Best Bloody Mary Recipe (2024)

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Think Bloody Marys are hard to make? Think again! This is the Best Bloody Mary recipe that will have your friends begging for more. This easy brunch co*cktail can be made in minutes and is easy to make as a batch co*cktail or set up a DIY bar and let your friends serve themselves!

Bloody Marys.

Either you love them, or you hate them. I LOVE them and kinda believe that brunch and Bloody Marys were made for each other. Who’s with me?

But I guarantee that this is the best homemade Bloody Mary mix and it will turn any skeptic into a true believer!

Jump to:
  • Why this recipe works:
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Modifications
  • Garnishes
  • FAQS
  • More Brunch Recipes
  • Recipe

Why this recipe works:

  • Brunch isn't really brunch without Bloody Marys. This recipe is a just waiting for you to tailor to your personal tastes with a variety of garnishes and seasonings. You really can't go wrong.
  • There are several ingredients needed for this recipe, but it will WOW your friends and family and have everyone asking for the recipe.
  • Make brunch easy and set up a drink bar and let your guests make their own creations. We recommend adding Greyhound co*cktails , Cranberry Mimosas or Prosecco Margaritas for your non tomato juice fans.
  • It's easy to make this a non-alcoholic drink. Simply omit the vodka and you have a brunch co*cktail for anyone!

Ingredients

While the options for garnishes are endless, there are only a handful of ingredients for this homemade Bloody Mary mix.

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Ingredient Notes:

  • Tomato Juice - You can use your favorite kind of tomato juice, V8 or even start with a Bloody Mary Mixer and doctor it up.
  • Lemon Juice - Fresh is best as you only need a little and the brightness it adds to the drink is immeasurable.
  • Dill Pickle juice - This is totally optional but is the secret ingredient that will have everyone asking, "How did you make this drink?"
  • Vodka - If you like a little more heat in your drink, Absolut Peppar is a perfect choice. Otherwise, use your favorite vodka. Titos, Tower, Stolichnaya, or Norseman Vodkas are a few of our faves.

Instructions

Whipping up a fresh homemade Bloody Mary mix could not be easier!

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The celery salt on the rim is totally optional but makes your ordinary bloody mary restaurant-worthy. Simply run the lemon around the edge of the glass and invert into celery salt on plate.

Don't have celery salt on hand? No problem, any sort of salt will work!

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Best Bloody Mary Recipe (5)

Next, add ice to a co*cktail shaker and pour in all of your ingredients. Remember:The best drinks start with the best ingredients.

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Finally, cover the shaker and shake it well. Not only does shaking combine the ingredients, it chills the drink too. The best Bloody Marys are COLD.

Modifications

Now that you know how to make the BEST Bloody Mary recipe, it's easy to tailor it to your own taste.

  • Like it a little spicier? Up the black pepper or tabasco.
  • Looking for something a little milder, omit the horseradish or add more lemon juice.
  • I love to add a little tang to mine and pour a little bit of dill pickle juice before serving. If you're a dill pickle fan like me, you will love it too!

Garnishes

Most people would argue that the garnishes are the best part of a Bloody Mary! We love to keep it simple and garnish with a simple make-ahead skewer of shrimp, pickles, and olives.

But many times you see garnishes that are equivalent to meals, so let your creative juices flow!Just be sure to include a beer chaser.

Remember, there is no wrong way to garnish this tasty brunch co*cktail. Your way is the best way.

FAQS

What tools do I need?

No special equipment required!You can make restaurant-worthy bloodies with nothing more than a jigger, a co*cktail shaker and a bar spoon.

And if you don't have those, use a measuring cup, mason jar, and regular spoon!

How did the Bloody Mary get its name?

Some believe it was created by Fernand "Pete" Petiot at the King Cole Bar in the St. Regis Hotel back in the 20s. Originally called the "Red Snapper," it was based on a concoction he was serving while bartending in Paris.

