The BEST Bloody Mary Cocktail
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Dive into the bold world of the classic Bloody Mary cocktail, a perfect mix of tomato juice, vodka, and spices. It's your go-to drink for brunch or any time you're looking for something with a kick. Easy to make and versatile, it can be customized with your favorite garnishes.
Whether hosting a party or enjoying a quiet morning, a Bloody Mary never disappoints. This sparkling peach sangria is also a great brunch cocktail. Serve bloody Mary's with these Turkish shakshuka for the perfect brunch.
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🧾 Ingredients overview
- Vodka: The base spirit of the cocktail, providing a clean, strong alcohol foundation that supports the bold flavors of the other ingredients.
- Tomato juice: The main body of the cocktail, offering a rich, savory tomato flavor that pairs well with the spicy and tangy elements.
- Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, citrusy tang that balances the savory depth of the tomato juice and enhances the overall freshness of the drink.
- Worcestershire sauce: This sauce's combination of vinegar, molasses, anchovies, garlic, tamarind extract, and various seasonings creates a complex, umami flavor that adds depth and richness.
- Hot sauce (Tabasco): Provides heat and spice, allowing customization of the cocktail’s spiciness to suit individual taste preferences.
- Celery salt: Adds a subtle, vegetal saltiness that complements the savory tomato base and elevates the cocktail's overall flavor profile.
- Pepper: Introduces a sharp, piquant layer to the drink, enhancing its complexity and giving it a slight kick.
- Rosemary: Not a traditional ingredient in most Bloody Mary recipes, but when used, it introduces an aromatic, herbal note that can add a unique twist to the cocktail, offering a fragrant depth and marrying well with the savory components.
For precise measurements and additional ingredients, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
⭐️ Why this recipe works
- Flavor balance: The Bloody Mary perfectly balances savory, spicy, sour, and salty tastes, offering a rich and layered drinking experience with each sip.
- Customizable: Its versatility allows for easy customization to individual preferences, whether it's adjusting the spice level or experimenting with various garnishes, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile occasions: Ideal for brunch or any time of day, its nutritious tomato juice base and hearty flavor profile make it a fitting choice for both casual and festive settings.
👩🏻🍳 Here's how to make it
Bloody mary step-by-step
- Prepare the glass: Start by prepping your serving glass. Rim the edge with lemon juice and dip it in a mix of celery salt and pepper for an extra flavor kick.
- Mix the ingredients: In a shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, a pinch of celery salt, and a pinch of pepper.
- Shake well: Secure the lid on the shaker and give it a good shake. This ensures that all the ingredients are well combined and the cocktail is chilled.
- Strain into glass: Strain the mixture into your prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish: Add a sprig of rosemary for an aromatic touch if you like. Feel free to get creative with other garnishes such as a celery stalk, lemon wedge, or olives.
- Serve immediately: Serve your Bloody Mary immediately to enjoy its fresh, bold flavors.
💡 Chef's Guide: Expert Tips
Drawing from a decade in Michelin-starred kitchens and Cordon Bleu training, here are my top tips for recipe success.
- Season to perfection: Don't be shy with the seasonings. In addition to celery salt and pepper, consider a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of horseradish for depth. Adjust the levels of Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce to find the perfect balance of umami and heat.
- Fresh lemon juice is key: Always use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for a brighter, more authentic citrus note. It makes a significant difference in the freshness of the cocktail.
- Chill your glass: Serving your Bloody Mary in a chilled glass will keep it cooler longer, especially on warm days.
- Experiment with garnishes: Garnishes are not only decorative but can add flavor and texture to your drink. Beyond the classic celery stalk, consider adding pickles, a strip of crispy bacon, a shrimp, or even a small skewer of cheese and cherry tomatoes for an extra treat.
- Layer flavors with infused vodkas: For an additional flavor boost, experiment with infused vodkas. Peppercorn, cucumber, or bacon-infused vodka can add an intriguing twist to your Bloody Mary.
- The right ice matters: Use large ice cubes or a solid ice sphere to dilute the cocktail less while keeping it chilled. Smaller ice cubes melt faster and can water down the drink too quickly.
- Mixing technique: While shaking is common, stirring the Bloody Mary gently in a mixing glass can maintain the tomato juice's texture better. Try both methods to see which you prefer.
- Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste your Bloody Mary and adjust the seasoning or ingredients as needed. Sometimes a little extra dash of lemon juice or hot sauce can perfectly round off the drink.
- Presentation is everything: Pay attention to the presentation. A well-garnished Bloody Mary not only looks great but enhances the overall drinking experience. A clear glass will showcase the vibrant color and textures of the cocktail.
❓Recipe FAQ's
Absolutely! To enjoy a Virgin Mary, simply replace the vodka with additional tomato juice or a non-alcoholic spirit alternative. The key to a great Virgin Mary is the balance of spices and garnishes, ensuring it's just as enjoyable without the alcohol.
Yes, fresh lemon juice is preferred over bottled for its brighter, more authentic flavor. It adds a necessary acidity that balances the savory tomato juice and spices.
Certainly! You can mix all the non-alcoholic ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate. This not only allows the flavors to meld together but also makes it convenient for serving. Add vodka and ice when ready to serve.
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Bloody Rosemary Cocktails
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz vodka
- 3 oz tomato juice
- ½ oz lemon juice
- 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
- 2-3 drops hot sauce, like Tabasco
- Pinch of celery salt
- Pinch of pepper
- Rosemary sprig, optional, for garnish
- Additional garnishes: celery stalk, lemon wedge, olives (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Glass: Start by prepping your serving glass. Rim the edge with lemon juice and dip it in a mix of celery salt and pepper for an extra flavor kick.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, a pinch of celery salt, and a pinch of pepper.
- Shake Well: Secure the lid on the shaker and give it a good shake. This ensures that all the ingredients are well combined and the cocktail is chilled.
- Strain into Glass: Strain the mixture into your prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish: Add a sprig of rosemary for an aromatic touch if you like. Feel free to get creative with other garnishes such as a celery stalk, lemon wedge, or olives.
- Serve Immediately: Serve your Bloody Mary immediately to enjoy its fresh, bold flavors.
Notes
- Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality vodka and fresh tomato juice for the best flavor.
- Ice Matters: Use plenty of ice when shaking to ensure your Bloody Mary is chilled and dilute it just the right amount.
- Layer Flavors: To layer flavors, experiment with additional ingredients like horseradish, smoked paprika, or pickle juice.
- Garnish Creatively: Beyond the classic celery and lemon, consider adding pickles, bacon, or even shrimp for a show-stopping garnish.
- Season to Taste: Encourage tasting and adjusting the seasoning before serving, as preferences for saltiness and spiciness can vary greatly.
Nutrition
Meet the Chef!
Hi, I'm Debs. Cordon Bleu trained chef and recipe developer. I help you get incredible dinners on the table fast with fool-proof recipes and step-by-step instructions along with tips and tricks that I've learned over a 10-year career in professional kitchens.
