This vibrant, deep red cocktail is a spooky twist on the classic Bloody Mary, featuring a smoky paprika kick and chaotic garnishes that resemble severed fingers and creepy eyeballs. It’s made by shaking together tomato juice, vodka, and bold spices until frosty and well-blended, then served chilled with grotesque-themed decorations. The final drink has a bright, spicy, smoky flavor with a thick, glossy appearance that’s both visually striking and deliciously savory.
2cupstomato juicepreferably homemade or high-quality canned
1.5ozvodkaneutral, smooth variety
1dashWorcestershire sauceadds savory depth
1-2dasheshot saucesmoky or classic, adjust to taste
1/4teaspooncelery saltseasoning for depth
1/4teaspoonsmoked paprikafor smoky flavor and color
freshlemon wedgefor garnish and brightness
celery stalkcelery stalkfor garnish
pickles or green olivespickles or green olivesoptional creepy garnishes
Instructions
Fill your shaker halfway with ice, then shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until it crackles and the mixture becomes frosty and well-chilled.
Pour the tomato juice into the shaker, adding it over the ice to keep everything cold.
Add the vodka, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, celery salt, and smoked paprika into the shaker. Stir gently to combine the flavors and color.
Give the mixture a good shake for another 10 seconds, making sure everything is evenly blended and chilled.
Strain the mixture into a chilled tall glass filled with fresh ice, if desired, for an extra cold drink.
Garnish with a celery stalk, a lemon wedge, and a pickle or olive skewered on a spooky pick or skewer for that creepy Halloween vibe.
Let the drink sit for a minute to allow flavors to meld, then serve immediately with a straw or stirrer for mixing as you sip.
Notes
Feel free to get creative with your garnishes—think eyeballs, tiny pickled insects, or spooky decorations to enhance the Halloween effect. Adjust spice levels to your preference for heat and smoky flavor.