Others believe that it dates to the ruling time of the ruthless Queen Mary I of England. The tomato juice represents "spilled blood," and the vodka "firewater" symbolizes the queen's brutal executions.

However you believe this classic co*cktail was created, brunch was forever changed.

What's a Beer Chaser?

I'm so glad you asked! In the Upper Midwest,you will always get a little beer chaser called a beer back with your Bloody Mary.

This little 3-ounce beer is a perfect companion to your brunch co*cktail and is unique to the Midwest.

More Brunch Recipes

  • Tequila Breakfast Mimosa
  • Easy Lemon Poppy Seed Bread
  • Overnight Breakfast Casserole Recipe with sausage

Check out all of our Vodka co*cktail Recipes!

Did you make this recipe? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Please rate the recipe and leave a comment below. Your feedback helps us and your fellow readers! 

Recipe

Best Bloody Mary Recipe (12)

Bloody Mary

Garnish With Lemon

You can never go wrong with a homemade Bloody Mary. One sip of this recipe and you will never buy a mix again!

4.85 from 13 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Vodka

Cuisine American

Servings 1 co*cktail

Calories 187 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Vodka
  • 8 oz Tomato Juice
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ tsp. Tabasco Sauce
  • ¾ tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • ¾ tsp horseradish
  • olives and celery for garnish

Instructions

  • Fill a shaker with ice

  • Add all ingredients to the shaker.

  • Cover tightly and shake vigorously to combine ingredients.

  • Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

  • Strain into a highball glass filled with ice and garnish.

  • Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Like it a little spicier? Up the black pepper or tabasco.
  • Looking for something a little milder, omit the horseradish or add more lemon juice.
  • Use Absolut Peppar for an extra little kick, otherwise use your favorite type of vodka
  • The garnishes make this drink, so don't forget them! We love to use olives, shrimp and cheese.
  • Don't forget the chaser! In the Midwest, you will always get a little beer chaser called a beer back with your Bloody Mary. This little 3-ounce beer is a perfect companion to your brunch co*cktail. Try it-you will love it!

VIDEO

Nutrition

Serving: 11ouncesCalories: 187kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 3gFat: 1gSodium: 738mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8g

Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.

Did you make this recipe?Tag us on Instagram or leave a comment!

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Best Bloody Mary Recipe (13)

About Lisa

Hi, I’m Lisa! Looking for the party? It’s probably at my house. Nothing brings me more joy than sharing good food with friends and family. That and a seriously good co*cktail.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Best Bloody Mary Recipe (14)Melissa Sperka says

    How fun, you ladies KNOW how to throw a party!

    Reply

    • Best Bloody Mary Recipe (15)Lisa says

      Thanks, Melissa!

      Reply

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Best Bloody Mary Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the best alcohol for a Bloody Mary? ›

Employing vodka ensures that the beverage hews to the classic Bloody Mary formula. But using a different spirit base, say tequila or gin, is welcomed or even encouraged. Variations like the Red Snapper use gin, while the Bloody Maria opts for tequila.

What is the difference between a Bloody Mary and a dirty Bloody Mary? ›

A Dirty Bloody Mary is a variation of the classic Bloody Mary co*cktail. It typically includes the addition of olive brine, giving it a 'dirty' twist. This addition adds a savory, salty depth to the traditional mix of tomato juice, vodka, and various seasonings.

What is the very best Bloody Mary mix? ›

Best Overall

McClure's is known for making some tasty pickles, so this Bloody Mary mix incorporates some of those briny, salty flavors. McClure's uses the pickle brine from its other products in the mix, along with dill, garlic, and black pepper for seasoning.

Why do you have to drink Bloody Mary in the morning? ›

Bloody Mary enthusiasts enjoy some relief from the numbing effects of the alcohol, as well as the placebo effect. Its reputation as a restorative beverage contributes to the popularity of the Bloody Mary in the morning and early afternoon, especially at brunches.

