Hey, y’all, it’s Austin from Beyond The Bayou Blog. Today, I whipped up a classic favorite: The Bloody Mary. There’s something about this drink that takes me back to lazy Sundays with friends, sipping away with Zesty Chicken Zucchini and Meatball Slider while we chat about everything under the sun.

Now, this recipe isn’t about fancy ingredients or complex techniques. It’s about simple pleasures and good times. Just grab some tomato juice, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, a hint of hot sauce (adjust to your liking), and don’t forget the vodka. Oh, and don’t skimp on the garnishesâ€”celery sticks, olives, and maybe even a slice of crispy bacon if you’re feeling adventurous.

I love how versatile a Bloody Mary can be. It’s perfect for brunches, lazy afternoons by the pool, or even as a pick-me-up after a long day. So, let’s raise a glass to good company and even better drinks. Cheers!

Overview: How To Make Bloody Mary?

Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for a classic Bloody Mary cocktail. This zesty and flavorful drink is perfect for brunches, gatherings, or simply kicking back and relaxing.

In a large pitcher, I combine tangy tomato juice with a kick of prepared hot horseradish, savory Worcestershire sauce, spicy sriracha, and a blend of celery salt, garlic salt, and black pepper. For an extra kick, I sometimes add vodka, but it’s optional and can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.

When serving, I fill glasses with ice and pour in 6 ounces of the Bloody Mary mix, along with 2 ounces of vodka if desired. A quick stir and it’s ready to enjoy!

To take this drink to the next level, I love adding garnishes like lime wedges, lemon slices, celery sticks, stuffed olives, pepperoncini, or even some sriracha candied bacon for a sweet and spicy twist.

Cheers to starting your day with a bold and refreshing Bloody Mary!

Tips that Are Worth Considering!

Fresh Herbs: Use the freshest herbs like thyme, cilantro, parsley, and oregano to enhance the flavor of your Bloody Mary. Chop them finely or process them in a food processor before adding them to the mix.
Glass Presentation: Instead of celery salt, try using coarse salt around the rim of your glass to balance the vodka. Sea salt or pink Himalayan salt are easy alternatives that add a touch of elegance.
Garnish Ideas: Elevate your drink with classic garnishes like lemon wedges and celery, or get creative with savory bacon, tangy olives, or a pickle spear for added flavor.
Make Ahead: Prepare this Bloody Mary recipe in advance as it can last up to a week in the fridge. Just stir well before serving, especially if you’re serving it over ice. You can scale up the recipe by quadrupling the amounts if you’re making multiple servings.
Fresh Presentation: Wait to add the garnishes until serving time to keep the drink fresh, vibrant, and inviting.

What to Serve with Bloody Mary?

Variations that Are a Must-Try!

Spicy Bloody Mary: For an extra kick, add hot sauce or use chili-infused vodka in your Bloody Mary.
Bloody Maria: Swap vodka for tequila to create a Bloody Maria with a distinctively different flavor profile.
Green Bloody Mary: Try using tomatillo juice or green tomato juice instead of tomato juice for a tangy and vibrant green variation of the classic cocktail.
Bloody Caesar: A Canadian twist, the Bloody Caesar uses clamato juice (clam broth and tomato juice blend) for a briny and umami-rich taste.
Virgin Mary: Skip the alcohol for a non-alcoholic version called Virgin Mary. It maintains the same great taste without the alcohol, making it perfect for everyone.

What Is the Difference Between a Bloody Mary and A Dirty Bloody Mary?

A Bloody Mary typically contains vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and spices. A Dirty Bloody Mary adds olive brine to the mix, giving it a salty and savory flavor. The olive brine adds a tangy kick and depth to the cocktail, making it a bit more complex in taste compared to a traditional Bloody Mary.