If you’re craving a savory, spicy, and over-the-top brunch cocktail, this Bloody Mary recipe has you covered. It’s bold, customizable, and the perfect excuse to turn your drink into a full-blown appetizer. Pair it with a Breakfast BLT for the ultimate weekend breakfast spread, and don’t forget, you can go as classic or as outrageous as you like with the toppings.
How to Make a Bloody Mary
Start with a pint glass filled with ice. Add vodka, tomato juice, and lime juice, followed by prepared horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, pepper, and celery salt. Stir gently with a long-handled spoon until the drink is fully chilled and combined. Taste and adjust, more heat, more tang, or more salt depending on your mood.
Can I Make a Bloody Mary Mocktail
Absolutely. A Bloody Mary mocktail, often called a Virgin Mary, delivers all the same bold, savory flavors without the alcohol. Simply skip the vodka and increase the tomato juice to fill the glass. All the seasonings, spices, and garnishes stay the same, so you can still pile your drink high with bacon, pickles, or shrimp if you want a little flair. This makes it a great option for brunch gatherings where some guests prefer not to drink.
Ultimate Bloody Mary Upgrade Ideas
Bloody Marys are a blank canvas; here’s your inspiration for taking it from simple to show-stopping.
Veggies
- Celery stalks
- Cucumber spears
- Pickled asparagus
- Pickled green beans
- Cherry tomatoes
- Green olives (try them stuffed with blue cheese or jalapenos!)
- Pickles
- Mushrooms
Cheese
- Cheddar cubes
- Mozzarella balls
- Pepper jack slices
Proteins
- Crispy bacon strips
- Cajun shrimp
- Beef sticks
- Salami or pepperoni slices
Mini Snack Toppers
- Mini cheeseburger sliders
- Deviled eggs
- Fried pickle chips
- Jalapeño poppers
- Chicken Wings, like Honey Mustard Buffalo Chicken Wings or BBQ Chicken Wings
Serving Suggestions
A Bloody Mary is the ultimate brunch drink, but it can also double as a starter thanks to its hearty garnishes. Serve it alongside a classic breakfast spread with scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast, or pair it with something a little fancier like smoked salmon bagels or a quiche. If you are going all out with loaded skewers, keep the main meal lighter so the drink can shine. It is also a fun choice for tailgating, game-day parties, and holiday mornings.
Why a Beer Chaser?
A beer chaser, often called a “snit,” is a small glass of beer served with a Bloody Mary. This tradition is popular in the Midwest. The light, bubbly beer helps cleanse your palate between sips, making each taste of the Bloody Mary feel fresh. Plus, it can mellow the heat if you went a little heavy on the hot sauce.
Can I Make a Bloody Mary in Advance
Yes, you can prepare Bloody Marys ahead of time, which is especially helpful if you are serving a crowd. Mix everything except the ice and garnishes in a large pitcher, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The flavors will have more time to meld, giving the drink an even richer taste. When ready to serve, stir the mixture well, pour over fresh ice, and add your garnishes. Avoid adding ice too early, as it will water down the drink.
Bloody Mary
Ingredients
Rim
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 wedge lime
Blood Mary
- 2 ounces vodka
- 4 ounces tomato juice
- 1 tablespoon lime juice freshly squeezed
- 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish adjust to taste
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 to 5 dashes hot sauce such as Tabasco
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pinch celery salt
- Crushed ice cubes
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, celery salt, paprika, and pepper. Pour the mix onto a small plate. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a pint glass, then dip it into the seasoning until the rim is coated.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice cubes.
- Add vodka, tomato juice, lime juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, pepper, and celery salt.
- Using a bar spoon or long-handled spoon, stir the drink gently until fully combined and chilled.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more hot sauce, salt, or lime juice as desired.
- Garnish with a celery stalk, lime wedge, or your favorite toppings.
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