Wash and slice cucumbers
Pack cucumbers into a clean jar
Add garlic, dill, peppercorns, and optional spices
Combine water, vinegar, and salt in a bowl
Stir until the salt dissolves
Pour the brine over the cucumbers
Make sure the cucumbers are fully submerged
Seal the jar
Refrigerate for at least 24 hours
Strain the liquid if you want only the pickle juice
Store the pickle juice in the refrigerator