What should a good Bloody Mary taste like? ›

What does a Bloody Mary taste like? The Bloody Mary carries a mix of spicy, salty, and savory flavours, with forward notes of tomatoes and hot sauce. The bloody mary is typically drunk in the morning or afternoon to help cure hangovers.

What is in Mr and Mrs T Bloody Mary mix? ›

Ingredients: WATER, CANE SUGAR, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM CITRATE, SODIUM HEXAMETAPHOSPHATE, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, POTASSIUM SORBATE (PRESERVATIVE), ACACIA GUM, POLYSORBATE 60, ESTER GUM, YELLOW 5, YELLOW 6, CARAMEL COLOR.

Are Bloody Marys a healthy drink? ›

Bloody Marys are actually healthy co*cktails.

In addition to electrolytes, sodium, potassium, and Vitamin C, tomatoes also contain lycopene, which is high in antioxidants. Lycopene helps to combat the toxins in the liver (like the toxins that you consumed while drinking the night before.)

Why do people love Bloody Marys? ›

Bloody marys are a perfect mix of savory and spicy and a kick ass way to start the weekend. They're just the right co*cktail to wake you up and make sure you're ready for the rest of the day.

What is in a filthy Bloody Mary? ›

IF YOU'RE GOING TO MAKE A BLOODY MARY, MAKE IT A BLOODY STORY. INGREDIENTS: Filtered Water, Tomato, Fresh Ground Horseradish, Vinegar, Natural Worcestershire Powder, Cayenne Hot Sauce, Salt, Black Pepper, Celery Salt, Sugar, Paprika, Onion Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Ground Turmeric, Ground Garlic.

What is a muddy Bloody Mary? ›

3 cups Tomato Juice. .5 cup Beef Broth. .5 cup Cold Brew Coffee. .5 cup Lemon Juice.

Is it weird to order a Bloody Mary at night? ›

That's because the Bloody Mary also comes with an unspoken rule: It is typically restricted to breakfast and brunch hours. Plus, bartenders hate making it.

How do you doctor up a Bloody Mary mix? ›

How to make the best Bloody Mary? Skip the mix and doctor up your tomato juice from scratch with horseradish, Worcestershire, and hot sauce. Kenji is the former culinary director for Serious Eats and a current culinary consultant for the site.

What hot sauce is good in a Bloody Mary? ›

Tabasco – Just a few dashes are all we need! This is my favorite hot sauce to accompany my V8 Bloody Mary, but some other great options include Texas Pete and Frank's Red Hot. It should be thin and vinegary! Worcestershire Sauce – Thick, savory, and just a little bit sweet.

Which tomato juice is best for Bloody Mary? ›

There is no one "best" juice to use for a Bloody Mary, as personal taste preferences can vary greatly. Some common juices that are often used in Bloody Marys include 100% Tomato juice, Clamato, Vegetable juice and even green tomatillo juice.

Can you clarify a Bloody Mary? ›

Clarified Bloody Mary: Retains the spiciness and savoury depth but loses its signature red hue, making for a surprising and delightful twist. Clear Piña Colada: All the tropical flavours without the creamy appearance, perfect for a summer's day.

Should Bloody Marys be cold? ›

Bloody Marys are one of those drinks that are best enjoyed fresh and cold, and that's where ice comes into play. Ice helps prevent the acidity of the tomato juice from breaking down the flavor profile of the drink too quickly, maintaining a fresh and delicious co*cktail every time.

Does vodka quality matter in a Bloody Mary? ›

Baker has two rules for the booze: either select a clean, brisk vodka that gets out of the way of the other ingredients ("there's enough going on in the drink already...you want to taste the co*cktail, not the vodka”), or grab a flavored vodka whose taste meshes with the Bloody Mary's spice and savoriness.

Should you shake a Bloody Mary? ›

But shaking a Bloody Mary is a novice mistake. You don't want the tomato juice to foam and lose its texture, and shaking will do just that. The best way to prepare a Bloody Mary? Combine Demitri's Bloody Mary Mix with vodka and tomato juice with ice and stir for 10 seconds.

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