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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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.

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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.

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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 makes Bloody Marys good? ›

Spice and salt it up with care. Spice and salt are key elements for Bloody Marys, and they can be achieved through many ingredients, from hot peppers to hot sauce for heat and bouillon, amino acids, and even Marmite for salt.

What is the ratio for a Bloody Mary mix? ›

If using the vodka, mix ¼ cup vodka with ½ cup bloody Mary mix in a shaker over ice; shake for 10 hard strokes, strain and pour into each ice-filled glass. Garnish with a leafy interior rib of celery, a wooden skewer of olives and a lemon wedge.

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.

What should a good Bloody Mary taste like? ›

Due to the amount of tomato juice present, a Bloody Mary is going to taste first and foremost like a tomato. With the addition of heat sources and/or Worcestershire sauce, the overall flavor of a Bloody Mary is savory and spicy.

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.

What time of day is best for Bloody Mary? ›

Some versions of the drink, such as the "surf 'n turf" Bloody Mary, include shrimp and bacon as garnishes. In the United States, it is usually consumed in the morning or early afternoon, and is popular as a hangover cure.

Is Bloody Mary the healthiest drink? ›

Bloody Marys are actually healthy co*cktails.

They still taste amazing and have more health benefits than the boozy version, albeit, they may not be as fun without the vodka. In addition to electrolytes, sodium, potassium, and Vitamin C, tomatoes also contain lycopene, which is high in antioxidants.

Why do Bloody Marys make me tired? ›

Once in the bloodstream, alcohol makes it way to the brain and can slow down neuron firing. Normal reduction in neuronal firing can cause sleepiness, tiredness, and relaxation, whereas too much reduction could cause a coma. So, if you're asking yourself - why does alcohol make me sleepy? - this is why.

Why do you put celery in a Bloody Mary? ›

Celery is a Must

Sure, you have seen celery as a garnish to a Bloody Mary, but did you know that it adds more than just a pretty presentation? The flavor of the celery compliments the tomato juice and can be enhanced with celery seed or celery salt as well.

Are you supposed to eat the celery in a Bloody Mary? ›

But with it's outspoken flavours, the bloody mary tends to linger. To reset your pallet, you can take a bite of the celery. It's strong enough to cut through the spiciness, yet it doesn't leave an outspoken flavour.

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

The “dirty” in Dirty Bloody Mary refers to the addition of brine from ingredients such as olives or pickles, which gives the co*cktail a more savory and briny flavor compared to a traditional Bloody Mary. This extra element adds depth and complexity to the drink.

Is drinking Bloody Mary mix healthy? ›

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.)

What kind of Bloody Mary mix does American Airlines use? ›

Rumor has it that Bloody Mary mix was first offered in the air in the early '60s when an American Airlines exec sampled Mr. and Mrs. "T" and immediately contracted the mix for the entire fleet. American now serves Campbell's, which makes the stuff only because it was persuaded to do so specifically for airlines.

Are there different versions of Bloody Mary? ›

Though most recipes start with vodka and tomato juice, there are endless variations on the traditional formula, and trying new and different iterations is rewarding. Whether you like your Mary with vodka, gin or even bourbon, and whether you prefer it spicy or herbaceous, check out these dozen recipes.

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