, in particular, is a frequent topic of discussion. It contains sodium and smaller amounts of other electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Since the body loses these minerals through sweat, pickle juice is often used in sports as a home remedy for muscle cramps.
What does the science say?
The research is still inconclusive. Some studies suggest that small amounts of pickle juice can shorten exercise-induced muscle cramps.2,3
What is particularly interesting is the suspected mechanism of action: Researchers believe that pickle juice does not primarily relieve muscle cramps through the electrolytes it contains. Instead, acetic acid may activate receptors in the mouth and throat, triggering a reflex that affects nerve activity. This suspected mechanism is still being researched.4
What role do cola and jalapeños play?
Cola mainly provides sugar–or sweeteners in light or zero versions–and caffeine. For comparison, 100 milliliters of cola contain about 42 kilocalories and approximately 10.6 grams of sugar. Therefore, cola does not offer any health benefits.5
The pickled jalapeños, on the other hand, bring capsaicin–the compound responsible for the heat. They also provide vitamin C. Capsaicin is scientifically studied for its effects on pain receptors and its circulation-promoting properties. However, no proven health benefits can be derived from the drink itself.
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The social media hype has long since become a business
The boom around pickle juice now extends far beyond TikTok and Instagram. What began as a quirky internet phenomenon has even reached the retail market: Pickle juice is now available as a standalone product from various manufacturers–including in Germany.6
Several companies sell so-called pickle juice shots, primarily targeting endurance athletes. The products usually contain vinegar components and electrolytes and are marketed as quick relief for muscle cramps or intense exertion. While these are not Dua Lipa’s cola drink, the trend around pickle juice has long since developed into its own market.
Conclusion from a nutritional science perspective
As a nutritionist, I would not describe the viral mix as a health drink or a miracle cure. Pickles provide few calories, and pickle juice can be interesting for athletes in small amounts. However, it also contains a lot of salt. Combined with the acid from vinegar and cola, this can irritate the stomach or affect the teeth in sensitive individuals.
Ultimately, Dua Lipa’s “pre-wedding drink” remains primarily a fascinating taste experiment and a social media trend–not a beverage with scientifically proven health benefits.